Gemma Bailey

UKRI Chief People Officer

Gemma Bailey, UKRI Chief People Officer

Gemma Bailey is the Chief People Officer at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). She is the HR Professional Leader for UKRI and is responsible for shaping and delivering the organisation’s strategic people agenda, its culture and the professional HR function.

Appointed in August 2025, Gemma joined UKRI from the higher education (HE) sector. In the HE sector she held roles including Chief People Officer at Brunel University of London and senior HR leadership roles with Royal Holloway University of London.

Gemma is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development. She is passionate about creating workplaces that foster innovation, engagement, inclusion, wellbeing and positive organisational culture. She has a particular interest in developing inclusive and compassionate leadership and supporting organisations through change.

Last updated: 29 September 2025