Vicky Wilkinson
Programme Manager for the ARC NWC
Vicky is the Programme Manager at the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration North West Coast (ARC NWC). With extensive experience in the NHS, higher education institutions, and the private sector, she has successfully led complex, multidisciplinary workstreams aimed at improving health outcomes and socio-economic benefits for local populations. Vicky interested in addressing health inequalities, and working to make a meaningful impact on the health of the North West Coast population.
Having originally trained as a scientist; it equipped her to take an evidence-based approach to research. She started her career as a researcher developing vaccines for a pharmaceutical company, then moved to academia working on cultivation methods for microalgae. In the mid 2000s she began the first of several research roles based within the NHS and has worked across primary, secondary and tertiary care in various roles.
She has a track record in partnership management across diverse stakeholder groups, including patients, healthcare providers, and private sector organisations. She holds an MBA and a Master’s in Strategic People Management and is keen to cultivate positive organisational cultures and aligning workforce strategies with business objectives. Prior to joining ARC NWC she was the Deputy Chief Operating Officer at the NIHR Clinical Research Network, North West Coast (CRN NWC), were she championed health and wellbeing initiatives and provided mentorship, reflecting a commitment to professional development and inclusive practices. She has experience of actively contributing to NHS Trust research strategies, ensuring alignment with national priorities, and fostering collaborative opportunities whilst leading and managing a multi disciplinary team to support research delivery across the health and social care sector within the region.