UHDB colleague Sarah Gay wins national Women in Cyber Award for leadership in cybersecurity
Sarah Gay, IT Security Team Leader at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust (UHDB), has been recognised as one of the leading women in NHS cybersecurity – protecting patient data and keeping vital clinical systems safe – after winning the Women in Cyber Award, presented by the NHS Cyber Associates Network.
With many clinical systems and patient information now held digitally, cybersecurity is more important than ever to protect our patient's data, as well as support our hospitals to provide excellent care and operate effectively. Sarah has played an instrumental role in UHDB's robust cybersecurity, supporting clinical teams to have confidence in their access to safe data and digital systems - allowing them to provide better quality care for patients.
The Women in Cyber award, presented at the recent annual Cyber Associates Network Conference, celebrates women who have made a significant impact in the cyber profession and those who actively encourage and support women in cybersecurity. Sarah was nominated for her leadership, expertise, and commitment to strengthening our cyber resilience as an organisation, as well as her dedication to fostering a culture of learning and collaboration both within the Trust and the NHS as a whole.
The NHS Cyber Associates Network is a national initiative that brings together cybersecurity professionals from across the NHS to collaborate, share knowledge, and enhance digital security. The network’s awards recognise outstanding contributions in various categories, celebrating those who are making a mark in the profession, and championing inclusivity in the field.
Sarah joined UHDB in 2004 and has held various roles within IT before specialising in cybersecurity and leading the newly formed IT Security team since 2021. Her team is responsible for protecting the Trust against cyberattacks, detecting security threats, and mitigating potential risks using advanced monitoring tools and proactive security measures. Over the years, Sarah has played a crucial role in enhancing our cybersecurity strategy, ensuring that critical patient data and healthcare infrastructure remain secure.
Reflecting on her award win, Sarah said: “It was a surprise just to be nominated, and I really appreciate the recognition for the work myself and the team do.
"The Cyber Associates Network is a great sharing platform, and everyone works hard to help each other out. The awards ceremony was a very authentic and positive experience - truly recognising the hard work that goes on in all organisations throughout the year.”
Sarah was nominated for the award by Kev Fisher, Assistant Director of Digital Technical Services, who praised her exceptional leadership and expertise. In his nomination, Kev highlighted Sarah’s ability to navigate the evolving cybersecurity landscape while fostering an environment where her team can develop and thrive. He said Sarah is an "exemplary leader" whose dedication, passion and expertise have significantly enhanced our organisation's digital security.
He continued: “She has led her team with a clear vision, ensuring that our cybersecurity measures are not only reactive, but also proactively anticipate potential threats. Under her leadership, UHDB has strengthened its resilience against cyber risks, protecting sensitive patient data and critical healthcare infrastructure.
“What truly sets Sarah apart is her leadership style. She leads with passion, empowering her team to excel and grow in their roles to ingrain a culture of continuous improvement.
"In a field where women remain underrepresented, Sarah is a true role model who demonstrates that leadership in cybersecurity is not just about experience, but also inspiring and developing others - actively supporting female colleagues in cyber initiatives, mentoring aspiring professionals, and advocating for greater inclusivity within the industry.
"Her ability to inspire others has cultivated an environment where diverse perspectives are valued - which ultimately strengthens the collective mission of protecting our digital infrastructure.”
Beyond UHDB, Sarah has also contributed to cybersecurity awareness across the wider NHS, collaborating with other organisations to share best practice and strengthen digital resilience.
Sarah has been an active advocate for cybersecurity education, helping to embed security awareness into daily NHS operations, and ensuring that non-technical staff understand the importance of cybersecurity in protecting patient care.
Debbie Loke, Executive Chief Digital Information Officer at UHDB, praised Sarah’s achievement, saying: “Sarah’s outstanding leadership has been instrumental in strengthening our digital resilience at UHDB. She has played an invaluable role in demonstrating the importance of cybersecurity in protecting patient care - not only within our organisation but also across the wider NHS.
"By protecting UHDB's digital infrastructure we are able to ensure that patient data is held safely and securely. The work that Sarah and her team do also ensures that our clinical and administrative teams can access the information they need to focus on what matters most - delivering high-quality care to patients.
"Her dedication, expertise, and commitment to fostering a supportive working environment make her truly deserving of this recognition. We are incredibly proud of Sarah and the work she continues to do.”