Professor Jason Leitch in conversation with Jacqui Low

Past Event: 7th June 2022

This event took place in-person at CodeBase, Edinburgh, and was streamed live online.

The Covid 19 pandemic rapidly shut down entire sectors of our economy, prompted the biggest state intervention in our society since World War Two, and has so far claimed over 12,000 lives in Scotland. To discuss his experience of leadership during the pandemic, and how a complex scientific response was translated into straightforward messaging for both public and government, DHI was delighted to welcome Professor Jason Leitch to our first post-pandemic in-person event. 

Jason was in conversation with business leader and Chairman of Partick Thistle football club, Jacqui Low, to discuss the challenges of decision-making in a fast-moving crisis. He explored the effect of the pandemic on Scotland’s economy and discussed the tensions between prioritising public health and minimising damage to businesses, livelihoods, and wellbeing.

Professor Jason Leitch CBE is the National Clinical Director of the Scottish Government, tasked with providing advice to government and public during the Covid 19 health crisis. From a career in dentistry, he moved into healthcare reform and has since advised governments around the world from Denmark to South Africa. Jason went on to play a leading role in public health communication in Scotland from the start of the pandemic in 2020. 

Business leader and Chairman of Partick Thistle football club, Jacqui Low, chaired the event.
Jacqui is a strategic communicator with almost 40 years’ experience in media, business, politics and government. She was the first female special adviser to the secretary of state in Scotland, was a founder and vice-chairman of national tele-care service NHS 24, and specialises in business continuity during crises.