Alongside her executive role, Dame Cally has played a central part in shaping national health policy and delivery. As National Cancer Director, she works closely with Government and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the development and execution of national cancer strategies. She has chaired the National Cancer Board for NHS England, bringing together leaders from healthcare, life sciences and industry to drive innovation in prevention, diagnosis and treatment. She has spearheaded major national transformation programmes and secured significant public funding to support their implementation.

Dame Cally’s governance experience spans both provider and research institutions. As CEO at The Royal Marsden, she worked with the Chair to build a high-calibre board blending C-suite leaders from finance and industry with senior clinical professionals, and has consistently focused on board effectiveness, risk, and clinical and financial performance. As a board member of the Institute of Cancer Research, she operates at the interface of discovery science, clinical practice and industry partnership, contributing to the development of treatments used globally. She played a pivotal role in shaping the UK’s most recent 10-year national cancer strategy, launched by the Prime Minister, working across government, NHS and academic stakeholders.

Her strategic leadership extends across workforce, major capital programmes, digital infrastructure and the creation of innovative facilities that support cutting-edge care and research. Internationally, Dame Cally has cultivated relationships with donors, foundations and corporations and is a regular presence at high-profile fundraising events, including those hosted by HRH The Prince of Wales.