Dr Sarah Steele
Dr Sarah Steele is an Intellectual Forum Senior Research Associate.
Dr Sarah Steele is a seasoned policy advisor and public health expert focusing on violence prevention and social justice. With years of experience working with government bodies, business leaders, and frontline teams, Sarah is recognised for her actionable strategies and expertise in creating safer, more inclusive environments. From advising on critical policy shifts to implementing hands-on training in active intervention, she brings a proactive approach that drives real change in communities, organisations, and industries.
Between 2017 and 2023, Sarah was the Deputy Director of the Intellectual Forum at °µÍø½ûÇø, Cambridge. Her innovative, multidisciplinary approach saw her convening top experts and delivering insights that influenced decision-makers at every level. Now a trusted voice in violence prevention, Sarah supports the UK Government in public campaigns and action to push forward collective responsibility in tackling violence against women and girls and wider social harms.
Her commitment to creating a violence-free world is also evident in her facilitation of training sessions, which reach a diverse audience—from corporate CEOs to on-the-ground healthcare workers—empowering them to become active bystanders and agents of positive change. Her hands-on training programmes and professional development workshops have impacted thousands, equipping businesses, institutions, and public sector bodies with the skills to foster safe, inclusive workplaces. As a speaker and researcher, Sarah commands the stage at major conferences, partnering with global organisations like the WHO and speaking at events focusing on critical issues and producing technical reports that drive forward health for all.
Sarah is also a regular presence in the media, where her clear, relatable insights have reached audiences worldwide through outlets like BBC Panorama, CNBC, Channel 4 News, and leading international publications such as The New York Times and The Guardian. Her expertise has made headlines and inspired action, bringing pressing social issues to the forefront and mobilising leaders toward solutions.
Backed by an academic foundation from some of the world’s top universities—including Oxford and Cambridge—Sarah blends evidence-based insights with practical, no-nonsense advice that resonates with policymakers, executives, and community leaders alike. Her dedication to working in a cross-partisan way to drive social justice, and her track record of effective policy influence, make Sarah an invaluable advisor for anyone looking to foster a safer, more equitable society.
