Genomics
Kate’s Expertise
Since July 2020 Kate has been spending part of her time working with the independent policy institute, Public Policy Projects, where she initiated the Global Genomics Programmes of work. These programmes, which she has been running since 2021, look to consider the fact that whilst genomics has enormous potential to bring significant healthcare benefits to the world, if matters pertaining to lack of diversity in the datasets and the genomics ecosystem more broadly are not addressed, genomics will exacerbate health inequalities. Kate has chaired these programmes (and the related Global Genomics Conference) since 2021. These discussions have led to the publication of two reports: Global Insights: Bringing the Benefit of Genome Sequencing to the World and Global Insights: Equity of Access and Return in Global Genomics. The 2023 Programme is focused on “Creating a more Equitable Genomics Ecosystem”.
This work builds upon Kate’s interest in genomics (she was the client partner for Genomics England when she was at Pinsent Masons but has gone on to develop a much greater insight into this field), her strategic and pragmatic approach and her ability to see issues from multiple perspectives.
Kate has developed a unique network in this field, focusing not on the science or technology of genomics, but more on the policy and ethical considerations. Her network is comprised of senior leaders in genomics from national and international genomics initiatives, researchers and research institutions, clinicians, ethicists and industry partners (in all their guises) together with members of the London diplomatic community.
Kate chairs the roundtables in the Global Genomics Programme, now in its third year, which consider some of the barriers to adoption of genomics initiatives more broadly, how to address challenges of equitable access to and return of benefits from participating in genomics, ensuring that multiple perspectives are heard and that the discussions are accessible and interactive. Kate prepares the briefing papers and reports that follow the individual roundtables and captures the insights from the discussions in the related Global Insights Reports. These discussions are not intended to replicate or duplicate the work of other organisations or to lead to publication in peer-reviewed journals; Kate is passionate about having open discussions that can effect a change in perception that could have far-reaching consequences.
In addition to the work with Public Policy Projects, Kate has initiated discussions about the potential of a Commonwealth-led initiative with respect to genomics, bringing together global leaders in genomics from a number of Commonwealth nations with High Commissioners with no experience in the field. This meant our discussions did not lead with the science of genomics. This initiative most recently involved Kate giving a briefing to the Commonwealth Board of Governors: the potential to cut through to policy makers is repeatedly identified as a challenge in discussions.
Testimonials
Upon first meeting Kate Orviss as the Chair of the Public Policy Projects Global Genomics Programme, I was struck by her engaging, inclusive approach to convening international genomics experts in virtual Round Tables. I soon came to appreciate Kate’s deft navigation of the (complex) genomics policy landscape, and her insightful and practical perspectives on how to drive progress in health genomics. Kate is both a visionary and a pragmatist. Her intelligence and easy manner foster collaboration, and she has galvanised people across the genomics value chain to share experiences, and reach for collective outcomes.
I look forward to exploring future genomic opportunities with Kate.
Kate Orviss is extremely knowledgeable in her field and yet she is always interested in learning. She has a tremendous compassion which allows her an insight into healthcare and its wider implications which is rare. I always benefit from working with Kate and learning from her practical approaches to generating understanding across silos, borders and globally.
Kate’s meetings are always worth a super early 4am start as she brings together a unique cohort of individuals from all elements of the genomics ecosystem globally to talk about how to ensure the global benefit of genomics. Her engaging manner and enthusiasm for some of the key policy and ethical considerations of this challenge always makes for an interesting discussion and I hear important perspectives that are not always shared.
Engage With Orviss Consulting
Before any work can commence we would need to have a discussion (free of charge) to clarify your needs and how Orviss Consulting can best support.
Retainer
This would give you unrestricted access to me for general advice, suggestions, ideas – basically acting as a sounding board, tapping into my considerable commercial expertise and well known pragmatic approach. The scope of the Retainer could also include high level review of documents – the specifics of your needs will be taken into account when we agree the pricing for the Retainer.
The Retainer isn’t where we implement specific projects – those would be the subject of a separate arrangement – but it does secure access to me, whatever your question. This means you don’t have to make an investment decision every time you may need some help.
Project Based Fee
This approach would be best utilised where you have a specific need and we would need to discuss and agree the scope of the Project, timescales and level of input required. Only once we are agreed on a fee will work commence.