Cumbers (pictured) will take up the role in September 2023 and is currently evidence and insights director at global charity Lloyd’s Register Foundation.

While working for the charity, Cumbers has led the organisation’s World Risk Poll, a global survey on public perceptions and experience of risk and safety, and its What Works for safety programme.

Cumbers also chairs the Evidence Quarter, a community interest company that promotes collaboration between evidence-led organisations to tackle joint challenges, and also spent much of her career working for the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

Westlake left RSS earlier this year for a role as executive chair at the Economic and Social Research Council, with Nicola Emmerson, director of membership and professional affairs at the RSS, having led the organisation on an interim basis since May.

Dr Andrew Garrett, president at the RSS, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Sarah to the RSS as our new chief executive. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in evidence-based policymaking as well as substantial experience of leadership in non-profit organisations.

“I know Sarah will take the RSS from strength to strength in its role advocating for our members, the discipline and the importance of data and evidence for the public good.”