Gila Sacks is a prominent British public servant, renowned for her senior roles within the UK Government, particularly in the areas of public health, education, and social welfare. As the youngest daughter of the late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, one of the most respected religious and moral philosophers of the 21st century, Gila’s professional and personal life reflects the values of intellectual engagement, moral responsibility, and public service that her father championed.
Early Life and Family Background
Gila Sacks was born into a family deeply rooted in religious thought, scholarship, and community leadership. Her father, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, served as the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth from 1991 to 2013 and was one of the most influential Jewish leaders and thinkers of his generation. He authored numerous books and essays on faith, ethics, and societal issues, reaching audiences worldwide.
Growing up in this intellectually stimulating environment, Gila was encouraged to explore her own interests in both faith and public service. Her father’s influence, combined with the family’s strong academic background, played a significant role in shaping her career and worldview. Gila’s siblings also share the values instilled by Rabbi Sacks, contributing to the family’s legacy of intellectual and community leadership.
Gila Sacks Education and Early Career
Gila Sacks was educated at leading institutions that allowed her to develop a deep understanding of social policy and public service. She attended the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where she studied public policy and economics. This education provided the foundation for her subsequent roles in government, as well as her ability to navigate the complexities of policy development and implementation.
Her early career saw her working in various government departments, where she quickly rose through the ranks due to her dedication, strong work ethic, and understanding of the intricacies of public policy. Though much of her early professional life has remained private, it is clear that Gila Sacks’ academic and professional paths were marked by a commitment to improving societal outcomes and addressing the pressing needs of vulnerable communities.
Gila Sacks Career in the UK Government
Gila Sacks’ career in the UK Civil Service has been marked by leadership roles across several departments, including public health, education, and social care.
Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)
One of her most significant roles was at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), where she held leadership positions, including Director of Public Health Reform. In this capacity, Gila was responsible for shaping policies aimed at improving the health and well-being of the UK population, with a particular focus on disease prevention and public health strategies. Her work in the DHSC was critical during a time of increasing pressure on the National Health Service (NHS) and the need for reform in public health systems.
Department for Education (DfE)
Following her success in health policy, Gila moved to the Department for Education (DfE), where she worked on policies related to early years education, children’s social care, and family support. As Director General, Families, she played a crucial role in shaping the government’s approach to family welfare, ensuring that policies supported the most vulnerable children and families across the country. Her work at the DfE helped to solidify her reputation as an effective and compassionate leader in the civil service, with a focus on policies that directly impact the well-being of individuals and families.
Public Speaking and Legacy of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
While Gila Sacks has made a name for herself as a civil servant, her public speaking and intellectual contributions are also noteworthy. Her ability to communicate effectively on issues of social justice, ethics, and public policy has made her a respected voice in public discourse.
Gila has delivered speeches and lectures on a variety of topics, often drawing on the teachings of her father, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. She is known for reflecting on his moral philosophy and integrating his ethical teachings into her professional work. This connection to her father’s legacy is evident in her speeches, which often explore themes such as the importance of community, the role of faith in public life, and the moral responsibility of government to serve the people.
In November 2020, when Rabbi Sacks passed away, Gila delivered a moving eulogy (hesped) at his funeral, honoring his life’s work and their personal relationship. In her tribute, she emphasized her father’s commitment to moral leadership and his ability to inspire others with his intellectual rigor and compassion. Her eulogy, which was widely shared and published, captured the depth of her admiration for her father and his profound influence on her own life and career.
Gila Sacks Personal Life: Family and Private Engagement
While Gila Sacks is a public figure in the world of policy and governance, she has kept much of her personal life private. What is known is that she is married to Elliott Goldstein, and the couple has children. However, Gila has largely refrained from discussing her family publicly, preferring to focus on her professional roles and public responsibilities.
Her relationship with her late father, Rabbi Sacks, was especially close. The deep intellectual and spiritual connection she had with him is evident in her professional life, where she continues to honor his legacy through her work in public service and her commitment to ethical leadership. Gila’s family, while private, shares the same values of community, service, and intellectual engagement that were central to her father’s teachings.
Gila Sacks’ Role in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Test and Trace
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gila Sacks took on a critical role in the UK’s Test and Trace system, helping to shape policies aimed at controlling the spread of the virus and minimizing its impact on public health. Her expertise in public health reform was invaluable during this time, as the UK faced unprecedented challenges.
As part of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), Gila was instrumental in coordinating efforts to provide widespread testing and contact tracing, as well as advising the government on how to manage the social and economic implications of the pandemic. Her leadership during this crisis highlighted her ability to manage complex, high-stakes situations and make decisions that impacted millions of lives.
Conclusion
Gila Sacks is a senior British civil servant, public speaker, and daughter of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks whose career in public policy has been marked by a commitment to improving the lives of individuals and families across the UK. Her leadership in public health, education, and family policy has earned her respect as one of the most influential figures in government, while her speeches and writings continue to reflect her father’s legacy of ethical leadership and moral responsibility.
Through her work, Gila has ensured that the moral framework championed by her father remains at the heart of her professional efforts. Her focus on ethical public service and leadership will likely leave a lasting legacy, not just in government but in the wider public sphere as well.
Whether as a policy leader, a devoted daughter, or a thoughtful speaker, Gila Sacks continues to build upon the legacy of her family while making meaningful contributions to the public service sector. Her leadership serves as a model for those who seek to blend intellectual rigor with moral clarity, striving to make the world a better place for all.