Alison heads up the Teenage Pregnancy Knowledge Exchange at the University, which is the national source of expert advice and information on teenage pregnancy, providing training, research and consultancy.

Her involvement in the Labour Government’s Teenage Pregnancy Strategy, which began in 1999, was instrumental in the 51% decline of under-18 conceptions in England compared to 1998, according to figures released in 2016.

“This is an incredible achievement which we should celebrate and is a great tribute to everyone who has worked so hard to bring down the rates,” said Alison, who is also Teenage Pregnancy Advisor to Public Health England and works with the World Health Organisation to share the successful lessons of the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy internationally.

“Reducing teenage pregnancy is a complex issue which has required sustained and concerted effort. It has succeeded with committed senior leadership, dedicated local practitioners, effective education programmes and easier access to contraception services for young people.”

In 2010 Alison was awarded an OBE for her outstanding work in reducing teenage pregnancy rates.

“This work needs to be a continuing priority, as despite the significant progress England’s rate is still higher than comparable European countries, said Alison. “We must continue to invest in young people’s sexual health and ensure each successive generation has the information and services that they need, or the teenage pregnancy rate may well climb again.

“The Government’s recent announcement of compulsory sex and relationships education in all schools is a huge step towards ensuring all children and young people have the knowledge and confidence to develop safe and healthy sexual relationships and prevent unplanned pregnancy.”