Rachel has a wealth of experience in healthcare communications and patient advocacy. She’s worked across communications and government affairs and led OVID Health’s patient advocacy practice.
Rachel started her career in the Cancer Research UK press team, where she developed a passion for campaigning and creating change to improve the lives of patients by telling their stories.
What experience do you bring to The Advocacy Project?
I’m a healthcare communications and patient advocacy consultant with experience spanning senior agency roles, pharmaceutical in-house communications and health charity communications.
In my time in agency, I worked across communications and government affairs, and led their patient advocacy practice. Before this, I held global and UK communications roles at a global pharmaceutical company, which included overseeing internal and external communications as their UK Communications Director.
I started my career in the press office for a large UK medical research charity, where I developed a passion for campaigning and creating change to improve the lives of patients by telling their stories. I love using my science background to translate complicated concepts into plain English.
What do you like about being on the Board of Trustees?
I know how challenging it can be to see things from an outsider’s perspective when you are embedded in an organisation, especially when you’re working for a charity that is trying to achieve a lot with limited resources. I love the idea of being able to help bring a fresh, outside perspective to help solve problems and challenge decisions, with contributions that are grounded in my experience.
The Advocacy Project is an incredibly charity helping to give a voice to people who can’t easily speak up for themselves, and they do this through many different routes. I’ve enjoyed learning about the range of projects the charity works on, and I like the fact that the staff and board truly reflect the diversity of the communities the charity serves.
What do you do in your spare time?
I have two primary school age boys, so taking them to their football matches and birthday parties fills most of my weekends! I’m also part of our local women’s football team and enjoy travelling, especially if it involves trying out the best local restaurants.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a Trustee?
Don’t worry if you feel your skill set and experience aren’t 100% within the remit of the charity. If you choose a charity with a cause you feel passionate about, the role will be very rewarding, you will be motivated to learn more about them and the space they work in, and your different perspective will be appreciated.