Rachel is currently Head of Talent Acquisition and Management at the Francis Crick Institute, leading the development of an inclusive hiring approach, employer branding, talent attraction, and EDI initiatives to drive excellence in science for the institute. She’s a bit of a recruitment nerd and loves nothing more than talking about and thinking about all things talent acquisition. Rachel is a huge fan of the brilliant work the RL100 and RL Community does to encourage knowledge-sharing and collaboration across our industry. With 20 years of experience spanning the commercial, charity, and public sectors, Rachel specialises in building strong stakeholder relationships, developing high-performing teams, delivering strategic initiatives, and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in recruitment.
Rachel is particularly interested in DEI and the development of AI, and how this will redefine talent acquisition as we know it. She’s recently taken on the role of trustee for Age UK Enfield, a cause close to her heart and making a meaningful difference!
What’s a professional achievement of yours from 2024 that you are proud of?
Leading the recruitment approach to Which?’s Disability Confident Leader status
How has the RL Community helped you this year?
I’ve changed roles this year, and the support from the RL Community has been incredible—providing practical advice, encouragement, and, most importantly, cheering each other on in a difficult market has been amazing!
What is your prediction for the TA industry for 2025?
I think that with the right tool and approach, AI will allow recruiters to deliver great results, I think this is the year it starts to become embedded in processes and less of a buzz word