Rachel has an extensive background in FE colleges, having worked as a librarian, teacher and marketer. She has been involved with college marketing for nearly 20 years, both as a practitioner running student services, marketing and school liaison services, and through membership of the College Marketing Network, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2012.

Rachel was Chair of the College Marketing Network for 6 years before becoming its first Chief Executive. She organises its conferences and CPD events, edits its magazine, runs its networking and social media services and organises the FE First Awards for marketing excellence, now in their 15th year.