Rachael Carkett

Rachael draws upon her own professional development, learning experiences and expertise in academic development to support and enhance teaching practice, advise on policy and strategy, and encourage best practice in a variety of learning contexts. She has worked with a number of UK and international institutions as an advisor and External Examiner/Reviewer to help maintain high standards of her profession throughout the HE sector. Her contributions to the sector were recognised with National Teaching Fellow award in 2019.

An Educational/Academic Developer since 2000, Rachael thrives on creating inclusive learning and development opportunities for staff. A qualified Coach, Mentor and Strengthscope Practitioner, Rachael’s expertise is recognised in her ability to establish meaningful one-to-one working relationships with colleagues who need support with their teaching. Rachael has designed, planned, led and managed initial and continuing professional development courses/programmes and schemes in 3 different UK HEIs. She has also led and managed an Academic Staff Development team as part of her career.

As an Advance HE Accreditor since 2006 she has continued to influence, and shape Fellowship and Accreditation policy and practice having contributed to the development of the UKPSF when first created. She has also assessed thousands of applications across all 4 categories Fellowship and worked to accredit other institutional accredited programmes. Rachael has worked as AHE Associate/UKPSF Consultant for 6 years undertaking a range of consultancies regarding support for Fellowship and Accreditation with UK and international HEPs. Rachael is an End Point Assessor for the Academic Professional Apprenticeship.

Rachael is a Senior Fellow of the Staff and Educational Development Association (SEDA) and has had a long-standing commitment to this professional body; in particular to the SEDA Professional Development Framework (PDF) as a mentor and accreditor of UK and overseas professional development programmes. Rachael was Co-Chair of SEDA-PDF Committee 2015-2018 and Vice-Chair 2018-2021. Rachael has established and contributed to various national and regional networks supporting peers and colleagues from her profession.

Independent Consultant