Rachel Ford

Rachel is a senior corporate communications leader, operating at the highest levels on some of the most complex and high-stakes issues facing the UK. Her career spans PR, government communications and consultancy, with a focus on using communications to drive clarity, trust and meaningful outcomes during moments of uncertainty and change. In government, Rachel led communications through nationally significant events including the Ukraine war, Covid pandemic and Brexit negotiations. She oversaw a digital-first approach to counter disinformation and provide authoritative information during the Ukraine war and helped deliver a 98% reduction in plastic bag usage following a behaviour-change campaign around the 5p charge. In consultancy, Rachel has played a central role in evolving WA Communications’ strategic communications offer. By embedding integrated ways of working, upskilling teams and strengthening the agency’s market profile, she has helped treble corporate communications revenue over three years and secure market-leading integrated accounts. For clients, Rachel provides senior counsel on reputation, risk and opportunity, helping organisations navigate complex scrutiny, build credible public profiles and secure commercially and politically significant outcomes. Alongside delivery, Rachel is deeply committed to building cultures where people can thrive. She champions inclusive recruitment, sustainable workloads and environments where people can bring their full selves to work. Rachel is trained as a mental health first aider, mentors junior practitioners and contributes to industry forums such as Women in PR. Her work is driven by a belief that effective communications should deliver results while strengthening organisations, public trust and the profession itself.