Rachel A. Wood

Background

About Rachel A. Wood

Passionate about making things happen through strategic leadership and human-centered design. I specialize in embedding inclusive, accessible service, and systemic co-design practices to create meaningful impact. With a deep commitment to positive psychology, my approach is always "Mindful by Design." I bring extensive experience in customer and user research (UR/CX/UX/ED), formative and process evaluation, and service design. As a PhD researcher and Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society, I blend academic rigor with practical expertise, driving innovative solutions across public services, strategic partnerships, and the charitable sector. My leadership style is participative, visionary, and change-oriented, underpinned by a Level 7 certification in leadership assessed through practice and knowledge. I thrive in multi-disciplinary environments, fostering collaboration and empowering teams. My expertise includes designing and delivering best practice frameworks (including 'test and learn'), toolkits, and communities of practice that support growth and sustainable empowerment through education. I excel in facilitating and providing tailored guidance on a wide range of design tools, including customer journeys, empathy and systems mapping, service blueprints, personas, and prototyping. In addition to leadership, I’m passionate about managing complex design projects, programmes, and portfolios, including: • Business case development & case for change • Change readiness & management • Service & quality improvement • Policy & bid writing • Training, facilitation, & coaching An experienced speaker and collaborator, I’m available for talks and remote panels. I also offer coaching and mentoring as a certified Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) practitioner, former 'Youth at Risk' coach, and volunteer Victim Support Counsellor. I am particularly passionate about inclusive design, with a focus on assisted and enabling technologies, which I use personally. When applied with intention and ethics, these tools are incredibly empowering. Beyond design, I am committed to early intervention, social justice, the economics of prevention, trauma-informed practice, and lifelong learning. My interdisciplinary expertise in behavioural sciences and education drives my dedication to creating sustainable, positive change.