Rachel is the founder of Dotiau and has over 25 years of experience working as a social researcher in Wales in both academia and the public sector, twenty of these in a leadership role.
She is expert in undertaking and applying research and insight to a public policy environment. Rachel uses her critical analysis capabilities and leadership to support people and organisations to bring about positive change.
Rachel was seconded for 18 months to the Office of the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales to lead on policy, insight and health for the Commissioner’s flagship programme, Art of the Possible. Here, she co-created, with a wide range of practitioners, academics, policy officials, and the general public, ‘Journeys to a Healthier Wales’. This has people and places at its heart. It helps to shift the narrative about what health means, and describes, illustrates and outlines the enablers and practical steps we all need to take to achieve a healthier Wales.
Rachel is a Visiting Professor at Wrexham University, is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and RSA, and has a PhD from Bristol University.
what does Dotiau mean?
Dotiau means dots in Welsh and it’s pronounced dot-ee-ay.
Dots represent our experiences, people, places, information. We’re keen on exploring not just the dots but their connections – the process, our behaviours, our learning – how we make connections between things.
Together, we can connect the dots.
our values
Social justice, social change and sustainability are at the heart of everything we do.
We are inspired by the creativity and assets we have all around us, and the desire to work with others to bring about positive change.
We are committed to working sustainably. Whether this is prioritising the use of sustainable transport or banking ethically. These things really matter to us.
equality, diversity, and inclusion
Our work is based on building meaningful data and respectful relationships. We cannot do this without a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion accessible to all.
The principles of co-production guide our thinking and practice. For us, this is about:
- Being human – valuing diversity of knowledge, experience, and perspective, and building mutually beneficial relationships based on honesty and trust.
- Being inclusive – removing barriers to participation and recognising people’s strengths and supporting their development.
- Being transparent – addressing power imbalances and hierarchies and sharing roles and responsibilities.
- Being challenging – continuous reflection, learning and improvement, and embracing new ideas and ways of working.
All of this means that we endeavour to create an environment where people are valued, heard, and respected.
our privacy notice for research
Rachel is a member (and Trustee) of the Social Research Association; as such, we will also be guided by the Social Research Association’s Research Ethics Guidance. Our General Privacy Policy for Participants and Researchers can be found below.