Services

Strategy and Advisory

I work with organisations and partnerships to shape clear, confident strategic direction in complex and fast-moving contexts. My focus is on vision and long-term positioning — helping organisations navigate change, growth and new opportunities with clarity and purpose.

This includes:

  • Visioning, strategy development and positioning

  • Creative and cultural ecosystem strategy

  • Strategic thinking around growth, scale and investment readiness

  • Advisory support to senior leaders and boards during moments of transition or opportunity

Typical clients: Creative and cultural organisations, universities, innovation-led partnerships and mission-driven organisations.

Insight and White Papers

I produce writing that sits between research, policy and practice, drawing on real-world delivery experience, stakeholder engagement, research and deep sector knowledge. This work often informs strategic decision-making, investment priorities, funding and partnership opportunities.

This includes:

  • Commissioned white papers and sector insight reports

  • Investment, growth and policy frameworks

  • Strategic development and authorship of major funding and investment proposals

  • Evidence, narrative and strategic cases to support funding applications and investment decisions

  • Briefings and discussion papers for senior leaders, boards and funders

 Typical clients: Combined authorities, funders, universities, sector bodies and cultural organisations.

Evaluation, Learning and Independent Review

I undertake evaluation and independent review work that helps organisations understand what is working, what isn’t, and why. My approach focuses on learning, clarity and future improvement rather than compliance alone.

This includes:

  • Independent programme and project reviews

  • Learning-focused evaluations of funded activity

  • Stakeholder interviews and insight synthesis

  • Evidence and recommendations for boards, funders and partners

  • Review of strategy, governance or delivery models

Typical clients: Funders, combined authorities, universities, cultural and creative organisations, and mission-led charities.

Strategic Programme Support

I typically sit alongside delivery teams to offer an independent perspective, helping to design and maintain alignment with strategic and investment goals.

This includes:

  • Strategic programme design and logic models

  • Advisory support to programme leads and partnerships

  • Sense-checking progress, risks and outcomes

  • Acting as a bridge between funders, partners and delivery teams

  • Design and facilitation of senior round tables, workshops and sector convening

Typical clients: Public bodies, universities, funders, industry partnerships and consortia-led programmes.

  • Professor Helen Bailey - Vice Principal, Queen Mary University of London


    Rachel combines intellectual rigour with a practical, solutions-focused mindset, and consistently demonstrates an ability to connect ideas, people and opportunities in ways that deliver real impact. Her insight into the intersection of creativity, technology and policy is both timely and valuable. Her consultancy makes a meaningful contribution to the sector.

  • Helen Cuthill - CEO, Small Piece Trust

    Farrer Consulting makes things happen. During my time working with Rachel, she consistently exceeded targets in income generation, participation, and engagement. She spots opportunities, connects the dots, and cuts through complexity to find solutions and deliver reviews with real value—all while inspiring and motivating others.

  • Paul Fairburn - Innovation Ecosystem Director, Coventry University

    Rachel was instrumental in establishing our cultural and creative strategy, she has enhanced the profile of our cultural activities and created meaningful partnerships both within and beyond the organisation. An inspiring leader, and a true asset to any project, Rachel thrives on making things happen, and consistently brings energy, creativity, and collaboration to her work.

  • Malcolm Barnes - Director, Hollywood Gaming

    Farrer Consulting worked with Hollywood Gaming to help define our strategy as the business tailors its offering across immersive and multisensory technologies.

    Rachel helped us define our solutions for entertainment, cultural and heritage, and enterprise and healthcare.