Rachel Bignell
Bangor,Gwynedd
Summary
Seasoned professional offering strong communication, problem-solving and interpersonal skills, fostering trust and facilitating effective solutions. Committed to making a meaningful difference by helping people to achieve goals and navigate challenges. Able to manage multiple tasks concurrently under tight deadlines without compromising on quality. Detail orientated with bigger picture overview.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Student Wellbeing Adviser
University of Chester
Chester, Cheshire
2017.05 - 2026.04
- Supported students with with issues including mental health, domestic abuse, bereavement, finance and funding, pregnancy and parenting.
- As a trained Sexual Violence Liaison Officer, supported students who were survivors of sexual assault.
- Listened without judgement to provide compassionate, empathetic case support.
- Managed multiple cases simultaneously and delivered support within strict deadlines.
- Liaised with professionals to share best practices and enhance solution-focused casework.
- Delivered training for academic and professional staff in supporting pregnant students and new parents.
- Facilitated support networks for student parents and those who were peri/menopausal, and planned and delivered tailored workshops.
- Signposted services to improve service user independence and growth.
- Ensured adherence to data protection laws whilst managing sensitive information.
- Served as primary contact for student carers and those from under-represented communities.
Student Support Project Officer (Maternity Cover)
University of Chester
Chester, Cheshire
2016.07 - 2017.01
- Managed sensitive information with utmost care with discretion and professionalism.
- Conducted student exit interviews to identify key reasons for student withdrawals.
- Wrote detailed reports based on data analysis, contributing to student retention strategies.
- Worked diligently under pressure whilst preserving high-quality output.
- Coordinated University-wide Wellbeing Fair with diverse external contributors to enhance student support services.
- Developed engaging marketing materials to boost event attendance.
- Enhanced attendee experience with meticulous attention to detail in event planning.
- Conducted post-event evaluations to improve future events.
Global Citizenship Coordinator, Art Teacher,
Western Academy of Beijing (11-14 years)
Beijng, China
2012.08 - 2014.07
- Facilitated training sessions for staff on service learning and global citizenship, improving educators' effectiveness in fostering global awareness.
- Organised community service projects in collaboration with students and local organisations., instilling values of empathy and responsibility in students.
- Instituted an inclusive classroom environment where all ideas were valued; fostered a sense of community among students.
- Collaborated with colleagues to integrate arts into general curriculum, fostering cross-disciplinary learning.
School Leadership Team, Visual Art Teacher,
Hong Kong Academy (3-18 years)
Hong Kong
2005.08 - 2012.07
- Participated proactively in regular school leadership, providing insight on curriculum-related matters impacting student outcomes.
- Fostered positive learning culture in school community through ongoing dialogue about respect, empathy, and understanding.
- Coordinated annual school-wide arts exhibitions and Artist in Residence Programme.
- Gathered post-event feedback and evaluated results to inform future planning.
- Collaborated with local organisations on community service initiatives, strengthening social responsibility and community engagement.
Head of Creative Arts, Visual Art Teacher,
International School of Tanganyika (3-11 years)
Dar es Salaam, Tanzana
2000.08 - 2005.07
- Evaluated teacher performance regularly, leading to targeted professional development initiatives.
- Coordinated cross-departmental projects to foster collaborative working relationships amongst staff members.
- Promoted open dialogue with parents—building trust and transparency within the school community.
- Introduced school-wide Artists in Residence programme and public exhibitions of the creative arts.
- Implemented strategies for campus enhancement.
Assistant Headteacher and Class Teacher
Windhill Primary School
Mexborough, Doncaster
1994.04 - 2000.07
- Enhanced student engagement by implementing innovative teaching methods.
- Bolstered staff morale with regular team-building activities.
- Identified areas of improvement through rigorous assessment procedures resulting in raised attainment levels.
- Collaborated closely with headteacher on strategic planning and decision-making processes to drive school improvements.
- Mentored new staff and student teachers.
Primary Teacher, SEN coordinator
Highwoods Primary School
Mexborough, Doncaster
1988.09 - 1994.04
- Provided support to SEN students, enhancing their academic journey.
- Tailored teaching techniques to individual learner needs, ensuring inclusivity and differentiation.
- Collaborated in curriculum development, keeping content relevant, engaging and inclusive.
Education
PGCE - Primary Education (5-11 years)
Bishop Grosseteste College of Education
Lincoln, Lincolnshire 09/1987 - 07/1988
Bachelor of Arts - Graphic Design
Hull College of Art
Hull, Kingston upon Hull 09/1984 - 07/1987
Foundation Certificate in Art and Design - Fine art, textiles, illustration, printmaking
Cleveland College of Art and Design
Middlesbrough 09/1983 - 07/1984
Skills
Resilience under pressure
Excellent verbal and written communication
Leadership proficiencies
Efficient time management
Patience and perseverance
Data protection and confidentiality practices
Reflective thinking
Cross-Cultural sensitivity
Volunteering
Kanzi Kibera Friends 2001-2022
- Founding member and Trustee for Kanzi Kibera Friends, a charitable trust supporting small schools and continuing education for children living in Kibera Township, Nairobi, Kenya
- Secretary - generation of agendas and minutes, regular newsletters, fundraising and publicity.
- Established links with schools, presenting workshops and producing cross curricular resources.
- Led teams to Kenya for project field work,
- Wrote script for short documentary about Kibera
Languages
English
Native
French
Elementary
Welsh
Beginner
Affiliations
- Printmaking and mixed media
- Travel
- Poetry
Certification
ECDL - 2019,
Sexual Violence Liaison Officer - Lime Culture 2018
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Student Wellbeing Adviser
University of Chester
2017.05 - 2026.04
Student Support Project Officer (Maternity Cover)
University of Chester
2016.07 - 2017.01
Global Citizenship Coordinator, Art Teacher,
Western Academy of Beijing (11-14 years)
2012.08 - 2014.07
School Leadership Team, Visual Art Teacher,
Hong Kong Academy (3-18 years)
2005.08 - 2012.07
Head of Creative Arts, Visual Art Teacher,
International School of Tanganyika (3-11 years)
2000.08 - 2005.07
Assistant Headteacher and Class Teacher
Windhill Primary School
1994.04 - 2000.07
Primary Teacher, SEN coordinator
Highwoods Primary School
1988.09 - 1994.04
PGCE - Primary Education (5-11 years)
Bishop Grosseteste College of Education
09/1987 - 07/1988
Bachelor of Arts - Graphic Design
Hull College of Art
09/1984 - 07/1987
Foundation Certificate in Art and Design - Fine art, textiles, illustration, printmaking
Cleveland College of Art and Design
09/1983 - 07/1984