Rachel Burns

Rachel Burns has a long history of work experience in a variety of roles. Rachel began their career in 2006 as an Art Teacher at Bydales School, where they were responsible for writing schemes of work and lesson plans, as well as creating worksheets and learning support materials. In 2007, they began working at Saltburn Artists Projects as an Audience Development Coordinator and Development Manager. During this time, they were responsible for researching and implementing an annual Audience Development programme, liaising with artists, and monitoring and evaluating audience attendance. In 2010, they co-founded Audacious Ltd, where they were responsible for mixing the work of both CEO and COO, designing and developing the core features of the business, securing investment, and managing a team of 10. The same year, Rachel began working at Graphic.ly as a Team Manager, where they were employed to research and develop Graphic.ly Studios. In 2014, they returned to Burns and Burns Ltd as a Freelance Consultant, where they received funding for 16 months, serving the creative community of Stockton. In 2018, they joined Big Bite as a Project Manager, and was later promoted to Head of Operations. In 2019, Rachel returned to Burns and Burns Ltd as a Freelance Consultant, where they designed, developed, and implemented a personal development review (PDR) process for a company of over 75. Finally, in 2020, Rachel began working at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council as a Kirkleatham Museums Co-Ordinator. Rachel is currently employed as a Customer Success Manager at Paid, which they began in 2022.

Rachel Burns completed a Master's degree in Art Business and Creativity from Newcastle University from 2016 to 2018. Rachel then obtained a PGCE in Secondary Education in Art and Design from Northumbria University from 2003 to 2004. Before that, they received a BA Hons 2.1 in Fine Art from Middlesex University from 2000 to 2003. Rachel also completed a BTEC Diploma in Art and Design from Central Saint Martins from 1999 to 2000. In addition, Rachel obtained a Scrum Master Certification from The Knowledge Academy in November 2018.