Rachel Sandby-Thomas

Rachel joined the University of Warwick as Registrar in September 2016 and is responsible for the professional and administrative services of the University under the direction of the Vice-Chancellor and President. Rachel chairs the University’s fundraising trusts in Singapore and South Africa and is a member of the Friends groups established in the USA and in Hong Kong. Rachel also plays an active role in the development of international partnerships for the University and serves on various Boards. Prior to this, Rachel was shadow CEO of the UK Government’s Institute for Apprenticeships and Director General in the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills where she held a number of roles in legal, corporate services and policy (skills, regulation, large and small businesses and local government).

She is Vice-Chair of ‘LEAP Confronting Conflict’, a charity helping young people handle conflict positively, and Trustee of ‘Future-Fit’, a social enterprise helping organisations to be sustainable. She is a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths. Rachel was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath in 2012, named as one of the 2016 FTSE 100 “Women to Watch” and The Times 100 “Most Influential Lawyers”, 2012.