My name is Rachel and I am a freelance user researcher, based in Birmingham in the West Midlands. My background is a Psychology and Criminology degree and then over a decade working in community substance misuse services and safeguarding – supporting vulnerable people and their families to make positive changes and safer choices. I have also been a service manager, a safeguarding lead and a trainer.
Last year, after over a decade in the health and social care sector, I decided to move to being self employed so that I could pursue a user research career within digital spheres. Having been very user-focused in that line of work, putting the service user at the heart of everything, developing critical analysis and investigation skills and working with people face to face, it seemed like a great area to move into where I could hopefully make changes that would improve things for people on a wider scale.
Digital inclusion, digital literacy and properly researched and designed services are the key to improving social mobility for our most vulnerable people.
I am passionate about doing the right thing, the right way, for the right reason.
I have taken personal learning in the form of face to face courses, online learning, reading books and blogs, attending meet ups/conferences and following well-known researchers and designers on Twitter.
I have since worked on two government alpha projects, and am currently working with a young person’s charity which is combining my two skill sets.
I am hoping this blog will allow me to reflect on my own experiences and learning and to share that with others. I am always open to learning and am keen to make links with people and organisations.
If you would like to get in touch with me you can email me at rachel@eightfiveconsulting.uk, find me on Linked In or follow me on twitter @racheleightfive
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