She researches professional learning, in particular informal learning and mentoring and is also interested in children and young people's rights. Rachel is a co-convenor of the Open Learning network of the European Educational Research Association (network 6) and is on the governing body of the Scottish Educational Research Association. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and is a member of the Scottish Community Learning and Development Standards Council. Rachel previously had a varied career in research and education including positions as a law lecturer; employment rights adviser; and as a lifelong learning organiser.