Specialisms
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Spinal injuries such as spinal fractures.
- Cauda Equina.
- Orthopaedic injuries and joint replacements.
- Neurological conditions.
- Chronic pain.
- Cancer.
- Terminal illness/palliative care.
- Loss of services in fatal accident claims.
- Associated respiratory and cardiac conditions.
- Associated mental health.
Specific Injuries Experience
Rachel has extensive experience of supporting clients with complex needs in the community alongside the responsibility for their ongoing care, equipment and adaptations needs.
With over 40 years’ NHS and Adult Social Care experience, Rachel is skilled in understanding the combined impact of physical and psycho-social aspects of ill health on an individual’s daily life and function.
In her substantive post as Area Service Manager/Head of Service (Adult Social Care) for Oxfordshire County Council, Rachel has worked with clients with spinal and spinal cord injuries, back injuries, cauda equina, chronic pain, orthopaedic injuries, hip/knee replacements, fractures and arthritis.
Rachel has planned and provided specific interventions for clients with multiple diagnoses including neurological conditions (stroke, Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease), learning disabilities or psychological injuries, which often result in associated cognitive impairments and mental health complications.
Rachel also has plentiful experience in supporting clients who have other needs in addition to their injuries, including safe-guarding, behavioural issues, addiction, and complex family/carer dynamics.
In addition to her own caseload, as Area Service Manager/Head of Service for Oxfordshire County Council Adult Social Care Team, Rachel has managed a large integrated team of occupational therapists and social workers, providing regular supervision, advice, support and intervention on the team’s most complex cases, alongside the additional responsibility for signing off on all high value care packages.
Rachel’s extensive experience in terminal illness and palliative care, together with her expertise in assessment and report writing, enables her to prepare detailed Loss of Services reports. She brings a sensitive and empathetic approach, recognising and responding thoughtfully to the needs of individuals experiencing loss.
Employment Profile
Rachel has worked as an independent Expert Witness since 1995 and prepared over 340 reports for claimant, defence and joint cases. She has participated in pre-trial conferences, expert meetings and attended court.
As Head of Service at Oxfordshire County Council for over nine years, Rachel has held responsibility for the Adult Social Care services across Oxford City, North and West Localities, as well as the County Sensory Impairment Team. She has led and managed the integrated occupational therapy and social work teams, ensuring services met Care Act requirements and delivered assessment and support for adults aged 18+ with complex, long-term conditions. Rachel has overseen and scrutinised support plans and personal care budgets, ensuring the effective and appropriate use of resources, including equipment, assistive technology, and Disabled Facilities Grant applications.
Since qualifying in 1981, Rachel has wide ranging experience in hospital, community and private practice. She has held local and national responsibilities for coordinating and delivering social services and health service for adult clients with permanent physical disabilities.
Rachel has extensive experience setting up care packages, recommending equipment and housing adaptations. She worked as a Case Manager for 2 years privately both for clients direct and via solicitors to carry out recommendations following personal injury settlements.
She has a special interest in spinal injuries and personal experience of caring for someone with traumatic injuries following a motorcycle accident as well as three people needing palliative care.
In March 2015, Rachel completed an Award Graduate Certificate with distinction, qualifying her as a Best Interest Assessor under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
Qualifications and Membership
- DipCOT, Exeter (1981).
- Certificate in Counselling, Lincoln Institute of Psychotherapy, London (1982).
- Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice: Best interest assessor (2015)
- Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT).
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- Spinal Injuries Association (SIA).
Career History
Present
Care & LOS Expert Witness
Jacqueline Webb & Co Limited
2017-2026
Area Service Manager/Head of Service – Adult Social Care
Oxfordshire County Council
2011-2017
Locality Manager – Social and Community Services
Oxfordshire County Council
2000-2010
Unit Manager – Social and Community Services
Oxfordshire County Council
1999-2000
Project Officer – Physical Disability Strategy
Social Services Department, Oxfordshire County Council
1998-1999
Co-ordinator for the Physical Disability Service
Social Services Department, Oxfordshire County Council
1995-2010
Private practitioner
1986-1997
Occupational Therapist
Social Services Department, Oxfordshire County Council
1984-1985
Occupational Therapist
Australia
1983-1984
Occupational Therapist
Social Services Department, London Borough of Wandsworth
1981-1983
Occupational Therapist
Charing Cross Hospital, London