With over 20 years’ professional experience in
communications, policy and disability advocacy, Rashmi has
worked in the UK and internationally in a range of fields
including sport, healthcare, social care, and the arts.
Rashmi worked as a press and policy expert in the UK Civil
Service at the Department of Education and Employment,
Foreign and Commonwealth Office and secondments to the
European Commission and European Parliament. This followed
with in the charity sector, supporting the UK’s biggest
biomedical research funder the Wellcome Trust in its
stakeholder relations and as Executive Director and
Strategic Communications Advisor for national disability
charities. Rashmi also worked internationally, in the UAE
leading communications, and government affairs for national
healthcare and biotechnology developments.
Rashmi’s work has focused on supporting organisations and
initiatives that promote social inclusion and quality of
life. A keen sportsperson, and passionate about the
benefits of physical activity on health and wellbeing,
Rashmi held a Board position with the Activity Alliance
where she helped develop their charter setting out the
changes required to improve disabled people’s participation
in sport. In 2016 Rashmi was recognised for her Outstanding
Contribution to Innovation at the National Learning
Disabilities and Autism Awards. Passionate about dance,
Rashmi is the founder of Step Change Studios which provides
inclusive dance opportunities for people with and without
disabilities.
Rashmi has an MPhil in Education from the University of
Cambridge and is guardian to her disabled brother. As well
as dance, Rashmi enjoys a wide range of activities
including cycling, swimming, and running – having completed
four marathons.
The role is remunerated at £218 per day. This appointment
has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s
Governance Code on Public Appointments. The
appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for
Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant
political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last
five years must be declared. This is defined as including
holding office, public speaking, making a recordable
donation, or candidature for election. Rashmi has declared
no such political activity.
