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Rachel Fbcs
Founder at The Grafter - Delivering Growth, Scale & Exit
Professional Background
Rachel Murphy ChMC FBCS is a distinguished figure in both the digital and health sectors, boasting over two decades of rich experience as an entrepreneur, public speaker, and advisor in health technology. A visionary leader, she founded and successfully exited two companies, demonstrating her acumen in business innovation and transformation. Notably, Rachel founded Difrent, an award-winning digital services company that has gained recognition for delivering transformative projects for the NHS and various public sector clients. Under her stewardship, Difrent became synonymous with high-quality digital solutions and significantly improved health service delivery within the UK.
Currently, Rachel serves as the founder of The Grafter, a consultancy dedicated to advising professional services businesses on growth, scalability, and successful exits. Her consulting efforts are centered around maximizing value for her clients and ensuring that they can navigate the complexities of the business landscape with confidence and success. Her dual focus on health tech and business growth enables her to provide unique insights that are invaluable to the modern digital economy.
Education and Achievements
Rachel's educational background included rigorous training in English Literature and History at none other than Marist Convent School. This foundation helped her develop sharp analytical skills and a profound understanding of narrative – abilities that are critical in any entrepreneurial endeavor. Throughout her career, Rachel has accumulated significant achievements, positioning herself as a thought leader in digital health transformation, and her efforts are marked by her commitment to driving innovation in health services through technology.
Her portfolio includes extensive leadership experience across various organizations. Rachel has held prominent roles such as Chief Executive Officer at Difrent, where her vision shaped the company’s trajectory towards success. She has also served as Digital Delivery Director at NHS Digital, where she played a pivotal role in improving digital health delivery across the national health service. Prior to this, she held key positions as Transformation Director and Chief Technology Officer at The Nursing and Midwifery Council, and Chief Technology Officer at The National Archives, UK. In these roles, she successfully led critical transformation projects and technology initiatives that set the groundwork for future advancements in the public sector.
Notable Roles and Contributions
Rachel's impressive career trajectory includes several high-impact positions:
- Chief Information Officer at the Department for Education: She was responsible for overseeing information technology strategies that impacted educational institutions across the UK.
- Services Director at May Gurney: She led service delivery strategies that improved operational efficiency and client satisfaction.
- Head of Services at CDW UK: Here, Rachel streamlined service offerings and enhanced customer engagement through innovative IT solutions.
- Programme Manager at London Borough of Tower Hamlets and Harrow Council: In these positions, she managed critical programs that bridged service delivery gaps and improved community well-being through technology.
- Project Manager at London Borough of Waltham Forest and South Cambridge District Council: Rachel executed multiple projects that facilitated better governance and service delivery, leveraging her project management expertise.
- SAP Infrastructure Project Manager at Accenture: She implemented enterprise solutions for clients, setting a foundation for transformative IT strategies.
Beyond her management and leadership roles, Rachel has shared her expertise as a public speaker, advocating for advances in digital health technologies and the importance of innovation in improving public service delivery. Her insights have inspired many within the industry, and she is frequently sought after for her remarks at conferences and professional gatherings.
Achievements
- Founded and successfully exited two companies, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen.
- Established Difrent, an award-winning digital services firm recognized for its innovative projects in the NHS.
- Launched The Grafter, a consultancy that helps businesses grow and maximize value.
- Contributed to major public sector transformation projects that have improved digital services in health care and education.
- Held extensive leadership roles across various organizations, overseeing successful technology and project management initiatives.
- Recognized as a thought leader in digital health transformation, inspiring businesses and organizations toward growth and innovation.