Our Team

Bio coming soon.

Bio coming soon.

Bio coming soon.

I am a qualified Project Management professional with a career spanning more than 20 years. I have worked with the NHS since 2019 and I am currently employed as Head of Programme Management Office (PMO) at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, where I am responsible for the implementation of a Central PMO for the trust. This includes being involved in the exciting development of a new hospital at Hinchingbrooke.

Prior to this, I owned a project management consultancy in South Africa before relocating to the UK in 2018. My passion lies in connecting people – and my love for all things project management makes me proud to be the glue for every project.

I was born partially deaf, and I use my lived experience to raise awareness about challenges facing people who are deaf or hard of hearing. I am also studying British Sign Language (BSL) and I hope to one day be able to interpret and support people who use BSL as their first language.

I have 30 years’ experience working in the public sector and my last role locally was the Head of Supporting Businesses and Communities at Cambridgeshire County Council. I also have experience as a charity trustee and have served on the governing body of an NHS organisation as a patient representative. I was awarded an MBE in recognition of my service to local communities and businesses across Cambridgeshire.

I have profound hearing loss, and I am delighted to serve as a Trustee for Cambridgeshire Deaf Association, supporting its vital work for deaf and hard of hearing people across the County.

Working as a Teacher of Deaf Children and Young People has given me first-hand insight into the importance of language access, inclusion, and high aspirations for deaf learners. As someone who was born profoundly deaf, uses British Sign Language (BSL) as my preferred language, and is an active member of the deaf community, I bring both professional and lived experience to my work and advocacy. I am passionate about ensuring that every deaf child has equitable access to education, language, and communication, enabling them to participate fully, develop confidence, and achieve their potential. I strongly believe that language access is fundamental to learning, wellbeing, identity, and future success. Every deaf child deserves the opportunity to develop rich language and communication skills, whether through spoken language, sign language, or a combination of approaches that best meet their individual needs.

As a Trustee of Cambridgeshire Deaf Association, I am proud to support the organisation’s mission to empower deaf people, champion inclusion, and advocate for equal opportunities. I am committed to working collaboratively with families, professionals, and the wider deaf community to help create a society where deaf children, young people, and adults can thrive and lead fulfilling lives.

Bio coming soon.

Rachael Dance is Director of Deaf Community Services at Cambridgeshire Deaf Association, and has been part of the CDA team for nine years. After graduating from the University of Wolverhampton with a degree in Interpreting Studies, Rachael began her career at CDA as an administrator within the Advocacy team. She progressed to become a caseworker, qualified advocate and team manager, and was CDA’s first Independent Domestic Violence Advocate. She has also completed Freedom Programme training.

Rachael went on to manage CDA’s Advocacy, Casework and IDVA teams, working closely with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and the local Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub. A qualified interpreter, she has worked with organisations including the Royal Society of Chemistry, RYA Sailability and the Institution of Engineering and Technology, as well as some of the UK’s best-known Deaf comedians.

Rachael also manages CDA Life, whose care service has achieved an Outstanding CQC rating and an Excellent PAMMS rating. She is currently working towards a Level 5 qualification in Health and Social Care.

Bio coming soon.