Rachel Elizabeth Dawson (13 Oct 1978 - 27 Mar 2026)

Rachel was both a colleague and friend. We first met in 2019 when I joined the FE System Reform team. As my line manager, Rachel was kind, considerate and immensely supportive. I found out early on that we shared similar interests; our favourite colour being purple, loved and talked about our families, and devoted to our furbabies too. Although we lived miles apart, Rachel made it a priority to check-in daily with me (numerous times) to ensure I was OK. I admired her passion and dedication to her work – not to mention her wealth of knowledge and experience of further education and skills - which I could only hope to have a fraction of. When an opportunity for temporary promotion and subsequent permanent promotion arose within the team, Rachel didn’t hesitate to encourage me to apply and support me through the application and interview processes. I honestly believe I wouldn’t be where I am today had it not been for her support, for which I will be forever grateful.

Our friendship grew really close following her diagnosis and my return to work in January 2025, following my own diagnosis and treatment. I admired how Rachel managed to keep working through her treatment, knowing how brutal it is not to mention managing the side effects and other complications. We had countless conversations where we would ‘check-in’ on each other and provide support. Our conservations would usually start with tears, but because of the amazing person she was, our tears would soon turn to laughter. I can still hear her voice saying, ‘are you OK?’….’as long as you’re OK that’s all that matters’, with me replying ‘are you OK? You matter Rachel – don’t forget that’. She would also apologise for chatting too long and I would tell her off about that too 😊 We shared a new hobby….’knitting’, not that either of us was any good at it!! Rachel has left a massive void in my work and my personal life.

Thank you, Rachel, for all your support and the time you spent investing in me. I will remember you always.

Love
Jo-an xx

In loving memory of Rachel, from Ros and John x

In loving memory of Rachel, from Matt, El, Tom and Annabel x

In memory of Rachel, with love Alison x

Rachel,

You were the most wonderful colleague and friend that I could ever hoped to have and I miss you dearly every day.

We bickered at work like crazy (much to the confusion of those around us), because we felt so comfortable working with one another that we could challenge each other’s opinions in the way that only true friends could.

I’m not quite sure when you became known as my “work wife” (and me as your “work husband”), but it’s a role/title I was very proud to have.

I miss your big smile and infectious laugh - you were able to diffuse any situation with your characteristic chuckle.

I miss your curiosity and determination to fine the right solution - being able to discuss a policy problem and multiple solutions for hours - even if we ended up coming full circle to the original idea.

I miss your warmth and kindness, you were willing to drop anything to help me (or others), even when you had so much on your own plate to deal with.

I miss your perpetual positivity and the beauty of your soul - you saw the best in everyone and everything always (well everything apart from the MOG)!

I miss my trips to Southend and hanging out with you.. Where I worked “from home” from your house (trying not to get too allergic to the cats), driving along the seafront in your convertible Mini and icecream and tapas on the seafront.

You were the best of public servants and the dearest of friends and you will remain in my heart and memory forever.

All my love
Jamie x

We are so sorry for your loss and sorry we are unable to attend. Thinking of you all today. Ben, Cathy, Joseph and Chloe

We were so very sorry to learn of Rachel’s passing. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Richard, Tracey, Connell and Nathaniel at this time xxx.

I only knew you for a few months but wish I'd known you longer. You are a lovely person and I will miss you.

We are so very sorry to hear of Rachel’s passing. We only recently got to know Rachel through our fitness and yoga group, and she was an inspiration to us all!
It made our Christmas Day to see Rachel whizzing past us in her RE04RED MINI on the M25 on her way to her brothers as we were going to our daughters. I always think of her when we do that journey now.
Rachel we miss you, condolences to your family xxx

I worked with Rachel for the past four years and she was so warm and helpful all of the time. I enjoyed speaking to her and working with her, particularly her laugh and one of her cats insisting on showing its bum to the camera at every possible opportunity! I miss her warmth and intelligence. Sending hugs and condolences to everyone who knew her, and especially her family. xxx

From all of Rachel’s friends and colleagues at Skills England, we wanted to express our profound sadness at the early loss of such an admired, well respected and popular member of our team.

We also want to pass on our greatest sympathies and best wishes to Rachel's family. As you will see from the many messages here, Rachel was a highly-regarded and loved colleague in Skills England. Her insightful advice, sense of public duty, pride in her work, sparkle and wit is something we will always cherish. We will miss her very much.