Rachel Sandby-Thomas
To celebrate International Women’s Day on Saturday 8 March, we put out an open call to women within the Company's membership, asking them to tell their stories, share what motivated them to join us, and fill us in on interesting facts about their lives, careers and aspirations. We were lucky to receive responses from a wide range of members, which we will be publishing in the lead up to International Women’s Day 2025.
Our first member interview is with Liveryman, Rachel Sandby-Thomas.
Tell us a bit about you and your career to date
Having studied Law, I qualified as a solicitor with Linklaters in March 1989, working on Gresham Street, just round the corner from Goldsmiths’ Hall. I moved to the Government Legal Service (GLS) in 1993 and had a fabulous 23 years there.
My specialism became EU law but working across numerous departments, in both broad and highly specialist roles. I loved the variety, the interest and the opportunities. I became Director General (DG) of Legal in the Department for Business in 2008, which was one of the most senior heavyweight legal jobs in Whitehall. A couple of years later, I also took on People and Comms.
In 2012, with my DG Legal essentially being the metaphorical “baby on my hip”, I also became DG for Business & Skills which was a ginormous job but enormously interesting.
Four years later I made a sideways move to set up the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE). However, within months, I got lured to be the Registrar at the University of Warwick, where I am responsible for a large chunk of our professional services. I also do a lot of non-executive roles too, including being Chair of the Whitehall & Industry Group (WIG), a trustee of the EY Foundation and one of the Labour Party’s Council of Skills Advisors. I retain a deep interest in young people and skills.
How did you first come to hear about the Goldsmiths’ Company?
When I was DG Business & Skills, I was asked to have a conversation with the then Prime Warden, following a meeting she had had with the Minister for Skills about apprenticeships. That was the first time I was given a tour of the Goldsmiths’ Centre, and I was blown away by the intricacy and beauty of the craftsmanship that I saw.
Why did you become a member of the Company?
I love jewellery and I remain in awe of the artistry and skill of our trade members. I wanted to get involved and use my skills and experience to ensure that the Company continues to represent and support them. I love meeting new brilliant people, both trade and non-trade, who I wouldn’t otherwise get to know. I also enjoy being part of a community with a common purpose.
What are you involved in at the Company?
I’m a member of the Membership Committee. As well as having the pleasure of interviewing people who wish to become Freemen, I have been working with the membership team on an induction scheme for our cohorts of new Freemen, so they get to know each other as well as the history and opportunities associated with the Company. I’m also chairing MEDIWIG (Membership’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group) which has come up with a list of EDI aspirations for our membership which has been endorsed by the Court of Assistants. We are currently working on an action plan for how we can monitor and support those aspirations being met.
How would you describe the Company in three words?
Ancient, Sociable, Inspiring
What women have inspired / been important to you in your life and career, and why?
My mother, for always believing the sky’s the limit and never entertaining the fact I wouldn’t be successful because I am a woman. I also had a series of brilliant female line managers in the GLS who combined high levels of intellectual and emotional intelligence and were funny and warm.
What advice would for women who are interested in joining the Goldsmiths’ Company?
What are you waiting for? Come join!