Dr Rachel Proctor

I joined Exeter University in 2017 as a Doctoral Researcher based at the European Centre for Environment and Human Health in Truro, Cornwall. My PhD examined how schools can nurture healthier and more environmentally aware young people, using mixed methods including evidence synthesis and qualitative approaches.

Since completing my thesis, I have worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher in The Graduate School of Education. During this time I worked on an Education Endowment Foundation funded project, examining what works in school-based implementation of evidence-based practice. The subsequent report published in 2024, informed the latest EEF guidance for schools on implementation.

I have recently joined Public Health and Sports Sciences as a Lecturer in Public Involvement and Public Health on the Master of Public Health (MPH). I am also a co-ordinator of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) School for Public Health (SPHR) Public Partners Advisory Network (PPaN) and the Young Person's Advisory Network (YPAN). I co-led on the development of the SPHR involvement and engagement strategy (2023-2027) and currently work with public partners to implement it.

I am also a qualified Primary School Teacher and have worked in schools since 2013, teaching across Key Stage 1 and 2. I also have experience as a Curriculum Leader for Physical Education and in designing and delivering a range of outdoor experiential learning activities and social and emotional learning interventions for children.