Tigers Trust delighted to welcome Rachael Hardcastle-Pearce to the board of Trustees

 

Rachael brings with her a remarkable 27 years of experience in the healthcare sector and is enthusiastic about using her experience to give back in a fresh and impactful way. She is passionate about inspiring and supporting the next generation and is committed to making a positive difference in her local community. 

 

We are thrilled to have Rachael on board and look forward to her insights and contributions, helping strengthen the Trust’s reach and impact, shaping a future that continues to be inclusive, active, and full of opportunities for all. 

 

To introduce Rachael and share more about her journey, we asked her a few questions as she joins us as a trustee. 

 

 

 

I have always admired the Tigers Trust's commitment to using the power of sport to inspire, engage, and improve lives in the local community. Being from the area, I have seen firsthand the impact the Trust has had, especially in areas like youth development and mental wellbeing. Joining the board as a trustee feels like both an honour and a responsibility, I want to give back and help shape a future that's inclusive, active, and full of opportunity for all. 

 

 

 

Outside of the Trust I work as the Group Head of Voluntary Services for the Humber Health Partnership, Working to a high professional standard is something that I pride myself on. Over the past twenty-one years working for the NHS (Hull University Teaching Hospital) I have demonstrated the ability to be resilient, overcome adversity, and challenge in a positive way. I have been flexible within my work wanting to go that extra mile for others, and always tried to inspire my teams and encourage them to fulfil their aspirations whilst leading them through the organisation effectively and sensitively. 

 

I have been part of the senior management team for the past Eleven years; I am self-motivated and work autonomously delivering change and partnership working both internally and externally. 

 

One of the most motivating and rewarding roles I have had the privilege to lead on in the Trust is voluntary services. I have met some incredible people over the past Eleven years and have managed operationally and strategically to build a service that has become an anchor institution, nationally recognised and highly commended. 

The Trust currently has 642 volunteers, volunteering across Hull Royal infirmary, Castle Hill , Scunthorpe, Grimsby and Goole, in many different roles. I have implemented and expanded the Trusts offer of volunteering roles and now offer a whole plethora of different opportunities. 

 

My greatest achievement (to date) is the young health champions volunteering programme, now known as the Humber Health Champions for 16- to 25-year-olds. My aspiration in 2014 was to inspire the next generation through the volunteering route, nurturing and encouraging young people and inspiring them to fulfil their aspirations of working in the NHS giving them the self-belief that anything is possible. Since then, we have supported thousands of young people across Hull and East Riding looking at different educational pathways, career pathways and pathways that will help them with confidence, communication, teamwork and health and wellbeing. This aspiration has developed and now involves partnership working both regionally and nationally. 

 

Inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals is something that we have successfully achieved, and many are now working in the Trust as nursing assistants, in administration or have gone onto the Trusts apprenticeship programmes. Some of the Humber Health Champions have gone through university and are now about to start their careers with us at Humber Health Partnerships none of this would have been possible without the opportunity to volunteer before deciding on their career goals. 

 

I have worked with many different stakeholders across the city and nationally gained recognition for my achievements in the voluntary sector through youth volunteering, I am involved in the Integrated Care Boards new model to expand youth volunteering across Yorkshire and Humber. Recently, I am a confident public speaker and have delivered presentations to many UK hospital trusts, colleges and schools and, presentations for NHS England central team in London, Manchester Liverpool and Leeds. 

 

This year I was asked if I would become Chair for the Yorkshire and Humber Hub for NAVSM (National Association of Voluntary Service Managers) to which I readily agreed as this supports my ongoing role as a National Executive on the Board of Trustees. 

 

I am about to enter my 27th year in Healthcare, and I've genuinely loved every minute of the journey so far, It’s been a career filled with purpose, learning and the privilege of supporting others through some of their most important moments. As I now take on the role of Trustee with the Tigers Trust, I see this as a new chapter and an opportunity to give back in a different way, to help inspire and support the next generation, and to continue making positive differences in the community I care so deeply about. 

 

 

 

I hope to contribute to strengthening the Trust's reach and impact, particularly in supporting young people and marginalised communities. Whether through expanding programmes, building partnerships, or securing funding, my goal is to help and ensure the Trust remains responsive, resilient, and innovative in everything it does. 

 

 

 

The world is changing rapidly, and with that come both challenges and opportunities. I see my role as helping the Trust stay ahead of the curve and embracing digital tools, adapting to community needs, and advocating for inclusive practices. Whether we are tackling mental health, increasing youth engagement, or strengthening education pathways, I want to support the Trust in being bold and forward thinking. 

 

Are there particular areas of our work ( youth engagement, education, sport, mental health) that you’re most passionate about? 

 

Youth engagement, mental health, education and sport are really close to my heart. Supporting young people develop confidence, resilience and a sense of purpose through sport and education is incredibly powerful. I am also passionate about creating safe spaces where mental health is openly discussed and supported and looking at alternative educational pathways. 

 

 

 

Outside of work, one of my greatest passions is watching my beloved Hull City, a tradition that began with my dad, who I used to go to matches with. Although he is sadly no longer with us, I know he would be incredibly proud that I am now stepping into a role as a trustee helping to shape the future of something so close to both our hearts. I also love spending quality time with my family and friends, especially with my wonderful grandchildren (Millie and Bernie) who certainly keep us on our toes and bring so much joy into out lives. Gardening is another big interest of mine, I find it both relaxing and rewarding. I'm always looking to expand my knowledge and would love to find ways to share that with young people, perhaps even through community or educational projects tied in with the Trust. 

 

 

We are delighted to have you on Board, Rachael!