Meet the team… Rachael Taylor

What is your background?

I first joined Francis House originally as a Trustee in 2000. At the time I was working as a Family Law Solicitor and was a partner in a North West firm. Over the years I became more heavily involved with Francis House and came to work here as David Ireland’s deputy in 2012.

What does your role involve?

My role is a very varied one and no day is the same!  I am still a practising solicitor and I use my legal background regularly to draft and check contracts and to ensure that Francis House complies with all of the red tape that accompanies the running of a Hospice. The legislative framework around decision making for dependent young adults can be daunting for parents so part of my role involves helping parents with applications to the Court of Protection or for Lasting Powers of Attorney. I am very hands on and will deal with most tasks!

What are you most proud of?

I am very proud of all the amazing staff, volunteers and great people who work here at Francis House.

What is the best thing that happened to you this week?

I helped a parent with an application to be appointed as their adult son’s deputy so that they can make decisions about their welfare in the future. The successful application was a great relief to the parent involved who was worried that without legal recognition they would no longer have a say in decisions made about their son.

What’s your secret talent?

I read a lot and can get through a paperback in a day, also I am very good at whistling and am convinced I could have been a professional!