Raffaela is an experienced board director, with 20 years’ experience across Local Government, NHS and the private sector. Having joined BWC in October 2020, Raffaela has a particular focus on empowering colleagues to ‘bring their whole selves to work’ and is committed to driving true inclusion through innovative, forward-thinking people practice. Raffaela is National Programme Director for the NHS Universal Family - the Care Leaver Covenant supporting care experienced young people into employment. She developed the ground breaking national pregnancy loss policy for the NHS rolled out to 1.7 million NHS staff, and is a visible advocate for women’s health in Birmingham and Solihull. Raffaela was awarded the HPMA HR Director of the Year 2020  and most Influential female HR Practitioner in 2024 amongst peers by HR Magazine. Raffaela is a founding member and Trustee of Aston University Maths School and Engineering Academy.