Rachel Ford-Evans

Rachel Ford-Evans

Senior Associate

DDI: 029 2082 9120

Mobile: 07734 368558

Email: rford-evans@darwingray.com

A Senior Associate in our Employment and HR team, Rachel regularly advises both employers and employees on a wide range of employment related matters. Respected by her peers and clients alike, Rachel is a solicitor of exceptional talent.

Praised by clients for her “excellent service and communication”, Rachel is experienced in dealing with all types of Employment Tribunal claims and internal disputes. She is also developing a growing practice in the field of workplace investigations, conducting several major investigations for both private sector and publicly-funded organisations in 2023 and 2024.

Rachel also handles complex non-contentious matters such as collective redundancy and TUPE consultation processes, and also has specific expertise in advising on GP partnership agreements.

As well as employment law issues, Rachel also deals with the employment side of data protection, (providing practical advice on compliance and assisting clients in relation to data subject access requests from employees) and governance, particularly advising on governance issues affecting charities and housing associations.

She is also an experienced trainer and regularly delivers training sessions to clients on topics ranging from sexual harassment to TUPE.

  • Successfully defending a sensitive whistleblowing claim on behalf of an education institution and obtaining a costs order against the claimant

  • Conducting a detailed investigation into allegations of financial mismanagement against senior employees of a large Welsh employer
  • Advising on employment and HR issues arising out of the acquisition and merger of private schools in West London
  • Conducting a complex disability discrimination claim against a global employer, resulting in a favourable settlement for the client

  • Advising on the employment law implications of asset purchases and supporting the corporate team in relation to TUPE requirements

  • Drafting several GP partnership agreements for GP partners in south Wales and advising on the exit of GP partners from their roles

  • Successfully defending a constructive unfair dismissal claim brought by a long-term manging director against a family run business

  • Advising and concluding the exit of senior employees from Housing Associations, and leading academic institutions

  • Delivering training sessions for employers on topics including recruitment issues, managing employee attendance, equality and diversity, TUPE, and discrimination and harassment in the workplace

  • Successfully bringing a disability discrimination claim for an army veteran suffering with PTSD against a national telecoms provider which had signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant

  • Successfully defending a complex age discrimination and unfair dismissal claim on behalf of a Housing Association

  • Resolving a complex claim brought by a civilian employee of a Welsh police force in relation to holidays and parental leave
  • Workplace investigations
  • Discrimination and duties under the Equality Act

  • Defending and bringing Employment Tribunal cases

  • Internal employment disputes and settlement agreements
  • Employment issues arising from corporate transactions

  • Contracts, Policies and Partnership agreements

  • Redundancies and Restructures

  • TUPE

  • Collective agreements and bargaining

  • Whistleblowing

  • Governance and data protection issues

Experience

  • Senior Associate, Darwin Gray – 2022 – present

  • Associate, Darwin Gray – 2019 – 2022

  • Solicitor, Darwin Gray – 2016 – 2019

  • Trainee Solicitor, Darwin Gray – 2014 – 2016

Education

  • Stanwell School, Penarth

  • University of Cambridge (Trinity College)

  • Cardiff University

  • Trustee of Tŷ Cerdd (Music Centre Wales)
  • Board member of homelessness charity Llamau
  •  Member of Employment Lawyers Association
  • Member of Darwin Gray’s CSR Committee

I have worked with Darwin Gray for a number of years and the level of service, professionalism and timely response is second to none. I would highly recommend Darwin Gray to any business.”

Becs Beslee, Dice FM Ltd

Darwin Gray have provided us with a first-class service for many years now. They really take the time to understand our business and develop relationships which results in advice and support that is contextualised and effective.”

Rebecca Cooper, ACT Training

We have worked with Darwin Gray for several years and have always found their services and advice to be first class.”

Karen Gale, Stepping Stones Group

An extremely professional and sincere company who make time for your queries and understand the need to break down certain facts and information to ensure everything is understood perfectly. I would highly recommend the company to anyone looking for any type of legal advice”

Gwawr Booth, Portal Training Ltd

PSS has worked with Darwin Gray for many years. We have always received an excellent service. Prompt and professional advice and support.”

Ledia Shabani, Property Support Services UK Ltd

We have used several departments within DG recently and we have been very pleased with an effective, efficient and down to earth service. Very happy thus far and I expect that we will continue to use DG.”

Guto Bebb, Farmers’ Union of Wales

Darwin Gray offer us truly superb services. Very professional, quick and services available bilingually which is very important to us, highly recommend.”

Iwan Hywel, Mentrau Iaith Cymru

My “go to” in urgent and time sensitive cases for direction, support and advice. The team are quick to respond to calls or emails for advice and support on all matters. Always explain complex matters in a way a lay person can easily understand.”

Margot Adams, Guarding UK Ltd

Darwin Gray have acted for myself and my company over a number of years and at all times we have been treated with a professional manner yet maintain a common-sense approach at all levels. We couldn’t recommend them more highly.”

Simon Baston, Loft Co

We have been clients of Darwin Gray for many years; they’ve always dealt with all of our legal matters with such professionalism. They work around us, even during awkward hours, and we feel confident we can always rely on them.”

Louise Williams, ACT Training

Darwin Gray has been acting for Siltbuster for more than ten years. We would have no hesitation in recommending Darwin Gray to other organisations small or large.”

Richard D Coulton, Siltbuster Ltd

From the very first conversation, I had no doubt that Darwin Gray should be the firm to receive our instructions on this matter. I would have no hesitation in recommending Darwin Gray.”

Sandra Warr, Tomos TV

We regularly instruct Darwin Gray. Their service in dealing with our transactional matters and disputes is always professional, prompt and efficient.”

John Poppleton, Absolute Property Management Solutions Ltd

Darwin Gray guided me through a long and extended process that would have been much more difficult had it not been for their patience and constant support.”

Ifan Lewis

Excellent and efficient service. Great result achieved, highly professional and transparent on pricing. Would recommend.”

David Stevens

Superb legal service provided. Exceeded expectations. They went above and beyond in order to provide the best service possible.”

Huw Pickrell

Very professional and understanding. They were a calming influence in a very troubling situation and they brought it to a very successful conclusion”

Rachel Jones

We have used Darwin Gray and have been seriously impressed. The personal approach is what Darwin Gray are excelling on and is the reason why we will continue to work with them in the future.”

Cadwyn Housing Association
Darwin Gray Team
Julia Bridge
Legal Director
View Profile
Erin Phillips
Marketing Executive
View Profile
Fiona Hughes
Senior Associate
View Profile
Oliver Morris
Senior Associate
View Profile
Catherine Burke
Partner
View Profile
Cindy Thomas
Accounts Assistant
View Profile
Damian Phillips
Partner
View Profile
Donald Gray
Consultant
View Profile
Emily Shingler
Associate
View Profile
Fflur Jones
Managing Partner
View Profile
Fiona Sinclair
HR Consultant
View Profile
Seren Trigg
HR Consultant
View Profile
Anna Rees
Head of Marketing
View Profile
Gareth Wedge
Partner
View Profile
Kate Heaney
Senior Associate
View Profile
Lorna Fraser
Associate
View Profile
Mark Rostron
Partner
View Profile
Owen John
Partner
View Profile
Bríd Price
Solicitor
View Profile
Nick O’Sullivan
Partner
View Profile
Patrick Murphy
Senior Associate
View Profile
Rachel Ford-Evans
Senior Associate
View Profile
Ciara O’Brien
Trainee Solicitor
View Profile
Heledd Evans
Trainee Solicitor
View Profile
Stephanie Lewis
Trainee Solicitor
View Profile
Ranj Bains
Office Supervisor
View Profile
Lisa Evans
Paralegal
View Profile
Rhodri Lewis
Partner
View Profile
Sarah Price
Senior Associate
View Profile
Rhodri Evans
Senior Associate
View Profile
Siobhan Williams
Senior Associate
View Profile
Siôn Fôn
Senior Associate
View Profile
Elin Davies
Associate
View Profile
Nicole Brendel
Solicitor
View Profile
Rich Craven
Solicitor
View Profile
Stephen Thompson
Partner
View Profile
Mike Raymond
Trainee Solicitor
View Profile
Heledd Ainsworth
Trainee Solicitor
View Profile
Tracey Holland
Finance Manager
View Profile