Rachel Lea was appointed Interim Chief Finance Officer at Alder Hey in December 2024. She began her NHS career in 2007 through the National Finance Graduate Trainee Scheme and has since held a number of senior finance roles within the organisation, including Director of Finance and Development and Deputy Director of Finance.
A Chartered Management Accountant, Rachel qualified with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) in 2010. She has played a key role in supporting Alder Hey’s major capital developments, including the delivery of the new PFI hospital, and has led several high-impact commercial initiatives.
Rachel is deeply passionate about the NHS and is committed to driving value and investment in services for children and young people. She also contributes nationally as Chair of the Children’s Health Alliance Finance Group.
Rachel is a champion of finance staff development and is committed to fostering an inclusive, empowered, and high-performing workplace culture—efforts that contributed to the Alder Hey Finance Team receiving the HFMA National Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award in 2024.