Crackett was educated at Hymers College, a private school in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire.

[2] Following graduation, he underwent postgraduate training with the Central Electricity Generating Board.

He was a member of the board with responsibility for safety, health, and environment,[5] managing director of distribution,[6][7] CEO and chairman.

[10] In July 2011, he was appointed a non-executive board member of the Office of Nuclear Regulation.

[17] He retired as a major general in 2018 and took up an appointment of a lieutenant colonel in the Engineer and Logistic Staff Corps.

[21][22] He has received the Territorial Decoration (TD) and the Volunteer Reserves Service Medal (VR).