Dame Rachel de Souza is committed to ensuring the voices for children are heard, using their views to challenge, support and shape national policy. She has led initiatives such as The Big Ask – the biggest survey of its kind, asking children what was most important to them in the post-pandemic world - and The Big Ambition, focusing on the rights and aspirations of children throughout the country. As a former teacher, headteacher, and Chief Executive of a multi-academy trust – for which she received a damehood in 2014 - Dame Rachel has been central in improving educational outcomes for young people. In recognition of her work advocating for children, Dame Rachel de Souza has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Education from St Mary’s University in London.