Rachel Smith

Rachel Smith is Interim Director of Partnerships at the Freedom Fund, where she leads global fundraising strategy and strategic partnerships in support of our efforts to end modern slavery. She oversees relationships with foundations, major philanthropists, governments, and institutional donors, helping to mobilise resources and influence for our network of grassroots and frontline partners.

With almost 15 years’ experience across international development, social justice, and youth-focused organisations, Rachel has built and led high-performing fundraising and partnerships functions, securing support from major donors, trusts and foundations, and public sector funders. Before joining the Freedom Fund, Rachel was Head of Development at Redthread, where she led fundraising, business development, communications, policy, and research for a nationally recognised charity supporting young people affected by violence and exploitation.

Rachel serves on the boards of Settle, a UK charity supporting young people leaving the care system to build independent lives, and Public Law Project, which works to strengthen access to justice and accountability in public decision-making. She holds a diploma in fundraising from the Chartered Institute of Fundraising.