Our People
Derek Hills - Director
Experienced Education Data, IT and Operations Leader
Passionate about Education and the children we serve, Derek is a dedicated, self-motivated, and inspiring leader with over 15 years of experience in educational operations working for some of the UK’s leading Multi-Academy Trusts.
Recognised as a thought leader in educational IT and data, Derek brings strategic expertise across all operational domains.
Derek has led successful reorganisations of teams, systems, and processes to deliver measurable operational improvements and significant fiscal efficiencies, managing complex, multi-million-pound budgets and teams of over 80 staff.
His career spans every level of non-teaching education leadership, from Chair of Governors to COO.
Derek has experience of working with Global and National EdTech suppliers as an advisor, is a compelling public speaker and currently serves in government advisory roles.
Able to articulate and realise vision, he is a commercially astute and a customer-focused problem-solver with strong coaching skills.
Dedicated to driving innovation, enabling data-informed decision-making, and delivering meaningful system transformation, Derek thrives in high-pressure environments, consistently delivering high standards while ensuring compliance, confidentiality, and best practice.
Our Partners
Duncan Baldwin - Associate
Duncan is widely recognised as a national authority on school performance and assessment. As former Deputy Director of Policy at ASCL for nearly a decade, he led on accountability and was a trusted voice for school leaders, particularly during Covid, when his guidance on centre assessed grades was highly valued.
A skilled public speaker and consultant, Duncan delivers training for middle and senior leaders, governors, and school improvement professionals nationwide. He has a strong background in education, having worked as a mathematics teacher, senior leader, and headteacher in schools serving challenging communities.
He has also worked in the EdTech sector, helping schools harness technology to drive improvement, and advises several companies on product development and strategy. Currently, Duncan supports secondary schools across the country as a school improvement partner and is a policy advisor for the Confederation of School Trusts, focusing on qualifications and accountability.
He regularly writes on education policy and practice, including recent work on attendance, and is the UK lead for Untis, the world’s leading school timetabling solution.
Ben Chamberlain - Associate
Ben brings over 20 years of recruitment expertise across multiple industry sectors. His extensive experience includes sourcing and placing top-tier professionals, ensuring that clients are equipped with the talent necessary to drive innovation and efficiency.
Ben's approach is both strategic and collaborative. He works closely with clients to understand their unique needs, providing tailored recruitment solutions that align with their operational goals.
Ben's commitment to excellence makes him an invaluable partner for institutions seeking to enhance their operational capabilities through effective talent acquisition and development.
Beyond placement, ElevatEd offers ongoing mentorship to new hires, facilitating their integration and professional growth within the organisation.
Derek Hills - Media
