Els began her career as a full time mother. She is a Dutch national and has lived and worked in Belgium and for the past 37 years in the UK. After studying French, Els had a short spell in advertising and marketing in her early twenties. She entered the world of work full time after taking 2 degrees in her early forties. The importance of education and being fortunate enough to have choices was something her mother a teacher reminded her off frequently. She is driven with the ability to create and communicate a vision, and the leadership skills to deliver it. She thrives in a fast-paced environment. Loves building and maintaining strong and meaningful relationships. She is particularly interested in the increasing role of technology in providing access to education and lifelong learning including how it can innovate what we learn and how we learn.