Drew Richardson-Walsh

Access to high-quality education and training is one of the key drivers of real social mobility. That's why Drew and his team work hard to support partners across the full spectrum of education and skills sectors in securing talented and socially driven people for their leadership teams and non-executive boards.

As Chair of a multi-academy trust and with almost 20 years of experience as a trustee and governor, Drew feels privileged to contribute to helping young people progress through their early life and support them on their journey into employment and further study.

Drew leads the Education Practice, a dedicated team of expert education sector recruiters. His team members are deeply connected with their work in enhancing social and educational outcomes for children, students and adult learners. He works nationally with colleges, universities, academy trusts and schools, awarding organisations, assessment organisations, EPAOs, chartered institutes and charities with an education mission.

Working closely with Chairs, governing bodies, CEOs, and executive directors to understand organisational culture and ambitions, the Education Practice has a national reputation for delivering high-quality work in the spirit of true partnership and through a values-based approach to recruitment.

Having been a senior leader in the further education and higher education sectors prior to joining Peridot and on the receiving end of some very poor recruitment practices as both client and candidate, Drew and his team are driven to ensure executive search campaigns are well-led, appropriately communicated, broad and thoroughly researched, and expertly managed from end to end.

Drew is trained in safer recruitment and can advise on best practice in line with KCSIE.