Derek Laud has a background in private equity, finance and private banking. He is a Visiting Research Fellow at New College, Oxford and Visiting Professor at London South Bank University. He previously chaired the Foundation Board of Lucy Cavendish College, Cambridge, and was the Chair of the Ravenstone Group of Schools. He has long—running association with the Sir Michael Bishop Foundation and numerous other charitable organisations, and is a prolific public advocate for increasing access to Britain’s leading universities.