Our people

Sophie Flemig

Chief Executive

Sophie has been working at the forefront of social change and innovation, and she has been exploring how we can create a new vision for a fairer society across multiple sectors. With a background spanning political science/public policy, economics, education and law, her leadership experience ranges from start-ups, research, public services to non-profits. Sophie has led projects for multinational and government clients, such as Allianz, Deutsche Bank, SAP and the European Commission.

Sophie ensures that Elevate Great continuously improves its strategy and delivery to create a fairer society for all. She represents the organisation and speaks up where Elevate Great’s voice needs to be heard. 

Sophie likes finding a different angle to anything in her life – not just work. She is particularly passionate about rethinking our social contract and the cognitive load, and her happy places are the gym and bookshops.

Azim Arsiwala

Director of Evidence

As an experienced behavioural economist and scientist, Azim has built his career across multiple sectors, employing evidence-based methods to drive positive behavioural change. 

He has successfully created and delivered numerous interventions that measurably improved outcomes and conducted rigorous quantitative and qualitative evaluations for prestigious clients in the public and private sector, including the Welsh Government, Our Future Health, Tesco, Fidelity International, HSBC and others. 

At Elevate Great, Azim leads the Evidence Hub and focuses on meaningful evidence generation and application through data-driven solutions. His expertise lies in identifying, evaluating and elevating existing interventions with proven impact, helping to create a more equitable society through early years transformation. 

When not buried in academic research, Azim indulges his passion for Formula 1 and enjoys hobby simulation racing.

Samantha Bedford

Director of Implementation

Samantha has been leading innovations for over 20 years. Throughout her career she’s been at the forefront of digital evolution, driving growth at pioneering startups like Match.com, facilitating Vodafone's digital transition, and spearheading Virgin Money's rapid digitisation, innovation and transformation initiatives. She played a key role in launching and scaling a non-profit meta-skills programme for young people across Scotland.

As Director of Business Innovation, Samantha is responsible for leading innovation and business advisory work – part of the Elevate Great engine that incubates, tests and scales bold new ideas to drive sustainable change. This involves working across a range of partners to deliver breakthrough ideas that can transform existing systems.

Samantha is also a charity trustee and enjoys mentoring and supporting young people in their careers.

Bruce Adamson

Strategic Lead – Human Rights

Bruce is a human rights lawyer who has qualified in three jurisdictions and has over 25 years’ experience. As Strategic Lead - Human Rights at Elevate Great, he ensures that Elevate Great’s work has a children’s rights-based approach and is able to influence the development of children’s rights standards.

Bruce has garnered international recognition for his work on children’s rights, and has acted as an expert for the United Nations, Council of Europe, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, European Union and World Health Organization.

He was Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland in 2017-2023 and Chair of the European Network of Ombudspersons for Children in 2019-2022 where he coordinated work supporting children during Covid and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He was Professor in Practice at the University of Glasgow School of Law in 2023-2024.

Jillian Elgin

Head of Operations

Jillian brings 30 years of experience across the public and private sectors, specialising in executive support, HR, governance and organisational change, ensuring operational excellence.  

As Head of Operations, Jillian brings her breadth of experience to drive efficiency and innovative ways of working to Elevate Great. Her expertise in streamlining processes and promoting collaboration plays a key role in helping Elevate Great to operate smoothly.

Outside of work, Jillian enjoys travelling to new countries and exploring different cultures. She is also a proud parent of two teenage children.

Lucas Arruda

Programme Lead

Lucas Arruda is a dynamic leader with over a decade of experience in business, including seven years as an Audit Partner at KPMG Brazil. He led the governance enhancement of numerous companies across diverse sectors and regions in Latin America.

Lucas has extensive expertise in managing complex projects, leading and mentoring diverse teams, and building strategic alliances with key stakeholders. As a Project Manager at Elevate Great, he is focused on driving innovation to deliver scalable models for early childhood education and care.

Lucas was recognised as one of Forbes’ Black Innovators in 2020, and he recently completed an MBA at the University of Edinburgh with Distinction.

William Hopper

Research Analyst

William is a researcher with a PhD from the Institut du Cerveau, Université Paris Cité, in computational and cognitive neuroscience. His work involved developing a computational model to explore how people's self-efficacy guides the amount of effort they are willing to invest to overcome difficulties, and how this belief changes over time with feedback.

As a Research Analyst with Elevate Great William is passionate about using rigorous research to support better outcomes for children and families, in particular, how neuroscientific research can inform Elevate Great’s work on how interventions work, and when is the right time to use them.

Prior to his PhD, William worked at both children’s holiday and after-school science clubs, where he enjoyed making complex scientific ideas accessible and fun, something he hopes to continue doing.

Marco Cardaci

Manager, Data Science

Marco holds a PhD in particle physics and has extensive experience across both the research and private sectors. He contributed to the landmark discovery of the Higgs Boson at CERN, acquiring deep expertise in statistical data analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Over the years, Marco has applied this expertise across diverse domains in the private sector, including the development of behavioural models in the trading sector and acting as consultant for several public sector agencies.

At Elevate Great, Marco guides the analytical work of a team of Research Analysts and Data Scientists to deliver data based insights that inform equitable early years policies.

Outside of work, Marco is passionate about travel, contemporary art, gastronomy, and hiking, and enjoys spending quality time with his loved ones and friends.

Clementine Miller

Junior Project Manager

As a Junior Project Manager, Clementine has a focus on delivering a range of innovative initiatives at Elevate Great.  With a first-class LLB in Law with Honours from the University of Edinburgh, Clementine brings this legal insight to her role when navigating contracts and the protection of creative and strategic assets.

Paul McCambley

Finance Manager

Paul McCambley is Elevate Great’s Finance Manager, responsible for supporting strategic decision-making, budgeting and financial performance management, as well as the statutory compliance of the organisation. He provides financial insights and works to support Elevate Great’s mission and strategic goals.

Paul has experience working as an accountant within both industry and practice and has a background working in support of the higher education sector as well as with various not-for-profit and charitable organisations. He earned his bachelor's degree in accountancy from the University of Glasgow and is a qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland.

In his spare time, Paul enjoys playing sports such as football and tennis and spending time with his family, especially his young son. 

Molly Dunn

Junior Project Manager

Molly has multiple years of experience working as a project manager in the charity and social enterprise sectors for educational and EDI initiatives. She is Prince2 Agile qualified in project management and combines a strong analytical background with structured project delivery expertise.

Molly is a Junior Project Manager at Elevate Great, responsible for supporting the management and delivery of a range of ventures across the organisation. In her role, she works closely with colleagues and partners to ensure projects are delivered effectively and align with Elevate Great’s mission and strategic priorities.

She holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Edinburgh. Outside of work, she’s an enthusiastic swimmer and is slowly building up the courage to brave Scotland’s lochs and seas after recently relocating back to Edinburgh.

Natalie Caulkett

Junior Project Manager

Natalie holds a first-class BSc in Food and Nutrition with Honours and has over 8 years of experience in the food industry, specialising in New Product Development and Process Management, with innovation underpinned throughout her career. 

At Elevate Great she manages both the delivery of key external ventures alongside several critical internal operations workstreams. She applies her delivery experience to collaborate with stakeholders and navigate projects from concept to delivery, ensuring alignment with Elevate Great’s mission and values. 

Natalie has a strong personal interest in public health and nutrition, and applies her culinary experience to support charities providing meals to people in need.

Ellen Michael

Data Scientist (MLOps)

Ellen is a Data Scientist with a degree in Mathematics from the University of Warwick. They bring their expertise in exploratory data analysis, applied mathematics and quantum computing research to the Elevate Great data science team.

At Elevate Great Ellen builds reliable data systems to support early intervention-focused programmes and innovations. They analyse data and extract meaningful insights, using machine learning and predictive modelling, and communicate complex data findings, offering a unique perspective to problem solving via their broad technical experience and contextual understanding.

Outside of work, Ellen dances salsa and Argentine tango, and has volunteered with an autism youth group, offering support and helping young people navigate challenges in ways that work for them.

Agata Slota

Research and insight Lead

Agata’s career has been driven by a commitment to positive social impact, and she has applied behavioural science and systems change approaches to shape programmes for clients such as the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Home Office, and the Department for Work and Pensions. She has led research to inform programmes and policy across diverse sectors, including youth engagement, community cohesion, and public service delivery.

As Research and Insight Lead, Agata drives evidence-based decision making at Elevate Great by generating actionable research insights to inform programme design, delivery, and organisational strategy, and translating complex evidence into clear, accessible learnings for diverse stakeholders.

She has a Master’s degrees in International Affairs and Behavioural Science, and loves running, dancing, spending time with her dogs, and reading multiple books at once.

Pranoti Waingankar

Senior Analyst

Pranoti’s career is guided by a “true north” of purpose and commitment to building an equitable world where a person’s start doesn’t determine the outcomes they can achieve. She brings mathematical rigour and systems-thinking approach to problem solving, moving fluidly between strategy and execution that is grounded in the realities of the communities she serves.

In her work with organisations like Gartner and The/Nudge Institute, she has designed large-scale poverty alleviation strategies and developed global best practices for front-end innovation. At Elevate Great, Pranoti focuses on bridging the gap between complex data and practical application to ensure every insight drives measurable impact.

A striving polymath with master’s degrees in management and applied mathematics, Pranoti finds inspiration in art, literature, and the shared histories of food and culture.

Steve Murray

Chair

Steve was appointed as a director of Chesnara in August 2021 and as Group CEO in October 2021. He joined Chesnara from Royal London, where he was Group Corporate Development Director and a member of the Group Executive Committee.

Steve started his career at Ernst & Young, primarily working in financial services, before joining Standard Life in 2004.  At Standard Life, Steve held a wide range of senior roles including Group Strategy & Corporate Finance Director where he led the Group’s Strategic Development and M&A activity and sat as part of the Standard Life Group Executive team. He was also CEO of 1825 Financial Planning and Managing Director of Commercial & Strategy for Standard Life UK and Europe and in both roles he was a member of the Standard Life UK & Europe Executive Team before joining Aberdeen Standard Investments as Deputy Head of Private Markets.

He was appointed as a Cattanach (now Elevate Great) Trustee in February 2013 and took over as Chair in January 2021.

Alan Armitage

Trustee

Alan is an experienced non-executive director (NED) and former CEO of Standard Life (Asia) Limited. He has financial services sector expertise in banking, pensions, savings and long-term investments, with extensive international experience. His deep expertise in leadership, general management, growth and transformation is well suited to supporting Elevate Great’s ambitions.

Alan also manages his own private equity portfolio and is a qualified executive coach. He is an alumnus of Wharton Business School, a graduate of the Financial Times Non-Executive Director Programme and a member of the International Coaching Federation.

Alan was appointed as one of our Trustees in June 2024.

Jennifer Corrigan

Trustee

Jennifer is an Investment Manager at Quilter Cheviot where she manages discretionary portfolios on behalf of charities, individuals, trusts and pensions. Jennifer is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI). She also holds the CFA Certificate in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Investing, which reflects her passion for incorporating values within portfolios as well as promoting overall positive engagement through investment. She has over 10 years' experience in the wealth management industry.

Prior to this, Jennifer was on the graduate scheme at Morgan Stanley and graduated from the University of Strathclyde with a First Class Honours BSc in Mathematics.

Jennifer was appointed as a Trustee in January 2021 and as Chair of the Investment Committee in September 2021. She became a mother to her daughter in 2023, which has further strengthened her commitment to Elevate Great’s ambitions.

Scott Ferguson

Trustee

Scott is originally from Ayrshire but was educated in England and the USA. He has an MBA in Finance and a BA in Economics.

He then spent his 30-year career based in London, New York, Hong Kong, and Dubai. Scott has held a number of senior roles in investment banking and capital markets.

Scott has been one of our Trustees since June 2024.

Trisha Hall

Trustee

Patricia (known as Trisha) worked in secondary and further education in the Netherlands for a decade, before moving to the UK in 1987 and retraining as a social worker. After settling in Scotland in 1993, she held posts at Moray Council and Aberlour Children’s charity at various levels. In 2013, she became National Director of the Scottish Association of Social Work, retiring from full-time work in June 2019 while occasionally engaged as a professional practitioner at the University of Stirling’s School of Social Sciences.

Trisha has held non-executive director and trustee posts on the boards of large national as well as smaller organisations, and is currently involved as Chair and trustee on two local boards. She is passionate about systems change that is shaped by real and meaningful input from children and families, grounded in human rights and supported by clear evidence of what works, for whom and under which circumstances. Trisha lives in Stirling with her family.

Trisha has been one of our Trustees since 2022, after two years as an Associate.

Dr Patricia Jackson OBE

Trustee

Patricia trained as a Paediatrician at the University of Edinburgh. She specialised in neurodevelopmental assessment and, although now retired from clinical practice within the NHS, continues her research attachment with the University. As a Senior Fellow of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, she continues to teach there and represents it on several advisory groups.

She is a former Chair of the Scottish Association of Community Child Health and a past President of the Scottish Paediatric Society.

Her work in connection with policy and service development includes:

Contributing to the development of the Early Years Birth–Three publications

Being a member of the Children’s and Young People’s Mental Health Task Force

Establishing the CEN NMCN (National Care Network in Scotland for Children with Exceptional Health Care Needs)

Developing Scotland’s Additional Support Needs (ASN) legislation

Co-chairing the SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum

Disorder (FASD) Diagnosis Guideline Group which published the first UK guideline for the care of children and young people exposed prenatally to alcohol

Serving as a member of the Scottish Government Preconception Health and Care Group

Rory Marsh

Trustee

Rory lives in Edinburgh and currently works at Royal London, where he leads their Workplace Pensions business. He has worked across a range of strategy, commercial and marketing roles in the financial services sector in Scotland and Australia.

Rory is passionate about Elevate Great’s purpose and is ambitious about the impact it can make in partnership with others for children. Having recently become a dad, Rory is also desperately trying to practise what he preaches in helping his wee girl to flourish.

Rory has been one of our Trustees since January 2021.

Aron Mitchell

Trustee

Aron qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Coopers & Lybrand (now PwC) before moving overseas with KPMG, working primarily in financial services audit. Since returning to the UK, Aron has accumulated over 25 years’ experience working in financial services, predominantly within the asset management and insurance sector. Aron is highly experienced in corporate governance matters and has held a number of directorships within the Aberdeen Group. Aron is currently Chief Executive for Aberdeen’s UK Insurance business. 

Aron is married with two children, now at university. Aron and his wife love the outdoors and can generally be found up a mountain, skiing or hillwalking depending on the time of year.

Aron has been a Trustee on our Board since November 2022.

Caroline Murray

Trustee

Caroline is a chartered accountant with nearly 30 years’ experience in financial services. She's been with Aberdeen Investments for over two decades and currently leads Product Management for Alternatives. In this role, Caroline oversees investment vehicles for real estate, infrastructure and other private market assets around the world. As part of this, she works closely with boards of directors to ensure best practice corporate governance standards are applied. Caroline also has a background in operational risk, with extensive experience of risk and control frameworks and process improvement.

Outside work, Caroline volunteers with Girlguiding Scotland, leading a Rainbow unit that offers a fun and exciting programme for girls aged 4–7, helping them learn new skills, build confidence and make friends.

She has been one of our Trustees since January 2021.

Ginny Richardson

Trustee

Ginny is Global Head of Strategy and Investment Specialists for Fixed Income at Aberdeen Group. She joined the company in 2009 and has held roles in Group Strategy, Corporate Development and Investment Management, focused on driving positive change. Prior to her current role, she spent three years as Chief of Staff to the Chief Investment Officer, covering aspects of strategy, governance, finance, communications and HR.

Ginny is a CFA Charterholder and holds a Maths degree from the University of Cambridge. She has two small children, and is passionate about improving the system and lives for children and their caregivers in early years. She joined the board of Elevate Great in June 2024.