The people behind Kaleidoscope

We bring together expertise in education, research, lived experience, data, technology, organisational development and implementation.

Our different perspectives help us see more of the picture—and build work that is rigorous, useful and human.

  • Nic founded Kaleidoscope to change how organisations understand inclusion. As a child who should have been recognised as disadvantaged but was not, she understands personally how easily people’s needs and experiences can remain hidden within the systems around them.

    Drawing on 25 years across teaching, leadership, research, policy and technology, Nic now advises on education policy internationally and leads Kaleidoscope’s research, methodology and impact work. An award-winning educator, researcher, author and EdTech founder, she developed Kaleidoscopic Data™ through her doctoral research to reveal what conventional data can miss and turn lived experience into meaningful evidence for change.


  • Gem leads the operational development and long-term sustainability of Kaleidoscope. She connects people, partnerships and processes, creating the structure needed to turn ambitious ideas into purposeful and deliverable work.

    Having attended boarding school from a young age, and now raising young children of her own, Gem understands how profoundly our environments and relationships can shape whether we feel safe, supported and connected. These experiences underpin her commitment to building an organisation that is not only effective and sustainable, but caring, human and true to its values.

  • Tom works across Kaleidoscope’s strategy, development and innovation. His experience in education, youth mental health, organisational psychology and research has shaped his belief that understanding a system means understanding how it is experienced by the people within it. 

    He is particularly interested in turning evidence into practical change and ensuring that the people most easily overlooked are visible in the decisions that affect them. Tom is also a PhD researcher at the University of Galway.

  • Ryan leads Kaleidoscope’s work across data, artificial intelligence and responsible technical innovation.

  • Omotola supports the reliable, accessible use of Kaleidoscope’s technology and the experience of Partners using the Platform.

Independent insight. Constructive challenge. Shared ambition.

  • Al Kingsley MBE is a bestselling author & speaker on all things Education and technology. He is Chair of a Multi-Academy Trust and has previously chaired Alternative provision, Specialist provision, and all-through Academies. In addition to being a 30-year EdTech CEO and sector veteran, Al also chairs his region’s SEND Board, sits on the Regional Schools Directors Advisory Board for the East of England and is Chair of the British Educational Suppliers Association EdTech Group. 

    He’s a well-known face in EdTech around the world; author of bestselling "My Secret #EdTech Diary", "My School Governance Handbook", “My School & Multi Academy Trust Growth Guide”, plus his most recent book "The Awkward Questions in Education". Al writes and speaks internationally on the education landscape, including as a Forbes Technology Council Member. 

    Al was awarded the honour of "Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)" by His Majesty the King in his 2025 New Year's Honours list for services to education. He was also named a 2025 ISC Research "Edruptor" (International Education Influencer), 2025 Education Today "Outstanding Contribution" award and as Edufuturist of the Year for 2023, and most recently the 2026 ISTE "Make IT Happen" award winner. 

    He continues to support schools, conferences and vendors with consulting and mentoring – as well as writing and speaking for the wider education community and advocating for broader system reform.

  • Sonia supports the analysis and interpretation of Kaleidoscopic Data™, helping turn complex patterns and participant insight into clear, actionable evidence.

The Kaleidoscope Advisory Board brings together experienced leaders, researchers, practitioners and changemakers who share our commitment to more inclusive systems.

Members advise Kaleidoscope’s Directors, offer constructive challenge and contribute specialist perspectives as our research, learning, innovation and impact work develops.

Advisory Board members meet with Kaleidoscope, through the year, either individually or as a group.

We identify areas where their experience can add particular value while remaining open to shaping each relationship around their expertise, interests and schedule.

The Board is advisory. Strategic and operational responsibility remains with Kaleidoscope’s Directors.

  • Our Research Assistant supports Kaleidoscope’s research programme, evidence development and participant-centred work.

  • Our Research Assistant supports Kaleidoscope’s research programme, evidence development and participant-centred work.

Advisory Board

How the Board works

  • Our Research Assistant supports Kaleidoscope’s research programme, evidence development and participant-centred work.