Derek Peaple

DIGITALL

From the day Digit began, Derek Peaple has served as Chair. But his leadership began long before. As a headteacher, he supported the development of a leading computing hub. But when national STEM initiatives fell short of what young people needed, it was Derek who encouraged Peter Marshman, our CEO, to step away and do it properly. That clarity and conviction laid the foundations for Digit’s launch.

Since then, Derek’s been a constant presence: empowering, guiding and connecting the team with the confidence and focus to grow Digit on their terms. He doesn’t dominate. He enables. And he never misses a WhatsApp message.

His national profile and experience have been instrumental in shaping Digit's strategic direction and values, building partnerships with global organisations like Amazon and shaping the future of digital education in communities across the UK – resulting in a reach of over half a million people in three years.

Derek brings rigour to the board, diverse voices to governance, and a culture rooted in Olympic values: aspiration, integrity and inclusion. He goes far beyond what’s expected of a Chair. This nomination is a chance to recognise that impact – and the countless young people who benefit from it.