Our Leadership Team

Founder and CEO l Mel Feek

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I’m Mel, Founder and CEO of Elevate, with over 20 years of experience in education. My journey includes more than 15 years as a Senior Academic Professional in Higher Education, where I specialised in inclusive education and developed assessment approaches that not only measure knowledge but support learners as they grow into confident, capable professionals.

 

I hold a Master’s in Education, along with postgraduate qualifications in Policy and Practice in Education and Youth and Community Work. As a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), I am committed to shaping educational experiences that have a meaningful, lasting impact.

 

My work across statutory and voluntary sectors has deeply shaped Elevate’s mission to be a socially responsible organisation, one that genuinely cares about learners and the communities we serve. We believe that assessment can play a positive role in helping learners build their professional identity and sense of self, not just prove what they know.

 

At Elevate, we see assessment as more than evaluation, it’s a moment to recognise each learner as an individual, celebrate their progress, and help guide them confidently toward the next step in their career. I am passionate about ensuring every learner feels seen and supported.

Director of IQA l Lesley Taylor

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I’m Lesley Director of IQA. Having spent 35 years in the education sector, 25 of those in senior leadership roles, my priority has always been leading by example and setting high personal and professional standards. My leadership responsibilities in schools spanned primary, secondary and Higher Education, including initial teacher training, governance and safeguarding.

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Quality provision has always been my priority, whether it be in curriculum or assessment design, teaching and learning, or staff training and appraisal. And I have applied this to cross-organisational positions I have held at local and regional level, where I have worked with local government, training providers, employers and employer groups to improve opportunities for young people.

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On retiring from teaching, I took on the role of Professional Programmes Lead for a higher education and apprenticeship training provider. There, I introduced apprenticeship provision and led the successful application to become an Assessment Organisation. This experience has deepened my understanding of regulatory frameworks and compliance which is an integral part of apprenticeship provision; an understanding I look forward to using to the benefit of Elevate and the apprentices we assess.

Director of Marketing l Lisa Elliott

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I’m Lisa, a Global Marketing Director with a passion for turning complex business strategies into powerful, engaging stories. With extensive experience spanning 25+ years in Australia and the UK, I’ve had the privilege of working with diverse firms, from employee-owned to listed and turnaround companies helping them achieve visibility and growth through data-driven marketing strategies.

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My journey has been shaped by leading high-impact campaigns that connect people and purpose. I’m skilled in identifying industry trends and leveraging both digital and traditional marketing techniques to raise the profile of our people and deliver meaningful content that resonates with clients. I thrive in collaborative environments, partnering with C-suite executives and technical experts to bring strategic goals to life.

 

At my core, I’m committed to working with firms that aspire to to be great, combining analytical insights with a creative mindset to build strong, inclusive cultures that drive results. I believe in the power of storytelling to bridge gaps and inspire action, and I’m excited to bring that approach to Elevate's mission.

Director Equality, Diversity and Inclusion l Dr Lisa Spencer

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I'm Lisa and I've been really fortunate to have worked in a variety of education settings which have enabled me to practice my passion for transformative education and work within my values of care, equality and hope.  

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I spent the first part of my career working in youth and community settings as a qualified youth worker focussing on informal education practice. I then worked in higher education settings for 15 years, teaching on a variety of education and social science degree programmes. For my education doctorate I undertook research into higher education teaching practice. 

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In the last few years I have switched careers and I am now working in the trade union movement. I work for an education union which continues to enable me to focus on transformational change through activism and education. 

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I bring to Elevate a great deal of experience and knowledge of education policy and course design and assessment, as well as operational and strategic leadership, best practice in employment, and critical and anti- discriminatory ways of working.