Ben is the founder of Step Up. His day job is as a primary school teacher and middle leader leading on curriculum and professional development development. He has previously led on humanities, personal development, wellbeing, safeguarding and is a student teacher mentor.

Ben founded EdConnect in 2020, a global grassroots network for early career professionals in education. Whilst working as a PD lead, Ben engaged with the PD Network UK as a committee member. He previously set up and ran the Early Career Networking Group (ECnet) a group of specialist volunteers who provide voluntary services to networks that specialise in early careers within any sector.

Prior to coming into teaching, Ben working for four and a half years in retail management, bringing many transferrable skills into the teaching profession. He also holds a Level 3 CIPD qualification in Human Resources practice and has recently completed the National Professional Qualification for Leading Teaching (NPQLT). He is currently undertaking the NPQH alongside regular coaching.

Outside of work, Ben is passionate about his wellbeing and loves travelling, socialising and reading amongst many other activities. Ben resides in the West Midlands area.