Louis Donald FRSA, Founder

Prior to founding EduShield, Louis served as an Executive Director at Creative Education Trust, a national multi-academy trust that educates over 14,500 pupils across 17 schools. He led the creation of a new directorate, bringing together safeguarding, child protection, personal development, and corporate communications into one cohesive, strategic function. As part of the executive team, Louis also line managed several Principals and Headteachers and played a key role in trust-wide school improvement and Ofsted preparation.

Louis has extensive experience in senior leadership roles, having previously served as Safeguarding Director for a regional multi-academy trust, overseeing safeguarding, SEND, and attendance. He has also held leadership roles in schools, both as an Assistant and Vice Principal. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Louis advised the Department for Education, supporting civil servants with the government’s national safeguarding response, with a focus on attendance, children in need, and the safe reopening of schools. Louis has also trained Ofsted Inspectors on inspecting safer recruitment and the Single Central Record. 

His work extends internationally, including supporting schools in the Middle East with safeguarding investigations, leadership capacity building, and improvements to safeguarding systems and culture. His international experience reflects his ability to navigate complex safeguarding matters across different educational and regulatory contexts.

Louis is a qualified 'Gold' strategic commander for major and critical incidents and civil emergencies, and is passionate about ensuring education settings are prepared for the unexpected. Known for his calm, principled leadership style, Louis is trusted by schools, trusts, and system leaders alike for his clear-headed advice and deep expertise.

In his spare time, Louis is the founder and board member of the National Association of Safeguarding Directors in Academies (NASSA), chairs the Queen Street Group Safeguarding Directors Forum, and is a member of the British Army’s Independent Advisory Group to the Defence School of Transport (DST) at Leconfield. He is also a former non-executive director of a large national trust.

A passionate advocate for the welfare of children and young people, Louis continues to influence policy, practice, and leadership development across the sector. 

Away from work, he is a committed supporter of Hull City!!