Derek is a Principal Geotechnical Engineer for Network Rail setting the strategy for earthworks in Southern Region. He has worked for consultants Atkins, Babtie and Knight Piesold and Kent County Council and has 38 years experience in geotechnical engineering. Derek has a degree in civil engineering from the University of Greenwich and is a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers. He has been Chairman of the Kent and East Sussex Branch and the South East Region of the ICE, and the Geotechnical Asset Owners Forum. He is a Registered Ground Engineering Adviser and is a Trustee of the British Geotechnical Association.