Dr Robert Arnott was appointed Director of Strategy, Social Mobility and Disadvantage in the Department for Education in July 2019, having previously worked at the Home Office for nineteen years, most recently as strategy director. During the 1990s, Robert was a neurophysiology PhD student, followed by postdoctoral fellowships.

At Education, Robert leads on cross-organisational strategy (early years through to higher education), and on social policy related to children's behaviour, special educational needs and the Social Mobility Commission. 

Outside work, he is chairman of trustees of the Cardinal Hume Centre, a local charity in Westminster focused on improving life chances amongst vulnerable people, including young people who are homeless.