Dr André Imich OBE has been appointed Independent Chair of the Devon SEND Strategic Partnership Board, marking a pivotal step in the county’s commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
This appointment was strongly supported by partners across the SEND system including schools, health services, and parent representatives, and followed a rigorous process that included interviews with young people.
This collaborative approach reflects Devon’s renewed focus on co-production and inclusion.
André will provide independent oversight and challenge, helping to maintain momentum and drive forward the ambitious transformation agenda. Bringing decades of national leadership and expertise, André served as the Department for Education’s SEN and Disability Professional Adviser from 2010 to 2024, shaping national SEND policy and advising ministers on improving outcomes for children and young people.
In 2022, he was awarded an OBE for his services to children and young people.
Speaking about his new role, André said:
“I am delighted to be taking on the role of Independent Chair of the Devon SEND Partnership Board. With Devon’s local agenda and the national direction both clearly focusing on improved partnership working as the key to improving outcomes for all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, and their families, this is an opportune time for us all to pull together. There is already much good practice across Devon, and the Partnership Board will seek to extend this further.”
Councillor Denise Bickley, Cabinet Member with responsibility for SEND, said:
“We are delighted to welcome André to Devon as Independent Chair at this crucial stage in our improvement journey. Devon will benefit greatly from his expertise and leadership as we continue to drive positive change for children, young people, and their families.”
What the Devon SEND Strategic Partnership Board does
The Board brings together practitioners from education, health, and social care, alongside representatives for parent carers and young people, to ensure every child and young person with SEND in Devon receives the right support, at the right time, in the right place. It oversees delivery of the SEND Transformation Programme, including the Accelerated Progress Plan developed following the 2022 local area SEND inspection. The Board monitors progress, holds partners to account, and ensures services are joined-up, responsive, and shaped by the voices of families.