Hilton Birmingham Metropole
The NEC Birmingham,B40 1PPUnited Kingdom
In the past year, the FE sector has been hit with multiple reforms and initiatives, from qualifications to skills policy to a new inspection framework and more. The SEND system has also been the subject of numerous investigations and reports, which has culminated in a Schools white paper and accompanying SEND reform consultation process, due to complete on 18 May.
Bringing FE policy and SEND policy together, the 2026 Natspec National Conference is the only place to hear what this all means for SEND in FE, and how colleges and other post 16 providers can navigate the reforms whilst delivering high quality education and training for learners. We will be examining the proposed reforms in detail, and how they will affect specialist FE.
The conference is the biggest national event for professionals who work with high needs learners across the FE sector in England and Wales, offering learning and networking opportunities across a wide ranging programme of keynotes, panels, and breakouts, with our usual student input through performance, speeches and volunteering.
This year’s conference will focus on how specialist FE providers can support young people and unlock their potential through creativity and innovation. We will celebrate creative learning with an art and photography exhibition at our welcome drinks reception the evening before conference, and our student speakers will reflect on their experience of innovative, creative specialist FE in transforming their lives and shaping their futures.
Our keynotes and breakout sessions will challenge delegates to think differently, sparking new ideas about inclusive FE, creativity, innovation, opportunity and the impact of high quality provision.
Attendees will be able to choose which day(s) they wish to attend, and then add the conference dinner and accommodation as optional extras.
Free places for Natspec member colleges
All Natspec members will receive either a free place for the whole conference for one person, or two free day places to be used by two different members of staff. Free places exclude accommodation and will be applied to the first booking(s) made by each member college.
Natspec member
£155 per day (+ VAT)
Natspec affiliates
£195 per day (+ VAT)
Everyone else
£240 per day (+ VAT)
Accommodation at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole conference hotel: £155 (+ VAT) per night (available on Monday 8 and Tuesday 9 June).
Conference dinner and drinks Tuesday 9 June: £55 (+VAT)
Programme
We are still confirming programme details for Natspec National Conference 2026. Initial details are below.
Monday 8 June
From 7pm: Join us in the Brightsmith bar for welcome drinks and canapes, and view the student art and photography exhibition.
Tuesday 9 June
9:00am–10:00am
Registration opens, with refreshments, an opportunity to network and visit the exhibition
10:00am–11:15am
10:00am Welcome from our conference Chair and our first student speaker
10:15am Keynote session: speaker to be confirmed
Introduction from Clare Howard, Natspec CEO, followed by a keynote on the meaning of terms such as innovation, ground breaking, ingenuity, breakthroughs and discovery. How can they help us and when do we need to revert to tried and tested methods to attain quality in our practice?
11:15am–11:30am
Comfort break and move to breakout rooms (collect a tea or coffee from the exhibition hall on the way)
11:30am–12:35pm
Breakout session 1: Choose from any of the Tuesday breakout sessions
12:35pm–1:50pm
Lunch, exhibition and networking
1:50pm–2:55pm
Breakout session 2: Choose from any of the Tuesday breakout sessions
2:55pm–3:40pm
Refreshment break, exhibition and networking
3:40pm–5:00pm
3:40pm Student speakers
3:50pm Keynote session: Quality of specialist FE / an update from Ofsted and Estyn
5:00pm–5:30pm
Natspec Q&A drop in / informal catch up with team members
5:30pm–7:00pm
Break and room check-in, with a further opportunity for networking, to relax or use the hotel’s leisure facilities
7:00pm–7:45pm
Drinks reception and student entertainment
7:45pm–late
Conference awards dinner: The conference dinner will include performances by students at Natspec colleges, a celebration of award winners and the presentation of the Innovator of the Year Kathryn Rudd Award.
After dinner, the lounge bar will be open until late
Wednesday 10 June
8:30am–9:30am
Registration for day 2 delegates, with refreshments, an opportunity to network and visit the exhibition
9:30am–11:00am
Keynote: policy and partnerships in 2026
11:00am–11:30am
Refreshment break, exhibition and networking
11:30am–12:15pm
Hot topics: your chance to join experts from our corporate partners for a breakout session on a topic relevant to the provision of specialist FE
12:15pm–1:30pm
Lunch, exhibition and networking
1:30pm–2:30pm
Breakout session 3: Choose from any of the Wednesday breakout sessions
2:35pm–3:40pm
Keynote – celebration of impact of specialist FE
3:40pm–3:45pm
Conference close
Breakout sessions
Tuesday 9 June
Quality assurance for the renewed Ofsted Framework
Tracy Gillett, Director of Education and Principal at Newfriars College and Lorraine Hughes, Quality Manager at Condover College
Join this session to hear how one college has developed quality assurance activities in response to the renewed OfstedFramework and Toolkit. Tracy and Lorraine will support participants to consider what quality data could inform theirself-assessment reporting and quality improvement planning and how, including building an evidence base for the newinclusion grade. There will be an opportunity to discuss ways in which the SAR can be aligned to the toolkit and reflecton learning from sector experience of inspections to date. Participants will take away top tips for quality tools to generate quality data.This session will be of interest to senior leaders and managers responsible for college quality improvement.
An introduction to trauma informed practice
Zoe Wright, Head of College at David Lewis and Natasha Carlon, Positive Behaviour Support Specialist at David Lewis
Trauma informed practice has become something of a buzz phrase in recent years, but how does it work in practice in a specialist college? Come and find out how David Lewis College have implemented their approach to trauma informed practice. Zoe and Natasha will cover an understanding of what trauma means, how it can be assessed and how adapting practice by shifting the focus from “What’s wrong with you” to “What happened to you” has a positive impact on learners – and staff. Participants with take away ideas about how trauma informed practice could be embedded into their own provision setting.
Leading change
Franki Williams, SEND Consultant
Franki will explore how leaders can implement successful whole organisational change, embedding a culture where everyone demonstrates a commitment to shared vision and values. What happens when people resist and what does it mean to live your values beyond words? As a leader you might be ‘driving the bus’ but is everyone onboard? The session will provide an opportunity to consider different approaches and strategies for leading change in an unpredictable world.
Understanding and responding to self-harm
Satveer Nijjar, Independent Trainer at Attention Seekers
Satveer will explore the reasons why young people self-harm, including triggers and functions. She will also offer advice on helpful ways that educators can respond when they encounter self-harm in learners, as well as suggesting appropriate language to use when talking about self-harm.
Communicating with impact across local, regional and national politics
Isabella Perales, Associate Director at PLMR, and Myles Hanlon, Account Director at PLMR
This interactive workshop, led by colleagues from the company that developed The Power of Specialist FE campaign, will help college leaders to strengthen their political engagement with stakeholders at local, regional and national levels. It will take the form of a masterclass in understanding what stakeholders respond to, how to clarify your organisation’s core messages and take a personalised approach to your engagement with different audiences. Attendees will take part in practical activities to help them shape and test their messaging and leave with resources to support their external influencing activity.
Taking a whole organisation approach to reducing restrictive practices
Shikara Rajballi, Head of Integrated Services, Samuel Bartram, Positive Behaviour Support Lead, and Susan Thomas-George, Deputy Head of Integrated Services, at Orchard Hill College
Colleagues from Orchard Hill College will share their whole organisation approach to reducing restrictive practice, in particular the leading role of their integrated services team in its design and delivery. Participants will be invited to contribute to an open and honest discussion about their use of restrictive practice with an opportunity to explore barriers and solutions to reduced use. There will also be an opportunity to reflect on the value of therapists taking the lead in shaping whole-organisation practice.
Building a strong enrichment offer for learners in specialist FE
Adam Proctor, Assistant Principal at Bridge College
Colleagues from the DfE team that developed the FE enrichment framework will introduce this new resource designed to help colleges create and deliver a strong enrichment offer. With the support of Adam Proctor, Assistant Principal at Bridge College, they will explore how the principles in the new framework can be meaningfully applied in specialist settings, so that learners with SEND can benefit from a wide range of activities and opportunities that complement and extend their learning beyond that covered in their core curriculum.
Specialist FE – the launchpad to employment
Toby Connick, Head of Inclusive Careers at Talentino Careers
Further Education is often the final phase of education for learners with SEND. This practical workshop led by Talentino, a socially driven organisation specialising in inclusive careers education and preparation for adulthood, explores how colleges can use this time to secure the best possible employment and life outcomes for young people with a
range of SEND and Additional Needs. We’ll look at a range of different routes into work, what meaningful progress looks like for different learners, and how providers can support confidence, skills development, travel, employer engagement and disability awareness and planning for successful transitions.
Wednesday 10 June
Ensuring optimal Learning Support across the curriculum
Kelly Swindells, Principal at Valley College
Kelly from Valley College will share her college’s rapid improvement journey responding to an identified need to develop the college learning support team which included the team’s ability to adapt support to different learning contexts. Kelly will talk through her experience of working with senior leaders to develop the college plan for the delivery of targeted CPD including the Natspec LSA training resource, how to quality assure support provided and how to measure the impact of support on learner outcomes. Participants will take away Kelly’s ‘quick wins’ as well as resources
developed to support staff training.This session will be of interest to senior leaders and managers responsible for learning support staff and staff CPD and development.
Empowering PMLD learners though technology
John Schaer, Assistive Technologist at Activate CES
Through a hands-on session participants will explore different ways to harness the power of technology with PMLD learners. They will hear how technology (both low and high-tech) introduced while at college can help learners unlock their future adult lives. The session will challenge misperceptions about the suitability of technology for PMLD learners and showcase how it can be used not just in the classroom but in multiple settings.This session will be of interest to senior leaders, managers and staff responsible for curriculum, assistive technology or budget allocation.
Supporting the wellbeing of staff working with learners with complex behavioural needs
Mark Morton, Assistant Principal at Portland College, and Angela Newton-Soanes, Principal at Portland College
In this workshop, participants will hear how Mark and Angela from Portland College have expanded their provision for learners with challenging behaviours of concern and how the college recruit, support and train the right staff for this provision. There will be an opportunity to reflect on how to support wellbeing of staff working with learners with complex needs, and how to use reflections on learning from incidents to build staff skills and confidence.This session will be of interest to senior leaders and managers responsible for planning provision for learners with complex behavioural needs and staff training.
Effective English and maths delivery models
Cath Robinson, Assistant Principal at Sense College Loughborough and Joanna Guthrie Curriculum Manager for English and Maths
Drawing on three case studies from Sense College Loughborough, Cath and Joanna will share how they prioritise English and maths development across a range of learner pathways. They will explore how the college uses assessment to inform a bespoke, flexible approach that supports learners with complex needs.The session will highlight the college’s strategic work in strengthening its English and maths provision, including the development of a specialist team through the upskilling of identified staff and targeted staff training to ensure all colleagues contribute to embedding English and maths as a cross college priority. Attendees will gain practical insights and top tips to adapt to their own settings.
Raising aspirations and standards using Natspec’s Code of Governance
Dawn Green, Natspec Associate
Natspec’s Code of Governance (COG) has been developed to improve the quality, robustness and consistency of governance in specialist colleges, and provides a self-evaluation framework to support effective governance. The COG will be introduced to delegates and examples of its use and impact will be discussed. Attendees will leave with ideas to incorporate into board planning and governance improvement work. The session will be of interest to board members, governance professionals and senior leaders.
Inclusion in the specialist college context
Christina Welsh, Senior Policy Officer at Natspec and Jane Ragless, Natspec Associate
With ‘inclusion’ a central pillar of the government’s SEND reforms, Natspec has been exploring what inclusion means in a setting where all young people have SEND. Are specialist settings beacons of inclusion or the very oppositive by virtue of the fact they educate learners with SEND separately from their peers without SEND? Over the past few months, we have been researching these questions with our membership. Come and find out what we have learned and to share your views on the topic.
Navigating a new build
David Walker, Transformation Project Design Lead at Seashell Trust, and Clare Sefton, Principal at Royal College Manchester
Royal College Manchester, part of the Seashell Trust, moved into its new home, The Ged Mason Building, in 2026. But what did it take to ensure this new space would work for learners and staff now and into the future? Hear from Clare Sefton, College Principal, and David Walker, Project Transformation Design Lead, as they share their journey from identifying the need for a new building to moving in day – and the lessons they learned along the way. This session is a must for senior leaders, governors or trustees of any college preparing to expand or relocate.
How do we know if what we are doing is working? Using Destination Data for organisational improvement
Sylvan Dewing, Principal at the Deaf Academy
Join Sylvan who will share recent work in the Southwest Region looking at a variety of approaches to capturing, measuring, and assessing destination data. This session will present findings, share good practice and open up a discussion on how, as organisations and a sector, we can better assess impact of practice on positive and meaningful destinations which reflect the diversity of our students and the providers. The session will look at how we can use data to evidence effective practice of the specialist sector in addition to better define outcomes for our learners beyond the metrics of the employment and skills agenda.
Originally developed in a Specialist College to monitor and record non-accredited skills, Databridge delivers functionality designed specifically for the Specialist sector.
We use modern methods of construction, traditional materials and sophisticated technology, creating buildings that are net-zero in operation. Cognitive experts believe that effective special educational needs (SEN) classroom design is the key to creating a positive learning environment. SEND and SEMH is a key business focus, with us creating Biophilic and specialist eco buildings to support challenges within the education sector, and we are having a great impact on providing settings for Schools and Colleges.
Our specialists are committed to providing high-quality, comprehensive support for individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, enabling them to reach their full potential in both education and life. We achieve this through our meticulous recruitment services across Primary, Secondary, Further Education, Community Care, Health, and Care sectors. In FE, our mission is to empower students with additional needs to attain their personal, social, and academic goals, while enhancing their employability and independence skills.
Placing purpose and quality before profit, Peridot Partners is a values-led executive recruitment agency transforming leadership and inspiring change with organisations that have a social purpose. We focus on long-term, deep-rooted relationships that bring added value by building long-term, deep-rooted relationships. We challenge the status quo about what makes good leadership, spending our time recruiting executive and non-executive leaders, whilst working with boards to become more effective across education, fundraising and third sector recruitment.
Assured Partners are UK insurance brokers and risk‑management specialists who support SEN schools and colleges by helping them identify, reduce, and manage operational risks. They provide tailored insurance cover, guidance on safeguarding and compliance, and practical advice to strengthen resilience. Their expertise helps SEN settings protect staff, learners, and resources while maintaining continuity and confidence in day‑to‑day operations.
Arcadis is the world’s leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, digital and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. We are more than 36,000 architects, data analysts, designers, engineers, project planners, water management and sustainability experts, all driven by our passion for improving quality of life.
HeX is a service-led digital agency that focuses on what matters to you, improving your services so they work better for your organisation and your audiences. Every website we create is fully accessible by default, with coding that supports assistive technologies such as screen readers and voice control, ensuring inclusive access for disabled users. Based in Nottingham, we design and build bespoke, accessible websites for organisations of all sizes, helping them achieve their digital goals.
Ruskin Mill Trust is a long-standing registered charity. For over 40 years we have provided a unique research-led approach to education and care for children, young people and adults across England, Wales and Scotland.
At VWV, through our expert team of lawyers and the partnerships we build, we put our clients at the forefront. Providing connected teams invested in client success, providing fresh perspectives to complex challenges enabling our clients to make clear and confident decisions. We are not just responding to today’s legal challenges. We are anticipating tomorrow’s needs. And this is what makes us different.
BeechBand Ltd is a pioneering wellness company focused on improving life for people living with chronic illness. Founded by Carl Beech, BeechBand is reshaping the wellness landscape through bold ideas, innovative thinking, and community-led solutions. Our mission is to create meaningful, accessible relief for millions. Beyond products, our social channels are vibrant spaces where people connect, find inspiration, and share real journeys of resilience, hope, and transformation.
PLMR is a top 50 UK communications agency according to PR Week, with an 80-strong team drawn from the top tiers of politics, media, industry, the civil service and charity sector. We work across health and social care, energy and sustainability, and have a market-leading education and skills practice. Based in Westminster with offices across the UK, we are award-winning, B Corp certified and committed to making a positive, sustainable difference for clients, people and society.
OM Interactive (OMi) is a UK-based specialist in interactive sensory technology for the SEND sector. Our award-winning Mobii system uses immersive projection and motion-responsive activities to enhance engagement, communication and physical development. Used in specialist schools nationwide, OMi systems promote independence, emotional regulation and meaningful participation. Backed by research and shaped by educators, we empower learners of all abilities to thrive through inclusive, interactive experiences.
Smart, ambitious and entrepreneurial, MHA is the professional services partner for your growth-focused business. We’re more than a firm of bright and experienced accountants, tax, audit and business advice specialists. We’re confident and forward-thinking – much like the clients we work with. The UK member of Baker Tilly International, we access knowledge, insight and support for our clients far beyond Britain’s borders. Thinking globally and acting locally? It’s second nature to us.
PIB Insurance Brokers have been working with clients in the special education needs sector since 1976. Having extensive experience in the SEN insurance market allows us to understand the common risks that our clients face and to design innovative solutions to help mitigate and transfer these risks. Providing market leading premium rates to our clients. We look forward to catching up with our current clients and potential new clients at this years conference!
The Sensory Pod is an affordable, calming and relaxing space for both Children & Adults. Typically used in special needs AND mainstream schools, Universities, Hospitals, Libraries and airports, as well as family homes. The space is fun, relaxing and appealing to any child, or adult, to spend any length of time. It is already being used successfully in Special Needs environments and Universities, seeking an Autism Friendly Environment.
Nimbus Disability is an award-winning Social Enterprise, run by and for disabled people. We developed the Access Card, a universal “disability passport” that translates your specific access requirements into easy-to-understand symbols. Recognised by thousands of venues and ticketing systems across the UK and beyond, the card streamlines the booking process. It allows users to discreetly communicate their needs, such as essential companion access or queue jump, without repeatedly sharing private medical or sensitive health information.
We are includED is a trading subsidiary of Homefield College, delivering specialist services that reflect Homefield’s standards, expertise and values in proactive behaviour strategies.
Kloodle is a purpose-built EHCP outcome tracking and RARPA evidence platform for specialist SEND provision. Used by Natspec colleges, independent SEND schools, and alternative provision settings, Kloodle reduces RARPA evidence collection from hours to seconds and generates personalised learning targets from EHCPs in minutes. Recently highlighted as a strength during an Ofsted inspection, Kloodle helps providers deliver inspection-ready evidence while giving teachers their time back.
CENTURY is an online teaching and learning tool. Using AI and the latest research in learning science and neuroscience, it creates constantly adapting personalised pathways for students and powerful intervention data for teachers. CENTURY stretches and supports every student – instantly addressing gaps in knowledge, remedying misconceptions and providing resources for teacher-led interventions.
National Star Training empowers organisations to create inclusive cultures through high-quality Disability Awareness training. Led by specialists with lived experience, our programmes offer practical insight that goes beyond traditional sessions. We challenge assumptions, spark conversations and equip teams with the confidence to support disabled and neurodivergent colleagues, customers and service users. With flexible, tailored delivery, we help organisations strengthen equality practice, improve compliance and implement strategies that remove barriers and enable everyone to thrive.
Positive Behaviour Support Lead, Orchard Hill College
Sam is an experienced behaviour analyst and the clinical lead for PBS at Orchard Hill College, delivering organisation-wide PBS across social care and education. experienced in. As a member of the college’s integrated services team, he supports system-wide PBS implementation and student specific support focusing on quality-of-life outcomes, reducing of behaviours of concern, skills teaching and minimising the use of restrictive practices.
Positive Behaviour Support Specialist, David Lewis
Natasha Conlon is a qualified Positive Behaviour Support and Trauma Informed Practitioner with nearly 20 years of experience working with people with learning disabilities and autism. She believes passionately in the power of empathic, attuned, caring relationships to transform the lives of children and young people. Underpinning all her work is her interest in the psychology and neuroscience of attachment. She offers real-life strategies from her own experience and evidenced based practice to make a difference in the lives of the young people she works with. Natasha has been instrumental in supporting David Lewis in developing inclusive practice and meeting the needs of vulnerable
learners.
Toby Connick is Head of Inclusive Careers at Talentino, a leading organisation in SEND and careers education. He works nationally with special schools, specialist and general FE colleges, local authorities and employers to design careers programmes that lead to meaningful post-16 and post-18 destinations. His work focuses on building realistic, inclusive pathways into work that develops confidence, skills, and independence in the final phase of education. Toby delivers sessions that are grounded in real practice and a clear focus on what success looks like beyond college and into adult life.
Sylvan originally studied law and worked in welfare rights and student support before training as a teacher. With over 20 years’ experience of working in the education he joined the academy in 2017 having previously worked in the London Boroughs of Haringey and Hackney. As a dyslexic person who struggled at school Sylvan is passionate about inclusive education and ensuring that every young person is given the support they need to achieve their potential. “Our aim is to know and grow every learner, to empower them to achieve their full potential!”
Sylvan has successfully led and developed services that have won national awards including, whilst at Hackney Community College the Queens Anniversary Prize in 2011, Education and Training Category, for enabling people with mental health needs to gain education and employment skills, TES award 2016, contribution to the local community, highly commended. In addition, he has been involved in European Social Funded projects on reducing Youth violence and national working groups on Reducing NEETs and improving Healthy eating in the sector.
Sylvan joined the Deaf Academy in 2017 as Head of Safeguarding and then later became Principal in 2020. Sylvan has BSL level 2 and teaches as part of the college provision at the Academy.
Director of Education and Principal, Newfriars College
With over 25 years of experience in special education, Tracy serves as the Director of Education and Principal at Newfriars College and is the Vice Chair of Natspec’s Board. She holds a master’s degree in special education needs and inclusion, dedicating her career to advancing specialist further education. Tracy brings a wealth of expertise in quality improvement, frequently collaborating with other providers to conduct a variety of quality assurance activities across specialist and general further education colleges, as well as training providers. Her extensive experience includes working with young people with SEND, particularly those with communication difficulties, autism, profound and multiple learning difficulties, sensory impairments, and complex needs.
Dawn Green is Chair of Governors at Portland Charity where she takes a keen interest in the oversight of quality, curriculum and standards and the learner/citizen experience in both education and care. Previously Dawn’s governance responsibilities included Vice Chair, Lead Safeguarding Governor and Chair of the Oversight of Standards Group at Portland. Dawn has also been Chair of a large secondary school and Chair of a 3 – 19 special school. Dawn is the co-opted SEND representative on the Association of Colleges National Chairs Council.
Dawn is the Director of DEG Consultancy Ltd and the Karten Network’s Development Co-ordinator based in the UK. Dawn was Natspec’s Quality Improvement Lead from 2023 – 2025, and remains involved with Natspec’s quality team. Dawn has over 30 years’ experience working in Further Education, much of this time spent in senior leadership roles in specialist FE. Dawn was Principal and CEO at Landmarks Specialist College and Vice Principal at Portland College. Dawn has always been motivated to use creative and innovative approaches to enable people with disabilities to engage optimally in all aspects of their lives.
Dawn offers consultancy services in a range of areas including supporting organisations with their quality improvement journeys, external governance reviews, governance training and development, and the implementation of management information systems.
Curriculum Manager for English and Maths, Sense College Loughborough
Jo is Curriculum Manager for English and Maths at Sense College Loughborough and has been part of the specialist further education sector since 2018. She began her teaching career in mainstream primary education before moving into specialist provision, bringing with her a strong foundation in teaching and a specialism in supporting young people with deafblindness. Since joining the college, Jo has worked as a Maths teacher and personal tutor before progressing into her current leadership role.
Jo plays a key role in shaping the college’s English and maths provision, ensuring that learners with complex needs and disabilities have access to high quality, meaningful, and ambitious learning experiences. She works closely with colleagues to develop an engaging curriculum that supports learners to build confidence, develop independence, and apply English and maths skills in real life contexts.
Myles is a specialist further education, higher education and skills consultant, supporting organisations from across the post-16 landscape with effective political engagement, thought leadership and campaigning. He has an extensive background in the higher education sector, having held senior policy and public affairs roles at membership bodies including Universities UK and HE sector agency, Advance HE, where he led national lobbying campaigns on behalf of complex organisations and an evolving sector. Myles was part of the team which delivered The Power of Specialist FE awareness week, working with colleges to secure buy-in from key political and media audiences.
Lorraine has worked in education for over 30 years, including roles in HR and governance. For the last 13 years she has worked at Condover College, mostly in the role of Quality Manager. Together, Tracy, Lorraine and the team took Condover College from ‘requires improvement’ to ‘outstanding’, with a clear plan for improvement to ensure that students and staff thrive.
Mark Morton is the Assistant Principal of Nottingham Hubs at Portland College, bringing over 25 years of experience working with children, young people, and adults with complex behavioural needs. Throughout his career, Mark has held significant leadership roles, including managing residential services for adults with Autism and overseeing large multidisciplinary teams. His leadership style focuses on coaching, supporting, and developing staff to confidently and safely navigate complex behavioural situations.
Mark is also the Designated Safeguarding Lead for Nottingham Hubs, drawing on more than 15 years of experience managing safeguarding concerns with diligence, professionalism, and a strong commitment to learner welfare. He has delivered a wide range of specialist training, including Safeguarding, BILD-accredited Positive Behaviour Support, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and Mental Capacity.
Mark has contributed to numerous successful CQC and Ofsted inspections and has played a key strategic role in Portland College’s Autism Accreditation journey for the past decade, leading the organisation to achieve Advanced Status recognition from the National Autistic Society.
Angela Newton-Soanes is the Principal of Portland College in Nottinghamshire, a leading specialist further education college dedicated to learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). With more than thirty years’ experience in the further education sector, Angela has built a reputation for driving excellence in quality improvement, curriculum development and inclusive teaching and learning. Before becoming Principal, she served as Deputy Principal at Portland College, where she led strategic initiatives to enhance learner outcomes and wellbeing.
Angela’s expertise extends beyond leadership roles; she has made significant contributions to governance as Chair of the Standards Committee at a General FE Nottinghamshire College, Chair of an alternative provision for under 16s, applying her deep understanding of SEND and quality assurance to strengthen accountability and performance. She has actively shaped sector-wide best practice through her work with Natspec, including publishing articles on curriculum innovation and quality improvement. Angela also engages in Ofsted-related dialogue to ensure alignment with inspection frameworks and continuous improvement.
Satveer is dedicated to reducing stigma related to self-harm behaviours by building confidence and knowledge in a relatable way. She began her journey in 2006 with the Royal College of Psychiatrists helping implement the NICE guidelines on self-harm and found her passion in training delivery. She has delivered training sessions to healthcare, education, corporate and public sector organisations, collaborating with NHS trusts and councils across the UK, making what can be a difficult topic accessible while providing transferable knowledge and skills.
A key member of PLMR’s Education Practice, Bella provides strategic communications support that helps strengthen the profiles and shift the perceptions of organisations with key decision-makers. This includes leading the strategic design and execution of national campaigns, securing multi-million-pound Government contracts and enabling organisations to achieve their objectives. Bella was part of the team which delivered The Power of Specialist FE awareness week, advising on the campaign’s messaging and ensuring this resonated as impactfully with local and national policymakers as possible.
Adam works at Bridge College as Assistant Principal, with responsibility for overseeing the college curriculum and leading on business development. He brings experience of working within Special Educational Needs (SEN) across both school and college sectors, with a strong track record of developing an inclusive, ambitious curriculum that meet the diverse needs of learners. Throughout his career, Adam has played a key role in curriculum development, including designing and expanding subject offers, building new external partnerships, and establishing links with employers, training providers, and community organisations to enhance progression opportunities for students. He has successfully led the development of enrichment programmes that broaden learners’ experiences, raise aspiration, and improve both the breadth and quality of provision available.
“I am passionate about ensuring every student has the opportunity to work towards their own aspirations. Seeing our learners succeed in ways that are meaningful to them, and knowing that their college journey has played a part in achieving their personal goals, is something I take great pride in.”
Jane is an experienced coach, trainer and facilitator. She delivers training for the Natspec Transform service and coaches on its SEND Leadership Programme. Formally Deputy Head of Learning in Foundation Programmes at Chichester College, Jane has been involved with SEND in further education for over 20 years.
Shikara has over 20 years’ experience working in Special Educational Needs (SEN) and is a member of the Senior Leadership Team at Orchard Hill College, leading the therapy, nursing, and assessment services. A strategic and values-driven leader, Shikara has extensive experience in service development, embedding best practice, and leading sustainable change. She is passionate about strong clinical governance, effective change management, and delivering integrated, high-quality services that create meaningful impact for young adults, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
Cath is Assistant Principal at Sense College Loughborough and has worked in specialist further education since 1989. With a background in teaching and a specialism in supporting adults with autism, she has held a variety of roles across the education team, including teacher and tutor, before moving into leadership. Cath now oversees the college’s education provision, with a particular focus on ensuring that learners with complex needs experience high quality, meaningful, and ambitious learning.
She leads on curriculum development across the college, working closely with colleagues to refine teaching practice and maintain a strong focus on quality. Cath is especially passionate about creating engaging English and maths learning opportunities that help students build confidence, develop independence, and apply essential skills in real life contexts.
John has been supporting people to use Assistive Technology for more than a decade. With an academic background in Computing, John has diverse experience across the charity, social care and education sectors. Previous job roles have included installing and maintaining AT solutions in Supported Living environments; project work advocating for the use of AT and digital technologies at an organisational level for a national charity; and working in a University as a Disability Adviser.
John currently works as an Assistive Technologist at Activate CES, a specialist independent college based in Kirkby, Liverpool. He is responsible for the ongoing support of AT and AAC users at the college, working with staff and students in 1:1 and group settings to assess and develop their independence and communication skills. John has a keen interest in switch-adapted technology and accessibility in video gaming.
Clare Sefton has been the Principal of Royal College Manchester, part of the Seashell Trust, since July 2019 and brings over 18 years of experience working with children and young adults across care, education, and community settings. Her career has included supporting young people with learning disabilities and those with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs who are at risk of becoming NEET or entering the criminal justice system. Clare began her teaching career in 2006 and later discovered a deep passion for working with young adults with SEND. She is committed to empowering learners to become advocates for their own lives, ensuring they have the confidence, skills, and opportunities to achieve their best possible outcomes. Driven by a strong belief that every young person deserves high quality education and care, Clare embeds this ethos firmly into her practice, leadership, and daily work.
Kelly Swindells is Principal of Valley College and took up the post in September 2024, having previously been Head of Tor View Further Education and Valley College from 2021. Kelly was employed by Tor View School in 2016 as Assistant Headteacher of the Secondary Department and then in 2018 successfully promoted to Deputy Headteacher with responsibility for Curriculum and Quality until 2021.
Previous to working at Tor View School, Kelly was Head of Primary at Astley Park Special School which is where she began her career as a teacher in 2010. Kelly has experience across all age ranges from 2-25 years and is a Specialist Leader in Education (SLE), SEND Reviewer and Pupil Premium Reviewer.
Kelly is currently studying on the NPQEL after successfully achieving NPQH in 2022. Kelly has experience delivering on National Professional Qualifications and Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Programme.
Deputy Head of Integrated Services, Orchard Hill College
Susan is an experienced senior clinical leader with experience of delivering and directing integrated services for young adults with learning disabilities across NHS, SEN, and multi-agency settings. She brings a robust blend of clinical expertise, operational leadership, and strategic service development, with specialist knowledge in postural assessment, manual handling, and specialist seating. Susan has a keen interest in service transformation, workforce development, quality assurance, and auditing, embedding best practice through coaching and collaborative leadership. A strong advocate for integrated working across health, education, and social care, she is focused on driving joined-up pathways and meaningful, outcome-focused impact for young people and their families.
David is an architect with over 40 years’ experience in the construction industry. His career has spanned five decades, covering a huge variety of building projects, with a special focus on the conservation and restoration of historic buildings. After some time working as a project architect in private practice, David set up his own practice in December 2000 and following a merger in 2012, the practice began work on a project for Seashell Trust to replace an outdated dormitory block with state of the art, accessible student houses. David took over the Seashell account in 2016 and spent several years delivering minor projects whilst working with the Trust Leadership Team to devise a long-term masterplan for the redevelopment of its campus to meet the complex and diverse needs of its current cohort. David’s passion for design and his commitment to deliver the best possible facilities for students and staff at Seashell led to him being offered the role of Transformation Project Design Lead to help the Trust deliver its Masterplan.
Christina is a Senior Policy Officer for Natspec, shaping specialist FE policy across Wales and England. She is responsible for stakeholder engagement, developing strong partnerships with English and Welsh Government, local authorities and sector bodies. She prepares consultation responses and undertakes policy analysis and research to support Natspec’s work.
Christina has worked in the education and non-profit sector for over eight years, beginning her career as a primary school teacher before moving into policy and practice roles. Before joining Natspec, Christina worked at the Council for Disabled Children, where she led SEND education programmes from early years to post-16.
Franki has worked in the SEND sector for many years with a specialist interest in working with those with autism and a label of profound and complex needs. Franki works with leaders and educational providers to improve the quality of education, including coaching to individuals and teams.
Zoe Wright is a highly experienced education professional with over 15 years of expertise in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Zoe is dedicated to ensuring the best educational and care outcomes for young people and possesses a robust skill set to enhance organisational practices. As a qualified Trauma-Informed Practitioner and the Head of an Independent Specialist College, Zoe possesses extensive knowledge in supporting the delivery of trauma-informed practices. This expertise is instrumental in cultivating a culture of safety and support for everyone who studies and works at the college.
