Meet Imogen: Wirral’s Designated Clinical Officer for SEND

Imogen Jones has assumed the role of Designated Clinical Officer (DCO) for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Imogen, is a registered nurse with a background in safeguarding and child protection, brings a wealth of experience to this position.

As a dedicated professional with a focus on children, young people, and their families, Imogen has been actively involved in the field since 2016.

“I am very passionate about Children and Young People’s health and social outcomes, their opportunities and helping improve and change systems to support Children, Young people, and their Families. I enjoy working with communities and like to get out and about to meet people within their communities and safe spaces.”

The Designated Clinical Officer Role for SEND encompasses three main areas: Oversight, Coordination, and Strategic.

Oversight: across all health professionals delivering healthcare to individual disabled children, young people and those with special educational needs. The DCO works in partnership and co-production to ensure the understanding of SEND; supporting with signposting to appropriate professionals/services; and networking with the wider system, including the voluntary sector. 

Coordination: supporting providers in relation to responsibilities and accountability relating to SEND, such as health information shared on the Local Offer, processes regarding the health element of Education, Health and Care plans (EHCP), complex case management, Early Notification of children with SEN/possible SEN to the LA, and many other groups such as Children & Young People’s Continuing Care and the transition of young people with SEND to adulthood.

Strategic: contributing to the various SEND boards and groups, including SEND partnership, SEND joint commissioning and SEND health performance and compliance. The identification of gaps in provision are escalated to appropriate NHS Place.

For more information on the Designated Clinical Officer role, interested parties can refer to the Designated Medical Officer / Designated Clinical Officer resources available at councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk.

Individuals seeking to connect with Imogen Jones can reach her via email at imogen.jones@cheshireandmerseyside.nhs.uk.