Principles of SEND Improvement Board Membership

Each Board Member needs to commit to the following, on behalf of the agency that they represent: -

  • Reading of, and agreement to abide by the Terms of Reference recognising that the purpose of the SEND Improvement Board is to facilitate positive, timely and sustainable change in service delivery so that children and young people can live happy, healthy and successful lives and their families be supported as defined within statute and the SEND Code of Practice.
  • To read the contents of all the documents that are available to each SEND Improvement Board with curiosity and scrutiny. And to prepare questions.
  • To actively listen and participate in the discussions relating to each agenda item, providing support and challenge so that each agenda item is explored in a robust and insightful way with the purpose of contributing to sustainable positive change.
  • To attend a minimum of 9 out of 12 Board meetings per year.
  • To be a Board Member for a minimum of 12 months unless there are extenuating circumstances that makes this impossible.
  • To actively follow up any actions that have been agreed within the Board meeting and in a timely manner.
  • To declare any areas of confidentiality, sensitivity or conflict of interest when asked.
  • To demonstrate a collective responsibility to collaboration and partnership working.
  • To use the seven Nolan principles of public life which include the following: -
  • Selflessness – to act solely in terms of public interest. You should not be a Board Member to gain financial or other benefits for yourself, your family or your friends.
  • Integrity - you should not place yourself under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence you in the performance of your official SEND Board duties.
  • Objectivity – in carrying out public business including making public appointments, award contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, you should make choices on merit.
  • Accountability – as a Board Member you are accountable for your decisions and actions to the public and must submit yourself to whatever scrutiny is appropriate.
  • Openness – you should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions you take. You should give reasons for your decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.
  • Honesty – you have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects public interest.
  • Leadership – you should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.
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