How we Work

Strategic Development Group
The Strategic Development Group (SDG) is responsible for leading and planning the strategic direction of the FLSE and formulating and implementing the strategy and business plan of the organisation.  This will help us to influence and shape future Special Educational Needs and Disabilities policies and direction and to deliver real benefits and 'added value' for our members and those we work to educate and support.

The SDG is made up of a nucleus of the National Executive and the CEO.  Together they bring knowledge, experience and expertise from both special education and the commercial sector. They are responsible for formulating the future development plans for the FLSE and providing the direction, guidance and support as required by the individual regions.

National Executive
The National Executive (NatEx) is responsible for agreeing and executing the strategic development plan of the FLSE. It is the forum which engages with the regions throughout the country. It is constituted by a representative from each of the 9 English regions and elects its officers from within this group. These meetings enable debate upon the important matters of moment and the sharing and collation of news, views and opinions from around the country and they inform the agenda and strategic planning of the National Executive.

Through a range of networking activities including regular e-newsletters, forum, meetings, seminars and conferences we shall be keeping our members and the SEND community at large informed about the activities we're involved with and especially the many consultations and preliminary discussions that we are holding with various government agencies, education authorities and other professional bodies and associations.

Our aim is quite simple - to ensure that the 'collective voice' of our members is heard loud and clear, and that our message is well informed, consistent and facilitates greater co-operation, collaboration and support for all leaders involved with special education across all settings.

Regional Groups
At the heart of the FLSE is a network of groups representing the Local Government office defined regions of England.  Within a region an executive is formed of representatives from each of that region's local authorities.  The regional executive meets regularly to debate the national issues, record and evaluate local issues and conduct regional business such as conference planning. 

Regional opinions are brought to the National Executive by each region's nominated representative. A proportion of your FLSE membership fee is returned to your regional group to support local activities and developments.  In addition, regional groups may raise further funding to support their work locally.

National SEND Forum
Four times a year we hold a National SEND Forum - a key discussion forum to initiate greater collaboration between all major organisations and the leaders and practitioners of special education in order to build better services for those with special educational needs and disabilities. This forum includes representatives from the FLSE, as well as senior officers from BATOD, ENGAGE (formerly NAES), HAYS EDUCATION, NAHT, NASEN, NASS, PRUs, SSAT, and also senior representatives from the SEND Division of the DfE.