12 January 2026

IPSEA is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Carol Long as our new Chair of Trustees and Amy Abbott as our Vice Chair of Trustees. These appointments will strengthen our leadership, helping us continue to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) get the education they are legally entitled to.

An IPSEA Trustee since 2021 and previously Acting Chair, Carol brings extensive experience across the social care sector in local government, the private sector, and national charities. Carol is a registered Social Worker; and has held a number of Executive leadership roles, including Chief Executive positions. She is an Honorary Fellow at Durham University, where her research interests are focused on family experiences of disability. Her expertise spans business planning, safeguarding, and service development, and she has served on numerous boards and committees, including those of the YMCA and NSPCC, two large north-east-based housing associations, and as Vice Chair of Governors at a large secondary school.

Commenting on her appointment, Carol reflects:

"The work of IPSEA has never been more important than now, and it is an honour to take on the role of Chair. I am excited to be continuing to work with fellow trustees and the management team as we build on and strengthen our support to families, empowering them to ensure that children and young people with SEND receive the education they are legally entitled to."

Taking on the role of Vice Chair of Trustees, Amy now builds on her contributions as a valued Board member since 2021. Alongside her passion for supporting children with SEND, she brings over 20 years of legal and leadership experience across sectors including technology, financial services and publishing. As Assistant General Counsel at Dun & Bradstreet she leads a team of lawyers across multiple jurisdictions and has a strong track record in managing change and delivering strategic improvement programmes. Amy commented:

“It’s a privilege to take on the role of Vice Chair and to support our board, staff and volunteers as we build on our shared vision. It is a critical moment for children and young people with SEND, and IPSEA’s work in protecting, promoting and upholding rights is more important than ever.”

Our Chief Executive, Madeleine Cassidy, welcomes their appointments:

“Carol and Amy are already inspirational members of our Board. Carol has shown exceptional leadership as Acting Chair, and we are delighted Amy is now stepping into the Vice Chair role. Together, they’ll provide strong Board leadership and real drive and will provide strategic insight and a deep understanding of IPSEA that comes from being committed trustees. Their experience, passion and continued support will be vital as we move into our next strategic chapter, focused on protecting children’s legal rights and making sure families of children and young people with SEND get the education they need.”

Together with our team, Carol and Amy will help shape IPSEA’s vital work in helping children and young people with SEND get the education they need to reach their potential. We look forward to the continued progress IPSEA will make under their leadership.

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