17 May 2024

 

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Laurie Rackind as Interim Chief Executive of IPSEA. Laurie began his new role on Monday 13 May.

With extensive experience leading and supporting charities, Laurie was most recently CEO of Jami, a community mental health charity providing treatment and support to adults, children, and carers.

His appointment comes at an exciting time for IPSEA, as we prepare to launch our strategy for 2024-2027. Laurie says:

“IPSEA’s work to promote, protect and uphold the rights of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is vital. In a landscape where non-compliance with the SEND legal framework is alarmingly widespread, the importance of IPSEA's mission has never been more evident.”

“As we approach a general election, we have a crucial role to play in both convening and advocating for the long overdue action necessary to enforce the existing legal rights and entitlements of children and young people with SEND. I am looking forward to working with IPSEA’s exceptional staff team and dedicated volunteers to translate our ambitious strategic plan into tangible action.”

Tony King, IPSEA’s Chair of Trustees, commented:

“We are delighted to welcome Laurie as Interim Chief Executive. His wealth of experience and proven leadership in the charitable sector make him an excellent addition to our team. The trustees look forward to working with him in pursuit of the charity’s goals.”

Laurie succeeds Ali Fiddy, who stepped down in March 2024 after more than six years of successfully leading the charity, during which time we marked a significant milestone of 40 years helping children and young people with SEND get the support and education they are entitled to under the law.

We extend a warm welcome to Laurie and look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly bring to IPSEA’s mission.