Last updated:
18th March 2026
How local health leaders support children with SEND
Find out about the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB) and the Designated Clinical Officer
Integrated Care Boards
Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) are NHS organisations that plan local health services. They decide how NHS money is spent and how to improve health and care in their area.
Our local ICB is the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB).
Support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
BOB ICB has a legal duty to support children and young people with SEND. An executive NHS leader is responsible for making sure these duties are met.
Designated Clinical Officer
Every ICB also has a Designated Clinical Officer (DCO). They work with local health services and local councils. Their role is to make sure the NHS meets its responsibilities in the SEND Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years.
The DCO acts on behalf of the ICB. They:
- provide clinical leadership
- make sure local health services follow legal SEND processes
- support improvements in how health services help children and young people with SEND
