Last updated:
10th March 2026
How health leaders support children with SEND
Understanding the role of 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 covers Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West. It is known as the 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
The Designated Clinical Officer (DCO) works with local health services and Wokingham Borough Council. 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
