Dame Christine Lenehan, DBE
Christine began her career as a social worker in 1980.
In 2000 Christine joined the Council for Disabled Children, part of the National Children’s Bureau. Christine has carried out Reviews for both the DoH and DfE, both Reviews received a very positive response from Government, and implementation of their recommendations is likely to make a significant impact on practice in this area and the experiences of the children and young people affected. Most recently, Christine was a lead member for the review of safeguarding children and young people with disabilities and complex health needs in residential settings in partnership with The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel. The recommendations urge government departments to work together to transform the education, health and care offer so that disabled children and young people and those with complex health needs thrive and are supported to achieve.
In 2009 Christine was awarded an OBE for services for disabled children and young people and in 2013 was made an Honorary Fellow of the RCPCH. In 2016 she was awarded a Damehood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in recognition of her outstanding work for disabled children and young and those with special educational needs spanning over 35 years. In October 2024 she was appointed by the Government to the role of Strategic Advisor on SEND to support the Government on developing reforms to the system.