Richard has had 30 years’ experience as a special school headteacher in four schools, and has been honoured in recognition of his services to special education. He led his last school through three successive outstanding Ofsted/HMI inspections.

Richard has published widely on SEND matters and continues to work as a part-time consultant and lecturer, occasionally being invited to advise the DfE on items such as the Revised Teachers Standards and Initial Teacher Training.

Most recently, Richard served as a member of The Rochford Review and continues to be closely involved in discussions pertaining to the report’s published recommendations.