Designated Clinical Officer (DCO) – Local Area Reflections and Learning

These Designated Clinical Officer (DCO) Local Area Reflections and Learning resources are based on four interviews with DCOs from different areas within England to understand their role, commissioned by NHS England. 

They outline what the DCO role entails and highlights the impact the DCO role has on the SEND system, specifically:

• Children, young people and families
• Multi-agency working
• Joint commissioning
• Quality assurance
• Influence and interaction with local authorities and health leadership
• System level impact

They are an insightful resource for anyone wanting to learn more about the DCO role.

CDC would like to thank the four DCOs that took part for sharing their experiences to inform these resources.