Courses

Lesley Rudge, Head of Service (Send), Rochdale Borough Council

Lesley Rudge

With over 25 years of experience in Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND), Lesley Rudge has held various roles within local authorities and educational settings. Her journey began as a SENCo in a Children’s Centre, where she developed a passion for supporting children with SEND. Transitioning into roles such as Statutory Assessment Officer and Quality Assurance Manager, Lesley gained a deep understanding of SEND legislation and policies. The role at SEND Project Lead for Greater Manchester Combined Authority gave experience of the delivery of SEND services in a number of Local Authority areas. In her current role as Head of Service (SEND) at Rochdale BC, Lesley leads the delivery of SEND services and strategies, overseeing projects to innovate service delivery while managing budget pressures. Throughout her career, Lesley has emphasised stakeholder engagement and lived experience collaboration, prioritising transparency and accountability in improving SEND provision.

Virtual Meeting via Zoom