Frances Akinde
Chief Inclusion & Allyship Officer
Inclusive – Insightful – Trailblazing
About Frances
Frances Akinde is a qualified SENCO, former headteacher of a specialist secondary school for autistic learners, and an experienced SEND inspector and advisor. With over 20 years in education, she has worked across primary, secondary, special/alternative provision, and local authority settings. Her roles have included subject teacher, SLCN advisory teacher, and anti-racist schools coach. A proud neurodivergent educator with a hearing impairment, Frances draws on her lived experience to champion inclusion, allyship, and accessibility in education and the workplace.
She is the author of Be an Ally, Not a Bystander and co-founder of the BAMEed SEND Hub. Frances is also an Assistive Technology Trainer and certified Workplace Adjustments Assessor, helping organisations create inclusive environments through practical support. A passionate speaker and trainer, she offers consultancy, CPD, and student workshops rooted in empathy, action, and systemic change. Her mission is to transform educational culture through equity and authentic allyship.
"Inclusion isn’t a box to tick — it’s a culture to build, and it starts with listening to lived experience."
Current Roles
- Educational Consultant for the Church of England
- Trustee - BAMEed Network
- Adviser and Inspector for SEND - Hampshire Country Council
- Expert at National College
Key Achievements
- Co-founder of the BAMEed SEND Hub, tackling racial inequity in special education nationwide.
- Author of "Be an Ally, Not a Bystander", inspiring educators to lead with empathy and action.
- Former Headteacher of a specialist autism school, transforming outcomes through inclusive leadership.
- Certified Workplace Needs Assessor & Assistive Tech Trainer, helping organisations build truly accessible environments.
- Sought-after speaker & anti-racist coach, blending lived experience with systemic insight to shift educational culture.
Personal Projects
BAMEed Network
A grassroots charity aimed at ensuring our diverse communities are represented as a substantive part of the education workforce for teachers and leaders in education.
Learn More