Paul Freeman-Powell

Advisory Board Member @SWRAC

As an Advisory Board Member at South West Regional Assessment Centre (SWRAC), I contribute to the strategic leadership, governance and oversight of an organisation dedicated to supporting young adults aged 16–25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), as well as learners aged 16–18 requiring an alternative to mainstream education.SWRAC’s mission is to recognise potential in every learner, providing real-life and relevant educational programmes that prepare young people for employment, further education and independent adult life. Our values — ethical, open, supportive, caring, encouraging and genuine — resonate deeply with my own commitment to inclusion and opportunity.In this role, I work alongside senior leaders and fellow board members to:• Provide clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction• Hold leaders to account for educational performance and safeguarding• Oversee financial probity, risk management and compliance• Ensure the voices of learners, parents, staff and employers are heard• Contribute to the development of policies and strategies that help every learner thriveMy perspective as a parent of children with SEND gives me first-hand understanding of the challenges faced by families and young people navigating education. I combine this lived experience with professional skills in business leadership, governance and communication to support SWRAC’s vision and long-term impact.I bring to the Advisory Board over 15 years of commercial leadership as Managing Director of Innobella Media, as well as prior senior roles in the telecoms sector. My background in media production and digital communication also enables me to champion effective engagement with stakeholders and the wider community.I am proud to contribute to SWRAC’s mission and to play a part in shaping an inclusive, supportive and ambitious environment where every young person is given the chance to be the best they can be.