Benedicte Symcox
I have three children with complex additional needs who are now entering the adult world. They have taught me that life is far more than “just” school or the traditional definitions of success.
In learning to advocate for them, I then discovered parent carer forums and worked for Family Voice Surrey as a volunteer, trustee and finally CEO, which has given me a unique insight to the systems that exist to support children with additional needs.
My biggest lesson has been to find moments of joy and remember that first and foremost, we are a family. Disability is a big part of life, but if we don’t put it second, we get swallowed up by the “dis”!
Past Experience
CEO, Family Voice Surrey
(2019 – 2022)
I had the privilege of leading Surrey’s parent carer forum. In this time, I focussed on building effective partnerships with local authority and health partners as well as working closely with third sector organisations.
Trustee, Family Voice Surrey
(2017 – 2019)
Volunteer, Family Voice Surrey
(2013 – 2017)
Working as a parent carer representative, I sat in varied meetings with local authority and health partners. Areas of work included Speech & Language provision, SEND transport, social care, EHCP development, Children’s Community Health specifications and much more.
Music teacher, St Philomena’s School
(1995-1998)
PGCE, Institute of Education
(1994-1995)
BMus, Surrey University
(1991-1994)
Tugboat SEND Navigation 