Module 1 – Designated Medical Officer/Clinical Officer Resources

What’s included:

This module provides links to the CDC resources available which are designed to support DMOs and DCOs, and to develop a shared understandings about the role and their importance in implementing the SEND reforms.

These key resources include the following:

• DMO/DCO forum – to share peer learning, best practice and engage in problem-solving.
• DMO/DCO handbook – this contains the key information all ICB Board Executive leads, and senior leaders need to know about the critical role Designated Clinical Officers (DCOs) for SEND play in supporting ICBs to fulfil their statutory requirements for children and young people aged 0-25 with SEND.
• Case studies – Insightful case studies of Designated Clinical Officers in three separate areas within England, designed to illustrate what the role entails
• DCO – Local Area Reflections and Learning – contains 4 DCO interviews sharing insights for anyone wanting to learn more about the impact a DCO has on the SEND system
• SEND Quality Improvement (QI) Framework and (QI) tool – the aim of the SEND QI Framework is to support local health systems to have a person-centred approach to quality improvement, with an agreed definition of quality, best understood and experienced through an individual learning lens. The QI tool helps to capture the self-assessment/rating and action planning against the 8 framework areas.
• DCO/DMO CPD tool – This tool can support induction through a preceptorship type model that can offer the structured support needed to successfully convert knowledge into everyday practice, and gain confidence. For DCO/DMOs already in post the CPD tool provides a framework to aid reflection and consider any potential gaps in knowledge and skills at the beginning, at mid-point and after 6 months and beyond.
• Film: the Designated Medical Officer / Designated Clinical Officer for SEND role in 2019 – Three interviews in which DMO/DCOs discuss their role and responsibilities, day-to-day work, the contribution that they make, and the key challenges faced in their roles.