"Growing up autistic, trying to navigate the complex social dynamics of state education in the early days of the Equality Act and Children & Families Act, my time at school was rocky at best! Some of the things I saw and were subjected to stick with me, even to this day. Thankfully, the system has come a long way since my time, and I have worked tirelessly to get to this position - where I can do my best to make sure no child with SEND is ever left without a voice, and is given every tool they need to reach their fullest potential in life" - Reece, Founder & Director at Aureum Advocacy.

Educational History:

Reece’s educational journey through the state school system was, in his own words, “rocky at best”. Undiagnosed as autistic at the time, Reece now recognises the challenges he both posed and faced to the system, a system that was in the burgeoning days of brand-new statutory changes. The subject of a Tribunal himself during this time, it was learning how a Barrister first advocated for the Local Authority with such gusto that first put Reece on the path of advocacy and instilled in him a long-lasting passion for SEND. He dreamed of becoming a Barrister, with a specialism in SEND. Because of that dream, Reece tailored his educational journey towards this goal, passing his A-levels in the subjects of Law, Psychology and English Language. Following this, Reece chose to go to university in Bristol, eventually graduating in 2022 with an honours LL.B – an undergraduate degree in Law. 

In furtherance of his education, Reece began to undertake a post-graduate qualification with the Bar Practice Course. Sadly, despite completing all teaching modules and successfully passing two assessments, some ill-timed health issues prevented Reece from taking the full Bar exams, a twist of fate that he describes as “cruel”.

Although Reece is not the lawyer he once dreamed of becoming, his talent and zeal for advocacy have guided him here, where in his capacity as a Lay Advocate he established Aureum Advocacy’s vision in line with his own – that a gold standard of advocacy should be the only standard of advocacy.

"Having health problems to the degree I did, at the final hurdle of a journey that was a dream since I was young - it's easy to think of it as cruel. Perhaps it is. But life has a habit of throwing curveballs at all of us. It isn't what pegs us back that defines us, it's how we overcome those challenges. I might not be the Barrister I dreamed of being, but as a Lay Advocate I know I can, and will, use my skills to affect positive change for children and young people with SEND" 

Professional Experience: 

Immediately following the completion of his degree, Reece took a position within the SEN Tribunals team of a London based council. Working hands on compiling evidence, keeping meticulous logs of communication and preparing bundles, Reece was able to develop a deep understanding of every aspect of SENDIST tribunals. He worked closely with the council's advocates, helping them in various administrative capacities, including the creation of draft and template responses. Even though Reece ultimately ended up taking another role within the same council's Local Offer team, he never forgot his roots in the Tribunals team, volunteering to return and cover the role again when a colleague was off with an extended illness.

In the over two years Reece spent at this council, he was fortunate enough to experience multiple different aspects of the SEN department, broadening and solidifying his knowledge base at every step. From acting as an assistant case officer, to Local Offer Communications Co-Ordinator, Reece will bring his unique understanding of the Local Authority side of SEND appeals to help advocate for you, and drive collaborative working forward on your behalf. 

Following the conclusion of his contract with the Local Authority, Reece poured his energy into studying for the Bar Practice Course. However, when some health issues prevented him from being able to take the Bar exams, Reece instead sought a way to use his skills and knowledge. Contracting with a London based private company on an ad hoc basis, Reece took immense pride in assisting families with their SEND appeal journeys. This pride led Reece to taking a big step - founding his own Lay Advocacy service here, at Aureum Advocacy, to continue providing the highest quality of SEND representation to those in need!