Frances Akinde has served as headteacher of Rivermead School, the secondary special school of Rivermead Inclusive Trust in Medway, Kent, for learners aged 11 to 19 with autism. A qualified SENCO who began as an advisory teacher for special educational needs and speech, language and communication needs, she has also worked as a SEND inspector and adviser, and is the author of Be An Ally, Not a Bystander (2024).