Hello my name is Shain and I am an Expert by Experience at Inclusion North
My Experience
My son is autistic and my late uncle had a learning disability. I was on the Board of Dimensions UK for 3 years representing
families’ views. I worked at the Department of Health & Social Care for 25 years on CAMHS, pandemic planning, clinical negligence and complaints. I have done more than 200 C(E)TRs.
My Skills and Knowledge
I am a good communicator. I know how to work as part of different teams and have a good understanding of Mental Health services and education, including EHCPs. We are home educating our teenager.
What is important to me
Fairness and justice. It is important to me that everyone has a voice.
Consent (in all areas) is also very important to me. I like to know what is needed from me.
What people say about me
I try to make things better for people. I am kind and funny. I am reliable, I care about people and I connect well with them.
I can understand information quickly, which people find helpful.
I enjoy
Reading, photography, old films, swimming, baking and tricky jigsaws! I am fascinated by science and I love art and literature. I
really enjoy travel and have been to more than 30 countries. I love spending time with my family and friends!
Shain Wells Expert by Experience at Inclusion North
Shain has been an Expert by Experience with Inclusion North since 2018, apart from a short period when she was on the board of Dimensions UK as a family carer representative. She has completed hundreds of C(E)TRs (Care Education and Treatment Reviews) in that time.
Previously, Shain worked for nearly 25 years for the Department of Health, leading policy on pandemic preparedness, Child and Adolescent Mental Health services for vulnerable groups, clinical negligence and other areas. She worked as a Press Officer for a year and in the Department of Health Private Office for two years, supporting the Health Minister on Mental Health and Disability issues.
For 18 months until late 2025 she was the Coordinator of a West Yorkshire CIC that supports families who have a disabled member aged 0-25. She organised speakers, worked with charities and councils, and gave families advice and support. In 2025, she completed the IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) SEND training at Levels 1, 2 and 3. She has also completed training in Eating Disorders and Autism in Children and Young People, Safeguarding, Child Protection, and the Autism Health Passport.
Over the last decade, Shain has volunteered at a local pre-school and been the pre-school Chair, and been a governor at three local schools (junior, primary and secondary), leading on SEND and Safeguarding at all three. She’s on the committee of a local short breaks charity that runs a holiday club for young people with disabilities and additional needs.
Shain and her husband home educate their autistic teenager, which is a wonderful challenge – and an education for all concerned! She’s interested in travel and has been to nearly 30 counties across the world. She loves reading, photography, Lego and jigsaws.
People who know her say she is a great communicator and good at understanding complex information quickly. She’s a team player who works well with a wide range of people and is confident challenging where appropriate.
