Walsall special needs advocate and charity co-founder honoured with MBE

Ken Upton, who co-founded the Talking SENse charity and acts as an Independent Advocate for it has been recognised for his invaluable work as part of the charity, which supports families and children with SEND.  

Mr Upton has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by King Charles in the New Year Honours List 2025 for his services to families of children with special educational needs and disabilities. 

Ken has been supporting families for over 30 years. As a parent to children with SEND himself,  Ken has been commended for the 'integral' role he has played in raising the profile of families within the House of Commons and House of Lords.

He has also been 'instrumental' in securing children’s entitlement to education as part of his work in representing parents in tribunal appeals.

The father-of-five said: “I am extremely proud and humbled to accept this award. I really love my job and the difference I can make to so many families.”

Sylvia Stanway, Volunteer Chair of the Board of Trustees at Talking SENse!, said: “It fills me with pride that Ken and Talking SENse! are getting such a well-deserved honour. I am autistic and was originally a service user. I know from our own perspective how life changing Ken’s support has been.”