Dan Miliffe

About Me

I am a careers leader and senior education professional, and a member of the Senior Leadership Team, with over a decade of experience in specialist education. I am dedicated to careers and curriculum development, designing inclusive, ambitious pathways that enable young people to thrive in their future lives and careers. I specialise in careers leadership, employer engagement and inclusive workforce development, with a particular focus on improving outcomes for neurodivergent learners and young people with SEND.

As Head of Careers and Futures at Oakwood Specialist College, I lead the strategic development of an inclusive careers curriculum across multiple campuses. My work focuses on building meaningful progression pathways that connect curriculum, education and employment, ensuring learners are supported into sustained and fulfilling destinations.

A key aspect of my role is developing reciprocal partnerships with employers, creating opportunities that add value to both organisations and learners. This includes co-designing experiences and pathways that support workforce needs while enabling learners to develop skills, confidence and progression into employment.

My professional background spans teaching, vocational curriculum leadership, careers leadership and senior management, providing a strong strategic perspective on curriculum design, progression, workforce development and Preparing for Adulthood outcomes, with a proven track record of supporting young people into meaningful paid employment through removing barriers and building employer confidence.

I am particularly passionate about creating aspirational, accessible careers and curriculum provision tailored to the diverse strengths and needs of neurodivergent learners. My approach combines strategic leadership with purposeful collaboration, working alongside educators, employers and partners to champion inclusive practice and expand opportunity.

Alongside my leadership role, I provide training and consultancy to organisations seeking to strengthen inclusive cultures and improve practice. This includes working with businesses through consultation, targeted training and collaborative learner-led projects that build confidence in supporting neurodivergent individuals and contribute to more inclusive, effective workplaces.

My aim is to bridge the gap between education and employment by shaping systems and partnerships that move beyond intention to deliver meaningful inclusion, stronger outcomes and lasting impact.