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RCSLT Scotland newsletter |
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The latest developments from RCSLT Scotland |
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Dear [#First name#&=member],
I’m pleased to share our next newsletter with you. I can’t believe it is almost December!
The most significant event that occurred since our last newsletter was that I gave verbal evidence at the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry. This has been a year in the planning. I wouldn’t describe it as pleasure, although not terrible either, but it was an honour to represent the profession in this way. I hope I represented you and the people you serve well.
Looking ahead to the 2026 Scottish elections, all political parties are drafting their manifestos. This is a key influencing opportunity, and we will ensure the priorities of SLT and people with communication and swallowing needs are front and centre. We will use the information provided by you to develop key asks and cover children, adults and adults with learning disabilities.
It was fantastic to have three SLTs shortlisted for the Scottish Health Awards 2024! More on that below. Also, please consider applying for our minor grant scheme of up to £800 that closes on 18th February.
Take care and I hope you all have a lovely Christmas when it comes.
Glenn Carter Head of RCSLT Scotland |
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Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry
Glenn had the privilege of giving evidence at the Scottish COVID Inquiry during hearings focused on education.
He was examined by lead council to the Inquiry, Laura-Anne van der Westhuizen KC, overseen by Lord Brailsford, the chair of the inquiry and a judge of the supreme courts. He highlighted the vital role of speech and language therapy during the pandemic, for those with communication and swallowing needs.
In his 75-minute session, Glenn addressed speech and language therapy service delivery and the pandemic’s impact on children’s communication, outcomes, and waiting times. He emphasised key learnings about PPE, maintaining SLT services, and the critical role of communication in learning, mental health, and future life outcomes. Glenn also stressed the need for better support and resources to ensure everyone in Scotland can access the services they need.
You can watch the evidence here. |
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Visit with MSP Foysol Choudhury
Glenn and MSP Foysol Choudhury visited the excellent adult speech & language therapy service at NHS Lothian.
They met with two people with acquired communication difficulties and spoke about how SLTs prevent hospital admissions and support stroke & mental health patients.
Visits with MSPs are particularly important because building advocates for the profession at a political level is critical for influencing and helps get the message out about the importance of speech and language therapy. |
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VoiceBox 2025
We are pleased to announce that VoiceBox will be returning in 2025!
VoiceBox 2024 proved to be a highly effective tool for raising awareness of communication needs and the role of speech and language therapy both locally and nationally. It has led to a number of MSP visits both for children and adult services.
We are delighted to say we have 27 SLT VoiceBox Ambassadors signed up and are looking forward to launch VoiceBox 2025 on 20th January across Scotland to, ‘Spread joy on Blue Monday.’ More to follow! |
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Scotland Health Awards 2024
A huge congratulations to the three speech and language therapists short-listed for the Scottish Health Awards 2024!
Susan Bannatyne (NHS Forth Valley) and Deborah Little (NHS D&G) were shortlisted for the Allied Health Professional Award at Scotland's Health Awards 2024! This is well-deserved recognition for your incredible dedication and impactful work.
Sarah McBride, SLT for NHS Tayside was shortlisted for the Young Achiever Award. She hopes the recognition will highlight the critical role of SLTs in CAMHS and raise awareness of communication needs among young people in mental health services. Well done, Sarah!
Pictured left to right: Sarah McBride, Deborah Little, Susan Bannatyne |
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New Guidance on Neurodivergence in the Workplace Published
We have published new online guidance aimed at supporting neurodivergent SLTs, students, apprentices, and assistants.
Written by neurodivergent speech and language therapists, the guidance focuses on how all SLTs can be allies and support neurodivergent SLTs in the workforce, with the aim of promoting inclusion and belonging, improving workforce retention and recognising the strengths and lived experience of the neurodivergent workforce.
Neurodivergence in the workplace | RCSLT
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Minor Grants
The next deadline to apply for a minor grant is Tuesday 18 February 2025.
RCSLT minor grants of up to £800 are awarded, according to merit, to applicants seeking to benefit the profession of speech and language therapy and to enhance their own professional development.
The aims of the RCSLT minor grant are to assist SLTs in continuing professional development by awarding grants for the purposes of: • Presentations and/or attendance at conferences and professional gatherings • Certain specialised training, particularly short courses • Research into speech and language therapy (you will need to identify what CPD and learning you/the profession will gain from this) • The purchase of specified equipment and/or books (normally to a maximum of £100)
For more information click here. |
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Named Persons The Scottish Government has published a guide to named persons and rights under mental health law. Find out more here.
Adults with incapacity Amendment Act Thanks very much to all our members who provided such valuable insights on this important topic and helped us compile our consultation response.
Developing Manifesto asks RCSLT Scotland is actively working on our influencing strategy in the lead up to the 2026 Scottish election. We have gathered together key priorities from members across Scotland and so far, have sensed checked them with the children and young people’s SLT leads and the and Adult SLT leads. We will share our ideas soon and explain the reasoning behind them. |
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Eating, Drinking and Swallowing guidance and competency framework consultation now open
We are pleased to announce that the consultation for the new Eating, Drinking and Swallowing, guidance and framework is open. The RCSLT are updating their guidance and competency framework on eating, drinking and swallowing. We would greatly value your review of these documents and feedback via the survey.
The closing date is 4th December 2024. Further information is available on the project page. |
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Seeking participants for new Supervision Learning Project
RCSLT are recruiting for our next learning project. We're creating some resources on supervision - as a supervisor, and as a supervisee. If you're interested in finding out more or applying, click here for further details.
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RCSLT Student to NQP learning day 2024
The RCSLT Student to NQP Learning Day (previously known as RCSLT National Student Study Day) will take place Thursday 5 December 2024.
Join our virtual Student Day event aimed at penultimate and final years to help with job applications, interviews and getting to grips with what’s expected as an NQP.
To register your place, click here. |
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British Aphasiology Society International Conference
The next British Aphasiology Society International Conference will take place in Dundee, Scotland from Monday 18th to Wednesday 20th August 2025. All clinicians, researchers, and aphasia community members are welcome to contribute and to attend.
This event will be a unique opportunity to: • Discuss and shape the future of our aphasia community • Share and learn about cutting-edge research and clinical practice • Forge new collaborations and strengthen existing ones
The event will be open to attend both in-person and online. Register your interest and find out more here. |
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Copyright 2024 Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists. All rights reserved. |
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