Director of Professional Development and Innovation

Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists; Camden Town; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading professional body for therapists is seeking a Director of Professional Development and Innovation. This senior leadership role involves providing expert guidance, influencing professional practice, and supporting the workforce in delivering high-quality service. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in health or education and a strong understanding of the NHS. The role offers a competitive salary and benefits including flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Competitive starting salary

Generous annual leave

Excellent training opportunities

Supportive working environment

Generous pension scheme

Life insurance cover

Season ticket loan scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Family-friendly employer

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in health, social care, or education.
• Proven track record in strategic leadership roles.
• Strong understanding of professional development needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior professional input to guide the PD team.
• Influence key issues related to professional practice.
• Lead the development of professional guidance and resources.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Strategic leadership

Knowledge of NHS

Professional development

Education

Qualified Speech and Language Therapist

Job description

Overview

Job title: Director of Professional Development and Innovation. Our mission is to improve the lives of people with communication and swallowing needs by facilitating and promoting research, producing guidance, holding events, and influencing government. We aim to promote better education and training for speech and language therapists and provide information to our members and the public about speech and language therapy.

Role

This role reports directly to the Chief Executive and is a member of the Executive Team (ET). The primary purpose is to provide senior-level professional input and strategic guidance to the PD Department. This role will also serve as a championing voice for the speech and language profession, supporting the workforce in delivering a high-quality service by providing them with excellent professional development support and opportunities.

1. Providing expert professional input as a senior SLT to guide the team on professional development work and engagement with external stakeholders. This includes working with partners and teams to engage, co-produce and consider implications of new policies and clinical evidence on members\' professional education and practice.
2. Anticipating, influencing and responding to key issues relating to professional practice using a variety of means including establishing expert working groups, holding round-table events, influencing senior policy makers and/or leading the development of new professional guidance and resources.
3. Acting as a strategic lead on pre and post registration education and learning as part of SLT workforce planning.
4. Enabling the development and dissemination of research and evidence-based practice.
5. Leading the development and delivery of professional guidance and support from a strategic perspective, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of the workforce.

Application process

1. A full CV including the names and addresses of two referees (at least one from your current/most recent employer). Referees will not be approached until the final stages and not without your consent.
2. A cover letter of no more than 2 sides of A4 detailing why you are interested in joining RCSLT as the Director of Professional Development and Innovation and how your skills and experience meet the essential criteria of the role. (Please note that for your application to be considered you need to submit both your CV and cover letter).
3. Completed applications should be submitted through our online recruitment portal Personio. Note: The successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK.

What we are looking for

We are seeking an accomplished senior leader and highly qualified Speech and Language Therapist with a strong background in health, social care, or education. As an experienced and dynamic Director, you will provide crucial strategic leadership and guidance. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding with the NHS, bring the vision and expertise to drive service and workforce transformation at both local and national levels. With excellent stakeholder management skills, you will guide the organisation through change while maintaining momentum and results. The successful candidate will also be a championing voice for the profession, supporting the workforce in delivering high-quality service.

About us

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) is the professional body for speech and language therapists (SLTs) across the UK. The RCSLT supports SLTs by providing leadership, setting professional standards, facilitating research, promoting better education and training. The RCSLT team consists of 70 staff members who offer support to over 23,000 members. Colleagues are predominantly based in the London office and others in Belfast, Edinburgh, and Cardiff offices.

Benefits

• A competitive starting salary
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Excellent staff training and development opportunities
• Supportive and flexible working environment including, hybrid working arrangements
• Generous pension scheme
• Life insurance cover
• Season ticket loan scheme
• Eye care voucher scheme
• Family friendly employer including enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and more!