Director of Professional Development and Innovation

Rcslt; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading professional organization is seeking a Director of Professional Development and Innovation. This role involves providing strategic leadership and input for enhancing the professional development of Speech and Language Therapists. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in health or education, combined with excellent communication and management skills. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Excellent staff training and development opportunities

Life insurance cover

Cycle to work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Strong background in health, social care, or education.
• Experience in strategic leadership and professional development.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert professional input on development work.
• Influence and respond to key issues in professional practice.
• Lead on pre and post-registration education.

Skills

Crisis Management

Marketing

Public Relations

Fundraising

Media Relations

Team Management

Public Speaking

Strategic Planning

Social Media Management

Writing Skills

Education

Qualified Speech and Language Therapist

Job description

Overview of position

Job title : Director of Professional Development and Innovation

Salary : Circa 80000 (London based salary) or circa 75400 (non-London based salary) excellent benefits.

Hours : Full time 35 hours per week.

Location : Office based (with hybrid working) or remote working.

Contract type : Permanent contract.

Brochure : Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) are seeking an experienced and dynamic Director and Speech and Language Therapist to provide strategic leadership. This pivotal role will ensure continuity drive performance and support the Executive Team (ET) and professional development (PD) department in delivering key priorities.

Who we are

The RCSLT is the professional body for speech and language therapists across the UK. The RCSLT has over 23000 members and employs around 70 staff predominately based in a London office. The RCSLT also has offices in Belfast Edinburgh and Cardiff.

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.

The role

This role reports directly to the Chief Executive and is a member of the primary purpose is to provide senior-level professional input and strategic guidance to 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.

• Providing expert professional input as a senior SLT to guide the team on professional development work and engagement with external stakeholders. This includes working together with partners and teams to engage co-produce and consider implications of new policies and clinical evidence on members professional education and practice.
• 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.
• Acting as a strategic lead on pre and post registration education and learning as part of SLT workforce planning.
• Enabling the development and dissemination of research and evidence-based practice.
• Leading the development and delivery of professional guidance and support from a strategic perspective ensuring it meets the evolving needs of the workforce.

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.

Please see the job description brochure with more information regarding the required experience and skillset needed for this role.

What we can offer you

• 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!

How to apply

Closing date for applications : Wednesday 15 October 2025.

Please note the role may close earlier than the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of applications.

Interviews to be held in person at our London Bridge office from the week commencing 27 October 2025. Please note there will be a task / presentation as part of the interview process as well as second round interviews.

Your application should consist of :

• A full CV including the names and addresses of two referees (at least one should be from your current / most recent employer). Referees will not be approached until the final stages and not without your consent.
• 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).
• Completed applications should be submitted through our online recruitment : The successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK.

Should you wish to discuss the role in strict confidence or for more details about the role please contact Steve Jamieson CEO at

Our Commitment to Equity Diversity and Belonging (EDB)

We are committed to a fair transparent and inclusive recruitment process. All applications are handled with strict confidentiality to protect your privacy and encourage openness throughout the process.

The RCSLT is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. We aim to embed equity diversity and belonging practices throughout our recruitment and selection procedures. We strive to ensure everyone is valued equally for their contribution experience knowledge and skills. We welcome applications from candidates of all different backgrounds.

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 support 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 23000 members. Colleagues are predominantly based in the London office and others in Belfast Edinburgh and Cardiff offices.

Required Experience : Director

Key Skills

Crisis Management, Marketing, Public Relations, Fundraising, Media Relations, Constant Contact, Strategic Planning, Social Media Management, Team Management, Public Speaking, Wordpress, Writing Skills

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1