Speech & Language Therapist Lead Band 7

NHS; Leatherhead; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Leatherhead seeks a skilled Speech and Language Therapy Lead. You will oversee a specialist team, delivering high-quality assessments and interventions. The role requires a degree in Speech and Language Therapy and experience in dysphagia management. Join us to make a significant impact on rehabilitation services.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Pension and life assurance

Healthcare cash back scheme

Free on-site parking

Range of training opportunities

Qualifications

• HCPC registration and membership with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy.
• Post-graduate experience in therapy for neuro-rehabilitation.
• Maintaining a professional portfolio with relevant CPD.

Responsibilities

• Lead the SLT team in delivering services at the rehabilitation centre.
• Conduct speech assessments and provide interventions.
• Supervise and mentor junior SLT staff.

Skills

Assessment of speech disorders

Collaboration with MDT

Dysphagia management

Education

Degree or diploma in Speech and Language Therapy

Job description

Overview

Join Our Team as a Speech and Language Therapy Lead. At QEF, we provide specialized speech and language services for clients with complex disabilities under the care of CRC. The role focuses on leading the Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) service in our rehabilitation centre.

Key responsibilities

• Assessing and treating language, speech, swallowing, and cognitive communication disorders.
• Offering training and guidance to colleagues, families, and carers for holistic client care.
• Collaborating with CRC's multi-disciplinary team to deliver effective SLT services.
• Leading and managing a specialist SLT team within a state-of-the-art rehabilitation centre, including supervision of band 6 and 5 SLTs, an SLT assistant and students.
• Contributing to the continued development of a high-quality SLT therapeutic service.
• Providing specialist dysphagia assessment and intervention at senior practitioner level.
• Delivering 1:1 and group SLT sessions and creating accessible communication and swallowing guidance for the wider MDT.
• Conducting mental capacity assessments independently or with other professionals as appropriate.
• Managing a key-client journey, coordinating care, liaising with families, and serving as a single point of contact for queries and discharge planning.
• Advocating for clients in reports, CHC forms, and complex DST meetings where high-quality reporting is required.
• Working closely with the wider MDT and external agencies (e.g., social workers, safeguarding, expert witnesses, lawyers) to support service delivery and clinical audits.
• Providing clinical supervision and expert advice to SLT staff and students; supporting recruitment within the SLT department.
• Leading on learning, reflective practice, and training within the SLT team and wider staff group.
• Collaborating with catering and dietitian teams to ensure high standards of catering aligned with IDDSI framework.

About you

You are passionate about speech and language therapy and align with our values and behaviours.

• Degree or diploma in Speech and Language Therapy with up-to-date HCPC registration.
• Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy and adherence to professional guidelines.
• Post-graduate experience in therapeutic interventions for physical and neuro-rehabilitation, including dysphagia, communication, and voice management.
• Maintains an up-to-date professional portfolio with relevant post-graduate courses and CPD.

About us

Step into a leadership role in our state-of-the-art 48-bed rehab unit. We are looking for a dynamic SLT Lead to join our large multi-disciplinary team and contribute to delivering high standards of patient-centered care. You will report to the Head of Clinical Services and be a key member of the senior leadership team.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service).
• Pension and Life Assurance (4 times basic salary).
• Westfield Healthcare Cash back scheme & shopping discounts.
• Free on-site parking.
• Blue Light Card.
• Range of training opportunities to support career development.

Equality and inclusion

QEF is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to disability confidence. We guarantee to interview all applicants who meet the criteria for a vacancy and to consider each applicant on their ability to do the job. Reasonable adjustments for the application process or interview can be requested via HR.

Details: Date posted 08 September 2025; Band 7; Salary £46,148 to £52,809 per year plus benefits; Contract: Permanent; Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working.

Location

Leatherhead Court, Woodlands Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 0BN

Job responsibilities (summary)

• Accountable for SLT provision to all clients within the rehabilitation centre, reporting to the Head of Clinical Services.
• Lead a specialist SLT team in a new state-of-the-art centre; supervise and develop team members and students.
• Contribute to service development, clinical governance, quality improvement projects, and clinical audits.
• Provide dysphagia and communication assessments and interventions at senior practitioner level.
• Deliver 1:1 and group SLT sessions and coordinate with the MDT.
• Conduct mental capacity assessments and manage key client journeys, including liaising with families and coordinating discharge packages.
• Recruitment and performance management within the SLT department; support wider CRC staffing remit.
• Promote learning, reflective practice, and training; collaborate with other departments and external agencies as needed.

Employer details

Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People, Leatherhead Court, Woodlands Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 0BN

Employer's website: https://qef.org.uk/