RCSLT - Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
This is the official podcast of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists - RCSLT. We were established on 6 January 1945 to promote the art and science of speech and language therapy – the care for individuals with communication, swallowing, eating and drinking difficulties. We are the professional body for speech and language therapists in the UK; providing leadership and setting professional standards. We facilitate and promote research into the field of speech and language therapy, promote better education and training of speech and language therapists and provide information for our members and the public about speech and language therapy.
RCSLT - Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
RCSLT news January 2026: looking ahead; workforce survey; and news from around the UK
In our update this month Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the RCSLT covers:
- Looking ahead – events on the horizon for 2026 including Scottish and Welsh elections, the NHSE workforce plan and other focus areas and SEND reform in England.
- RCSLT workforce survey – call for responses to help us build the evidence base on vacancies and retention: https://www.rcslt.org/news/complete-the-2026-workforce-survey/.
- First 1,000 days report including evidence from speech and language therapy https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/81/health-and-social-care-committee/news/211450/boost-infants-life-chances-with-more-family-hubs-health-visitors-and-new-vaccines-strategy-mps-tell-govt/.
- Response to Freedom from Violence and abuse strategy: https://www.rcslt.org/news/rcslt-warns-new-freedom-from-violence-and-abuse-strategy-fails-to-address-communication-barriers/
- Call to fill vacancy of the Welsh Chief Allied Health Professions Officer in the Senedd.
- Update on assisted dying from Jersey, Scotland and the UK.
- The Mental Health Act receives royal assent in England: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mental-health-bill-receives-royal-assent-revolutionising-care.
Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.
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