RCSLT - Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Biweekly

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.

  1. 8h ago

    RCSLT news October 2026: value of outcomes data, ALN in Wales, oracy, mental health and more

    Please let us know what you think of this podcast. In our update this month we are joined by RCSLT colleagues Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs and Kathryn Moyse, Outcomes and informatics manager. We cover: RCSLT's online outcomes tool, 'the ROOT': what it is, what it does and how we can use the data to show what works.Fonagy review into mental health: https://www.rcslt.org/news/response-to-independent-review-of-mental-health-adhd-and-autism-in-england/Oracy in the curriculum.Baroness Campbell delivering a speech in the Houses of Parliament, using AAC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/c6rmy3l1mkxdoWales Additional Learning Needs agreement.AHP leadership calls: https://www.rcslt.org/news/allied-health-professionals-federation-calls-for-stronger-ahp-leadership-in-nhs-reform/FASD: https://www.rcslt.org/news/highlighting-the-speech-language-and-communication-needs-of-people-with-fasd/DLD and AHP awareness days: https://www.rcslt.org/news/marking-dld-awareness-day-2026/AI working group.Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

  2. Oct 4

    IJLCD - A systematic review of language and communication intervention research delivered in groups to older adults living in care homes

    Please let us know what you think of this podcast. In this episode we chat with Professor Lucy Dipper and Lydia Davis, two of the authors of the paper 'A systematic review of language and communication intervention research delivered in groups to older adults living in care homes' Older adults in care homes may experience reduced communication skills and fewer opportunities for interaction and this can negatively affect their wellbeing. There has been limited research looking into the benefits of group-based language and communication activities in care home settings. The authors set out to evaluate the evidence for such interventions, explore their effects on communication, language and social interaction, and identify the behavioural mechanisms that may underpin any benefits. About the authors: Professor Lucy Dipper is Professor of Clinical Linguistics at City St Georges University London University. She works in the field of Speech and Language Therapy, exploring the best ways to assess and remediate communication disorders. Lydia Davis is a Clinical Academic Speech and Language Therapist, also working at City St Georges. Lydia is Interested in exploring and supporting the communication experiences of older adults in healthcare settings. The two papers discussed here are: 1. ‘Communication support in care homes for older adults: Views and reported practices of speech and language therapists and care home activities staff in the UK' https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1460-6984.13010 2. 'A systematic review of language and communication intervention research delivered in groups to older adults living in care homes'  https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/ftr/10.1111/1460-6984.12679 Further information: STARs project: https://blogs.city.ac.uk/stars-blog/ Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

  3. Sep 23

    RCSLT news September 2026: Experts at Hand, Programmes of government in Scotland and Wales, Health Bill, new interpreters guidance, plus NIHR funding

    Please let us know what you think of this podcast. In our update this month we are joined by RCSLT colleagues Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs and Caroline Wright, Senior Policy Manager, Children and Young People. We cover: The Experts at Hand Programme. https://www.rcslt.org/news/new-guidance-on-developing-the-experts-at-hand-offer/. Please get in touch with Caroline if you are interested in this work by contacting us on info@rcslt.orgRCSLT budget asks: https://www.rcslt.org/news/call-on-the-prime-minister-to-make-speech-and-language-therapy-a-budget-priority/Scottish programme for government.Health Bill and the Lords.Welsh programme for government. Updated guidance on working with interpreters: https://www.rcslt.org/news/updated-working-with-interpreters-guidance-published/NIHR funding calls https://www.rcslt.org/news/new-funding-for-research-into-speech-and-language-therapy-topics/ Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

  4. Aug 27

    IJLCD - Meta-analysis reveals low language capacity in childhood is associated with mental health problems in adulthood

    Please let us know what you think of this podcast. In this episode we welcome Dr Jarrad Lum, Associate Professor, Cognitive Neuroscience and Shelby Lim, Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) Candidate, both of Deakin University, Australia, to discuss their paper 'Meta-analysis reveals low language capacity in childhood is associated with mental health problems in adulthood’ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1460-6984.13125 The research builds upon previous studies which showed that children and adolescents with speech, language and communication issues are at increased risk of anxiety, depression and other emotional difficulties. This study shows that those children carry a higher risk of broader mental health challenges into adulthood than those without such a history. The paper looks at the implications for practice for professionals working in learning, education, health and social care. Note: In the podcast we talk about the need for screeners for speech, language and communication needs. As far as we are aware there is not anything out there for screening for broad SLN issues as the screeners that are available are for specific conditions. However, speech and language therapists will tend to develop screening tools for their mental health colleagues as part of their responsibility for raising awareness of/identifying Speech, Language and Communication Needs among the population they are working with. Listeners may also find it useful to take a look at the Communication Access training which was set up by RCSLT and partners: https://communication-access.co.uk/ and Understanding communication difficulties in the justice system core modules https://www.rcsltcpd.org.uk/courses/understanding-communication-difficulties-in-the-justice-system-core-modules/ The paper is: 'Meta-analysis reveals low language capacity in childhood is associated with mental health problems in adulthood’ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1460-6984.13125’ Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

  5. Aug 19

    RCSLT news August 2026: Invest in SLT campaign; exams access; AHP strategy England; HSSIB community enquiry; mental health in NI; and much more

    Please let us know what you think of this podcast. In our update this month we are joined by Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs. We cover: Update on 'Invest in SLT' letter to new PM, Andy Burnham: https://www.rcslt.org/news/invest-in-slt-campaign-urges-prime-minister-to-improve-speech-and-language-therapy-access/CAHPO England awards shortlist features several speech and language therapists.New CAPHOs appointed n Wales and Scotland.Northern Ireland Code of Practice to the Mental Health (NI) order. Accessible exams work out of Northern Ireland - but applicable across UK.HSSIB community inquiry.Social and palliative care aims of new PM.NDCS children's deafness services report.APPG on neighbourhood health: https://www.csp.org.uk/news/2026-07-02-all-party-parliamentary-group-ahps-launches-inquiry-neighbourhood-healthHelp shape AHP strategy in England: national survey and webinar: https://www.rcslt.org/events/join-the-slt-conversation-influencing-the-future-ahp-strategy/and much more!Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

  6. Aug 9

    IJLCD - Healthcare professionals' experiences and opinions of above cuff vocalisation

    Please let us know what you think of this podcast. Please let us know what you think of this podcast. In this episode we chat with Dr Claire Mills about her PhD paper 'Worth a try or a last resort: Healthcare professionals’ experiences and opinions of above cuff vocalisation'.  Above Cuff Vocalisation (ACV) is a technique that allows patients with a cuffed tracheostomy tube to speak. A recent systematic review highlighted the limited evidence available for the acceptability, effectiveness, safety or optimal implementation of ACV. Dr Mills set out to explore the experience of healthcare professionals (HCPs) using ACV and their perceptions of best practice.  Dr Mills is Adult Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist—specialising in critical care—at the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, part of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London. The paper is: Worth a try or a last resort: Healthcare professionals’ experiences and opinions of above cuff vocalisation’ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1460-6984.12970 Funding: This research was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) as part of an HEE/NIHR ICA Programme. Claire Mills was funded by an NIHR Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowship (ICA-CDRF-2017-03-036). Claire is now funded by an NIHR Postdoctoral Fellowship (NIHR507322). The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care. Further information: Download your copy of the ACV Safety Guidance: https://www.atosmedical.co.uk/blog-and-news/above-cuff-vocalisation-acv-safety-guidelinesEvidence for Above Cuff Vocalization in Patients with a Tracheostomy: A Systematic Review: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/lary.29591Survey of Healthcare Professionals: https://www.archives-pmr.org/article/S0003-9993(21)01426-X/fulltextHealth Economic Evaluation: https://journals.lww.com/ccejournal/fulltext/2025/12000/an_early_stage_decision_analytic_health_economic.12.aspxMathematical modelling of airflow in the subglottic space during ACV: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00134-025-08005-wTroubleshooting above cuff vocalisation: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00134-024-07779-9 Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

  7. Jul 23

    RCSLT news July 2026: New PM and ministers; Experts at hand in England; funding in Wales; NHS AHP strategy and more

    Please let us know what you think of this podcast. In our update this month we are joined by Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs. We cover: New PM and what this might mean for health and social care. Plus Andy Burnham's previous pledge to the Mikey's Wish 'Invest in SLT' campaign: https://www.rcslt.org/news/invest-in-slt-campaign-letter-delivered-to-downing-street/An update on the 'Experts at Hand' programme for SEND in schools in England. https://www.rcslt.org/news/new-guidance-on-developing-the-experts-at-hand-offer/Modern Service Frameworks: https://www.rcslt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RCSLT-response-to-the-Cardiovascular-Disease-Modern-Services-Framework-July-2026.pdfUpdate on Welsh government funding for ALN.NHS AHP strategy - get involved! https://www.rcslt.org/events/join-the-slt-conversation-influencing-the-future-ahp-strategy/ APPG on neighbourhood health: https://www.csp.org.uk/news/2026-07-02-all-party-parliamentary-group-ahps-launches-inquiry-neighbourhood-healthand much more!Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

  8. Jun 23

    RCSLT news June 2026: resignation of PM; King's birthday honours; SEN reform NI; funding in Wales; Health Bill in England and more

    Please let us know what you think of this podcast. In our update this month we are joined by Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs. We cover: Resignation of Sir Keir Starmer and what it might mean for health and social care.Good news in the King's birthday honours: https://www.rcslt.org/news/speech-and-language-therapy-recognised-in-kings-birthday-honours/ Updates from Northern Ireland including election prep, SEN reform and new guidance, DLD exam work and Voicebox competition: https://www.rcslt.org/news/young-voices-bring-big-laughs-at-voicebox-final-northern-ireland/£145million extra funding in Wales, but large challenges.Update on Experts at Hand in England.Health Bill.and much more!About our sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Zanda. Zanda combines all your admin, billing, scheduling, and communication needs into one easy-to-use platform built specifically for health practitioners. It supports SLTs to simplify practice management, from online bookings and automated reminders to secure notes, AI, invoicing, and payments, all in one connected system. Zanda helps you stay organised, improve cash flow, and create a smooth client experience from first appointment to final payment. https://zandahealth.com/uk/profession/speech-therapy-software/?utm_source=rcslt&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=UK_Podcast&utm_content=paid Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT. Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

See All (161)

Ratings & Reviews

About

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.

Information

You Might Also Like