Overview of the RCSLT policy and partnerships function

Campaigns

The Policy and Partnerships Team seeks to raise the profile of people with speech, language and communication needs and the role of speech and language therapy. Campaigns are externally facing and involve both members and external partners, delivering high profile, policy-oriented messages together.

Policy management

The team gathers information on current government and local policies that affect speech and language therapists and people with speech, language and communication needs, inputs into the development of policies and influences their implementation. Policies may span health, education, social care and the justice sector.

Influencing and partnership

The team works with external partners in government and the private and third sectors to better meet the needs of those with speech, language and communication difficulties. In particular, it works across all four countries in developing relationships with both parliamentarians/assembly members and key civil servants.

Horizon scanning

The team anticipates the future needs of the profession. It monitors the external world for news and future events which will affect SLTs and people with speech, language and communication needs. This information is gathered and analysed for other departments within RCSLT, the governance structures (boards and Council), members and external partners.

Organisational development

The team develops its capacity and skills to carry out its work, works with other teams and partners and improves the work of RCSLT as a whole. It identifies and develops the evidence and information needed for influencing and seeks to fill the gaps in knowledge.

Member engagement

The team strives to be both member-led and member-focused, with a work programme overseen by members. It works with the RCSLT Communications and Professional Development teams to make sure members are fully aware of relevant policy developments and useful partnerships. The team works with others in the RCSLT to maintain the RCSLT's position as the body of knowledge for speech, language and communication needs by developing and promoting expert advisers.

Governance

The team works to make sure that a diverse set of members guide and oversee its work and that the RCSLT Council has the policy awareness and external input to anticipate the world in which members will practise in.