RCSLT council Frequently asked questions
What does the RCSLT Council do?
Who sits on the Council?
Who can sit on the Council?
How often does the Council meet?
How are Council vacancies advertised?
How do I get elected?
How long will I be in post?
Will I get paid?
Will Council work take up much time?
What are the benefits of Council membership?
What does the RCSLT Council do?
The Council has legal, financial and managerial responsibilities and provides leadership to influence the strategic direction of the profession. It considers issues of concern raised by the RCSLT membership and decides what action to take in response.
It also takes decisions on issues such as the RCSLT's plans for continuing professional development, and its relationships with external bodies, including governments, the Health Professions Council and charity partners.
Who sits on the Council?
The Council is made up of a minimum of six general councillors: the chair, deputy chair, honorary treasurer, and the chairs of the Professional Development, Education and Workforce Development and Service Management Boards. The Council can increase this number to 11. There is also a lay representative.
Four country councillors: one for England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland. Again, the Council can increase the number of councillors representing each country. The country councillors practise within the country they represent. Their role is to develop and maintain communication networks, and reflect members' interests.
Who can sit on the Council?
All certified RCSLT members are eligible to stand for Council positions. They should have leadership qualities, an ability to think strategically about the profession's future and a wide knowledge of the working lives of SLTs. If applying for a particular portfolio, they should have expertise in that area.
How often does the Council meet?
Councillors attend four council meetings a year and the annual general meeting. Those with a special portfolio also chair their relevant boards four times a year.
How are Council vacancies advertised?
Generally, vacancies are advertised in May in the RCSLT Bulletin for an election before the annual general meeting. As vacancies sometimes occur during the year check the Bulletin regularly.
How do I get elected?
You must be a certified RCSLT
member to stand for election and be proposed and seconded by two full members.
The Council approves nominations according to the 
RCSLT Articles of
Association
If there is more than one approved nominee, an election is held and all full members are eligible to vote for their preferred candidate.
How long will I be in post?
The standard term of Council office is for two years, after which councillors can apply for another term. There are two exceptions. The deputy chair holds office for two years, followed automatically by another two-year term as chair. The deputy honorary treasurer, which is a non-council post, automatically becomes the honorary treasurer after two years. This ensures continuity for these two key positions.
Will I get paid?
No, but you will be reimbursed for any travelling and other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, for example for attending meetings in London.
Back to topWill Council work take up much time?
This varies. The chair can expect to commit two days a week; the deputy chair approximately one day a week. Other councillors can budget for about two days a month.
What are the benefits of Council membership?
The role provides excellent professional development opportunities to improve your skills in leadership and project management, as well as communication and influencing skills.
You can network with other therapists across the UK and have opportunities to work with government and other charitable organisations. It also provides an opportunity to influence the strategic direction of the profession.