Where SLT leaders and managers should be involved in providing service and line management
The RCSLT believes that SLTs should play important roles as part of the matrix management of those engaged in the delivery of care to people with communication support needs. The RCSLT also believes that SLT managers and leaders should and will be able to demonstrate the competencies which meet the requirements for multi-professional leadership.
SLTs should always be involved in the development and design of services, where those services deal with people with communication support needs.
SLTs will be particularly well placed to develop those elements of auditing and planning tools that draw on public and patient involvement because of their experience at developing communications tools and methods that address the needs of people whose ability to engage may be impaired.
SLTs will carry knowledge of current strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats as regards the delivery of services to people with communication support needs and their understanding of local and regional circumstances should be an invaluable resource for other planners, leaders and managers.
Where services are being reformed, SLTs can help ensure that people currently benefiting from SLT care do not suffer from fragmentation, delay and disruption of treatment.
SLT managers need to be ready to advise and constructively challenge proposed service and management structures that put patient safety and positive outcomes for people with communication support needs at risk.
SLT managers and leaders will have detailed knowledge and experience that will be required when determining the appropriate skills mix to employ in teams who are engaged in the delivery of service to people with communication support needs.
SLT managers and leaders will have the knowledge and experience required to inform the planning of CPD (continuing professional development) for other SLTs. Only SLT managers should supervise newly qualified professionals in the completion of their RCSLT NQP profile, for example. SLTs at all levels are bound by the HPC to complete CPD and it is good practise to ensure that CPD programmes are properly designed and delivered.