Conference overview
Date: 1-2 November 2023
Event type: Virtual
This year’s conference will be focusing on adapting to and embracing the seismic shifts the profession has experienced over the past few years.
It will be an opportunity for speech and language therapists from all specialisms and sectors around the UK, and the rest of the world, to come together virtually for two days of learning, connecting and recharging.
The event will feature oral and poster presentations, parallel and plenary sessions and keynote speakers on topics covering a wide range of adult and child specialisms, in line with RCSLT’s objectives.
Themes
Through our horizon scanning work across all key stakeholders, the RCSLT has identified eight areas of strategic priority over the coming years (2022-27). This year’s conference will be focusing on the seismic shifts that have taken place in relation to these areas and the implications for us as speech and language therapists.
Across the UK and internationally, criticisms of existing social structures from the social justice, neurodiversity, and other perspectives have raised important questions for equality, diversity and inclusion. As a profession, we must continue to carefully consider and act upon these. This includes continuing to reflect upon and improve our approach to co-production, in research as well as in clinical practice.
As we have moved on from the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, with its deep and wide-ranging impact on all aspects of society, we would also like to focus on funding and recovery. As part of this, we would of course like to showcase the brightest and best developments across the profession, both from the UK and across the globe. Work that draws from big and/or real-world data, exploits tech-based/digital solutions, and/or focuses on meaningful, functional outcomes for people with SLCN and swallowing needs are of particular interest.’
Finally, we would like to continue to raise the profile of speech and language therapy and capture opportunities to improve speech and language therapy services and to develop as a profession. Hence, we are keen to showcase initiatives that have had real impact/influence, at the local, national and/or international level.
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: promoting greater equality, diversity and inclusion, and embedding anti-racism within the profession and in service provision.
- Co-production: embedding co-production with service users and their families and carers.
- Funding and recovery: learning the lessons of the past to ensure future provision is better than before.
- Innovation and excellence in research and clinical practice: building the speech and language therapy evidence base and delivery of best practice in collaboration with service users.
- Workforce development: supporting growth and development of the speech and language therapy workforce.
- Profile and opportunity: championing the value and impact of speech and language therapy within society.
- Member engagement: empowering members to lead the profession.
- Organisational excellence: ensuring that the RCSLT is recognised as an excellent organisation.
For full details, please read the RCSLT Strategic Vision.
Abstract submissions
If you hope to present an oral session or a poster, please carefully read the abstract submission guidance before submitting.
RCSLT members, non-members and colleagues from other organisations are welcome to be involved.
Additional information about the conference can be found in the ‘Conference Overview’ and ‘Themes’ tabs above.
Please note, the presenting author(s) will need to book onto the RCSLT Conference 2023 if the abstract associated with their submission is accepted.
Bookings for RCSLT Conference 2023 will be opening later in the year.