Our first RCSLT Connect event in England will be taking place in Manchester on 17 October at The Midland Hotel, 9.30am – 4pm.

The focus of the day will be developing the speech and language therapy workforce, and we’re excited to be offering eight tailor-made workshops for members to take part in to develop their skills, reflect on how they are currently working, and build invaluable CPD which can be used in practise. Workshop options include:

EDI, evidence-based practice, supporting with adult/children workforce challenges, mapping your professional development journey, developing your career through enhanced and advancing practice, SLTs and tackling health inequalities and support for SLTs in the independent sector. Full workshop details can be found below.

As well as rich workshopping, Connect England will provide members with key RCSLT updates on current and future projects, as well as protected networking time to share learning, ideas, and build connections with fellow SLTs and RCSLT staff.

By attending this event, delegates will:

  • Hear updates on current and future work and projects applicable to RCSLT members and why and how members can get involved
  • Have protected networking time to help develop closer professional links with England-based colleagues and RCSLT staff
  • Attend interactive workshops which will develop your skills and contribute to your CPD
  • Hear the latest about key topics affecting the profession and learn more about the resources available to support you and your networks

Please note: this event is now closed for registration. View the event programme.

Workshop sessions

During registration delegates will be able to choose two out of eight workshop sessions to attend. One before lunch, and one after lunch. You will be asked to provide your first and second choice for each session.

Session 1 (choose from):

  • Embracing neurodiversity in the workforce: Hear about the guidance developed by neurodiverse SLTs alongside wider updates on EDI.
  • Embedding an evidence-based approach to practice in your working day: Learn simple and effective ways to ensure we are evidence based in our practice and why this is important.
  • Waiting lists, workload and wellbeing – addressing the challenges for the children’s workforce: An update on national policy developments for the children’s workforce in England with the opportunity to share your views on the policy and practice solutions you would like to see implemented.
  • Support for and partnership with SLTs in the independent sector: Challenges and opportunities for members in independent practice, and the work the RCSLT is doing to support them.

Session 2 (choose from):

  • Mapping your professional development journey: Walkthrough of the RCSLT professional development framework with chance to try mapping yourself in. Plus learn about the tools and groups available to support your CPD.
  • Supporting you with your adult workforce challenges: Discuss challenges in the adult workforce and hear the latest RCSLT work on vacancies, retention and more.
  • SLTs and tackling health inequalities: Walk through of resources available to members, including a practical session on using the RCSLT health inequalities tool.
  • Developing your career through enhanced and advanced practice and other extended roles: Learn about key career development routes open to SLTs and how they map to the RCSLT professional development framework.