Advancing Practice resources

Case studies

• HEE case study – SLT ACP role (PDF) (More case studies can be found on the HEE website)
• Natalie Hewitt – SLT ACP in learning disabilities (PDF)

The case studies below have been produced with input from members who have completed advancing practice training and either working as an advanced clinical practitioner (ACP) or looking for opportunities to use their advancing training. They discuss how they found the process, their motivations for becoming an ACP and the differences ACPs can make.

Advancing practice – Kamini’s journey

Kamini is a speech and language therapist who completed an MSc after receiving an email from the learning and development team. Kamini was interested in advancing practice due to the varied role that would follow so began her journey into the advancing practice space, having protected time to complete research and attend lectures. The course had a holistic outlook, enabling Kamini to dive deeper into specific clinical areas and has resulted in her working in multidisciplinary teams to complete assessments and deliver therapy.

Advancing practice – Carolyn’s journey

Carolyn is a speech and language therapist who qualified in 1994. Carolyn followed her passion and got a job working in voice within the ear, nose and throat (ENT) service. Carolyn then made the difficult decision to move closer to home, meaning she had to move away from ENT services. After a period of time, the option to move back to ENT services arose but having been out of this clinical area for a while, Carolyn had to update her training by attending courses and conferences. After one particular conference, Carolyn was inspired to look into advancing practice options within ENT in Northern Ireland and developed an advancing practice clinic that is still running two clinical session per week. This was the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Professional network

RCSLT has opened a Professional Network for those working in the advancing practice space.

Professional networks provide speech and language therapists with a wealth of resources, support, and opportunities for collaboration and professional development, ultimately enhancing their clinical practice and contributing to the advancement of the field.

Other useful information

External resources

• Developing advanced practice in clinical care: analysis of physical and online workshops (PDF)
• Impact of COVID-19 on advanced practice (PDF) – Analysis of the online workshop to consider the impact of COVID-19 and the implications for the future of advancing and consultant practice.
• Sign up for the HEE ACP newsletter
• ACP Faculties – Each region of England will be developing an ACP faculty to support supervision and mentorship and reduce attrition. Find out more about ACP faculties on the HEE website.

RCSLT guidance

• If you are planning to develop your service to offer ACP roles, you may find our service planning and improvement pages helpful.
• For further details on evolving roles, see our evolving roles guidance.

Regional faculties

Regional Faculties for Advancing Practice aim to drive pioneering workforce transformation for advancing practice across England.

The seven regional faculties have been established to

• deliver the step-change in advancing practice outlined in the NHS Long Term Plan and
• develop modern pathways of care, improve patient safety, value and efficacy.

Each Faculty will identify workforce demand, commission high-quality education and training, optimise clinical training, supervision and assessment and support communities of practice to drive ongoing development and support to improve patient care.