Developing a new EDI vision and strategy together

Earlier this year, after conducting a comprehensive review of our efforts in equality, diversity, and inclusion, we identified the need to redefine our journey—not only as an organisation but also for the SLT profession as a whole. 

We recognised the importance of systematising our work and establishing a clear vision and strategy to guide our efforts. 

Understanding that we couldn’t accomplish this alone, we sought to engage with as many EDI networks and groups across the profession as possible. Our goal was to bring these voices together to help shape our vision and strategy. 

On 16 July, following a period of planning and co-production with these networks, we brought their representatives together to discuss and debate the future direction of our EDI vision and strategy. 

The day was organised around three key discussion topics:  

• Real change on the ground; 
• The RCSLT – a fully supportive organisation; and 
• Working together towards a new RCSLT vision for EDI. 

Each topic was explored in-depth through substantive conversations. 

The day was opened by our CEO Steve Jamieson and chaired by RCSLT Trustee Viki Baker supported by RCSLT Chair of the Board of Trustees Sean Pert and Deputy Chair Irma Donaldson. 

We are deeply grateful to the representatives from the following networks for their positive contributions: 

• The Anti-Racism Reference Group 
• SLTs of Colour 
• The Disability Working Group 
• The Neurodiversity Working Group 
• LGBTQIA+ Working Group 
• Men in SLT 
• Jewish Representatives Network 

We are now working diligently to analyse and refine the outcomes of these discussions. The insights gathered will inform our new vision and strategy, which we plan to publish later this year. 

In the meantime we have published an anti-racism statement to reaffirm our commitments to both become an anti-racist organisation and to expect active anti-racism across the profession.