7 May 2026
The RCSLT has published new principles to support the safe, ethical and appropriate use of artificial intelligence (AI) across the profession.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is already beginning to shape speech and language therapy practice. It has significant potential to support new ways of working and improve access to support. It may also free up time for the relational and responsive aspects of care that are critical to improving the lives of the people speech and language therapists support.
The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) has published new principles to support the safe, ethical and appropriate use of artificial intelligence (AI) across the profession.
The new document, ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI): principles for safe and ethical practice in speech and language therapy’, has been developed in response to strong interest from members.
It sets out practical principles you can follow to help you make informed decisions about when and how AI can be used in your work, and to use it confidently, ethically and responsibly.
The principles recognise both the opportunities and the challenges that AI presents. They emphasise that AI should support, not replace, clinical expertise, and highlight the importance of transparency, consent, data protection and professional judgement.
RCSLT will continue to review emerging evidence and practice and provide guidance as the use of AI evolves, so watch this space.
Read our SLT Voices article on article intelligence (AI), where RCSLT Digital Trustee, Sundeep Sidhu, reflects on the opportunities and risks of AI, and why its impact will ultimately be shaped by our values, and the choices we make, not just the technology itself.
