5 April 2022

Kamini Gadhok MBE, CEO of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), announces her retirement in March 2023.

After almost 22 years as CEO, Kamini has made the decision to retire from the RCSLT early next year.

A former speech and language therapist, Kamini has brought her experience of working with a range of client groups to the role, and her passion to improve the lives of others has been a big driver throughout her career.

When Kamini started at the RCSLT in 2000, there were only a few staff and no senior management team. As a result, she led on a number of functions, including company secretary, events and working to influence government policy.

Throughout her years as CEO, Kamini has provided leadership for the organisation and the profession, helped to deliver service change, and been involved in a number of government initiatives and policy developments.

Kamini has established networks and worked in partnership with organisations at a national and international level, from those who represent service users, such as the Stroke Association and Communication Matters, to a range of professional associations within and beyond the profession, including the Allied Health Professions Federation, and politicians and leaders across government. The work with service user organisations on the development of Communication Access UK (CAUK) has been a highlight.

Kamini continues to lead the partnership work of over 18 organisations in the Covid Airborne Protection Alliance (CAPA) along with the Royal College of Nursing and BMA in a campaign to better protect healthcare workers against COVID-19.

With the RCSLT’s new Strategic Vision for 2022-2027 in place, Kamini will be focusing on the delivery of this plan, including the work on equality, diversity and inclusion and anti-racism which continues to gather pace.

Kamini received an MBE in June 2009 for services to the allied health professions. She was also awarded with a degree of Master of Science Honoris Causa from the University of St Mark and St John in 2019.

Speaking on her retirement announcement, Kamini said:

“I’m very proud of everything we’ve achieved during my time here and hope to leave a legacy that can be built on.

“I will undoubtedly miss all of this, but hope that, with the inevitable need to keep evolving, listening and responding to the needs of our members, service uses and external drivers, the profession and professional body will find someone who will keep their foot on the pedal and drive us forward positively.”

A subgroup of the RCSLT Board of Trustees is meeting regularly to give thought to what the RCSLT needs in its next CEO, and to consider the role and the appointment process. We will keep members informed of updates along this journey.

If you have any further queries, please email jo.offen@rcslt.org.