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How we work: our governance and leadership
The Board of Trustees: The Trustees are collectively responsible to the members for developing a five year vision for the organisation, defining goals, setting targets and monitoring performance against those targets. As Trustees they share corporate responsibility for all decisions of the Board including setting the organisation’s values and standards, ensuring compliance with its legal obligations and ensuring that its obligations to members are understood and met. They meet formally four times a year. Read the latest on the Board of Trustees.
Finances and Resources Committee (FRC): This committee is responsible for all things relating to finance and resources including investments, contracts, HR, IT infrastructure, data security, health and safety, property, membership records and RCSLT Heritage. They meet four times a year. Meet our FRC committee.
Professional Practice and Policy Committee (PPPC): This committee specialises in policy and public affairs, as well as professional practice and standards. They also make sure that our members and service users are considered when it comes to the RCSLT’s strategic aims, objectives and general governance. They meet three times a year. Meet our PPPC committee.
Honours Committee: The Honours Committee is responsible for evaluating and agreeing on the nominations for awards, including RCSLT Fellowships and Honorary Fellowships. They also make recommendations to the Board of Trustees when it comes to supporting a nomination for national honours. See the RCSLT Honours roll call 1945-2024 (PDF).
The Nominations Committee: This committee is responsible for the strategic oversight of the RCSLT’s trustee and committee member selection and induction processes. They meet at least once a year but more often when required. Meet our Nominations Committee.
Selection Panel: The Selection Panel is a group of members with an interest in or experience of recruitment. The panel will take part in interviewing prospective Trustee and Committee members. They will then make their recommendations to the Nominations Committee on the most appropriate candidates for the positions available.
Our Patron and President
Nick Hewer, President
Nick Hewer, former presenter of iconic television programme Countdown, holds the role of RCSLT President. He is passionate about raising awareness of communication and swallowing difficulties, and helps to promote the message of the RCSLT to the general public. His ongoing work with the RCSLT has earned him an honorary degree from Plymouth Marjon University.
Nick is also a published author, and he has previously worked as a public relations consultant and as Lord Sugar’s right-hand-man on The Apprentice. He is also patron for several charities, including Fairtrade, Hope and Homes for Children, Pancreatic Cancer Action and Street Child Sierra Leone.
HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh, Patron
Our Royal Patron is Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh GCVO, who is following in the footsteps of past generations of the royal family.
Part of her role is attending official events to keep up with the latest in the profession, and celebrating and thanking SLTs for their crucial work at awards ceremonies and celebrations.
HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh is the patron of over 70 charities and organisations, championing an array of causes. These include supporting the agriculture industry, preventing avoidable blindness and putting a stop to gender-based violence.
Meet the Board of Trustees
Irma Donaldson, chair
I qualified as an SLT in 1993 from De Montfort University and since then have worked for the NHS. I started working in a rotation post with adults in community hospitals and children in community clinics and special schools. I subsequently worked in a variety of community and acute settings supporting the communication and swallowing needs of babies and children with complex special needs, including autism diagnostics and intervention. I worked in Brent, Lambeth, Haringey and West Essex before starting in Hertfordshire in April 2012. I am currently a specialist services manager (CAMHS and Autism Pathway lead) in Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust. I completed the NHS Leadership Academy’s Ready Now Programme in 2019 – a programme for senior staff from a Black, Asian and ethnic minority background. I was a 2021 nominee for the Positive Role Model (Race, Faith and Religion) Award in the National Diversity Awards for my work with NHS Ready to Rise – a collective of senior staff working to influence change in the NHS for staff from a minoritised ethnic background.
Eve Baird, deputy chair
I qualified as a speech and language therapist from the University of Sheffield in 1999 and my first speech and language therapy post was as a generalist SLT in Lincolnshire. Over the years I developed my interest in working with individuals with complex communication needs and behaviours that challenge services across a variety of settings including high secure mental health services. I have been in leadership and management roles since 2012 including Rampton SLT service manager, associate director of AHPs for forensic services in Nottinghamshire, and quality improvement and assurance lead in Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT). I am currently the associate director of operations for specialist services in LPFT. The services I am responsible for include child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), adult eating disorder services, veterans mental health services, and mental health services for adults with intellectual disability and/or autism. In addition to my substantive role, I also work as specialist advisor for the Care Quality Commission and was a member of the NICE/SCIE Guideline Committee for supporting decision-making for people who may lack mental capacity.
Sundeep Sidhu – lay trustee (digital)
I’m a product, design, and technology generalist with 20+ years’ experience founding and leading teams to deliver new and better digital products at start-ups, agencies, consultancies, and global brands.
I’ve founded two small businesses, a marketing platform for membership-based organisations and a development coaching and training business working with large media brands.
In the last five years, I’ve worked at senior levels in design and innovation agencies and on digital transformation projects with roles as Chief Product Officer and Head of Customer Experience and Success. Lately, I’ve been advising start-ups on their business and product strategies.
Personally, I’m curious, an explorer more than an expert, and always learning (with a long list of qualifications and acronyms after my name)! I have an interest in inspiring the next generation, and in personal/professional development. I like people and working collaboratively and am a critical thinker, so great at making sense of complex situations and navigating complexity.
I volunteer my time as a trustee at RCSLT as I want to be actively involved in meaningful work that makes a difference, and having overcome my own fears and improved my confidence in public speaking, I understand the power of giving people a voice.
Anna Costello – lay trustee (HR/OD)
I am chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) with 18 year’s experience working in HR. I am currently the Head of HR & Organisational Development at The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), I have held this role for the last 18 months and I have been at the CSP for 11 years. I started my career in HR administration and knew instantly that HR was the career for me. I first worked in HR for the Qualifications & Curriculum Development Agency where I became a HR Business Partner and I completed my post graduate diploma in Human Resource Management. I enjoy the variety of HR and working to help organisations be the best they can be for their people so they can thrive and achieve success. I live and work in London and I am really looking forward to taking up the role of trustee at the RCSLT.
Country representatives
Helen Robinson – country representative for England (North)
I graduated from Leeds Beckett University in 2003 and began working as a community paediatric therapist in Bradford. I spent the first twelve years of my career there, initially specialising in cleft lip and palate but then moving on to work with complex needs, autism and then AAC. This quickly became my passion and I have spent the past fifteen years working with children and adults who use AAC. I currently job share to role of AAC service lead for the Barnsley Assistive Technology Team, delivering specialised AAC services for Yorkshire and Humberside. I am interested in leadership and service development. I have an ILM Level 5 qualification in coaching and mentoring and I enjoy supporting AHPs with their career development using this. I am developing my career as a clinical academic and in 2020 I completed the National Institute for Health Research Internship programme. I am a committee member of the UK SLT Pride Network and am passionate about supporting SLTs, assistants and students to bring their authentic selves to the workplace.
Cara Bethell – country representative for England (South)
I began my career with a BSc in Psychology with Ergonomics, driven by a fascination with human behaviour and interaction. During my year in industry with the Rail Safety Standards Board, I conducted research into child-friendly safety signage, which was later used by Arriva Trains Wales and also published—an achievement I remain proud of.
I went on to train as a Speech and Language Therapist at City University and have been practising for over 10 years. My career has included roles within the NHS and Local Authority, working with children with a range of speech, language, and communication needs, across Hertfordshire, Kent, London and Surrey. In 2022, I established my own independent practice, supporting families, nurseries, and schools in and around Surrey.
I served as ASLTIP’s Board Director for Conference and Events (2024-2025). During this time, I passionately contributed to the planning and delivery of the annual Therapy Talks conference, further fostering my commitment to professional development and support within our field. My experience on the ASLTIP Board has been both personally and professionally enriching, and I am excited to bring that same energy and dedication as a trustee of the RCSLT.
Outside of work, while my family is my main priority, I enjoy seeking new adventures and experiences – I’ve flown a plane, driven a train, and released baby turtles!
Fiona Gardiner – country representative for Scotland
I qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist from Jordanhill College of Education in 1991 and later completed a Master’s by research at the University of Queensland, supported by a Rotary International Scholarship. This experience sparked a lifelong interest in evidence-based practice and communication as a tool for inclusion and wellbeing.
I’ve worked across adult and paediatric services in the NHS and internationally — including the UK, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. These experiences have strengthened my belief in the adaptability and creativity of our profession, and in the importance of collaboration, compassion, and advocacy in everything we do.
In recent years, I’ve held leadership roles in adult neurology and dysphagia services and contributed to initiatives such as implementing the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) in healthcare settings. I was privileged to serve as lead author for the RCSLT Curriculum Guidance, working with an inspiring group of colleagues whose insight, generosity, and shared expertise made the process both motivating and deeply rewarding. I now combine part-time lecturing at Queen Margaret University with ongoing professional practice, supporting learning, innovation, and person-centred care across our profession.
Ruth Crampton – country representative for Northern Ireland
I qualified as a speech and language therapist from the Ulster University in 2005 and enjoyed working for 10 years in the NHS with a fantastic group of SLTs. I then took up a part time lecturing position in 2016 and started my independent practice at the same time. The lecturing in university allowed me to share my enthusiasm with new therapists. I now manage 12 independent SLTs across Northern Ireland, providing our services to individual families and educational settings. My passion for Autism and Early Intervention Services has grown over the years, leading me to undertake specialist training in the ADOS assessment and Natural Language Acquisition.
I am currently the past chair of ASLTIP, having undertaken the role of chair between 2019 and 2023.
I provide clinical supervision to independent SLTs across the UK and enjoy the opportunity to support the broadening portfolios our profession has to offer.
I received the ASLTIP Outstanding Leadership Award for my leadership of the organisation through the Covid-19 pandemic. I have also completed the London Marathon three times raising money for local charities who support children I see in therapy sessions.
Lauren Edwards – country representative for Wales
I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a Speech and Language Therapist. I trained at the University of Manchester, working as a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant every summer before graduating in 2003.
I have had an extensive career as a clinician and senior clinical leader within both the NHS and private healthcare sectors, with significant experience developing quality and governance structures and processes within organisations, ensuring strong clinical and patient involvement and influence. My previous roles include Chief Allied Health Professional in an integrated community and mental health trust in England, as well as Deputy Director for Quality and Deputy Director of Engagement. I chaired the national group that developed the standards for the degree-level apprenticeship for Speech and Language Therapy in use in England.
My current post as Executive Director of Therapies and Health Science in Wales involves professional and strategic leadership of the allied health professionals and healthcare scientists across a large and complex NHS organisation with over 13,000 employees. I am passionate about AHP clinical leadership development, the importance of just and learning organisations, and driving cultures that promote openness and excellence.
Research and general trustees
Marian Brady – trustee for research
I am an experienced speech and language therapist, working in hospital, community and educational settings in Ireland and the UK before leaving the NHS as a senior stroke rehabilitation specialist to complete my PhD at the University of Strathclyde. I joined the Chief Scientist Office-funded, Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions Research Unit at Glasgow Caledonian University, becoming the founding director of the successful multidisciplinary stroke rehabilitation research programme in 2000. I chair the Collaboration of Aphasia Trialists – a research network of over 270 aphasia researchers across 40 countries, funded by the Tavistock Trust for Aphasia. I am a member of the Cochrane Stroke Group and Aphasiology Editorial Boards and I hold an Honorary Chair at the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. I was awarded the Robin Tavistock Award (2017), and an RCSLT Fellowship (2019) for my contribution to aphasia research and practice.
Jemma Haines MBE, FRCSLT – general trustee
I qualified as an SLT in 2003 from Newcastle University. In my early career, I worked as a voice clinician and quickly understood the significance of the larynx during respiration. I subsequently developed two multidisciplinary Airways Services to support patients suffering with respiratory upper airway disorders. I am now Chief Allied Health Professional at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and a NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre PhD Fellow. I have been actively involved with RCSLT since qualification, contributing to national guidelines, holding an advisor role and sitting on several committees. In 2021, in recognition of my leadership within the field of upper airway disorders, I was incredibly honoured to be made a Member of the Order of the British Empire and a Fellow of the RCSLT. I am so proud to be a SLT and feel fortunate to be as enthused and passionate about the profession today, as I was as a student in 1999. My family are the most important thing to me and I’m very lucky to have a supportive husband, three fabulous children and an untrainable cockapoo!
Laura Mizzi – general trustee
In my first SLT role, I worked with children in Liverpool. I have now worked in Dublin, Melbourne, and several English northern towns, across most adult clinical areas and settings. I prefer community-based work.
Over three years, I undertook a regional leadership fellowship. I completed the ILM Level 5 qualification in coaching and mentoring and trained as a 360° feedback facilitator. My dissertation for an MSc in Healthcare Leadership focussed on the barriers and opportunities for AHP leadership and career development. I’ve now published in the BMJ Leader journal and in the BMJ Leader blog. This fellowship significantly shaped how I approach things and sparked an interest in health policy and strategy. I have recently completed an MSc in Health Policy: my dissertation focussed on the influencing factors on SLT integration into palliative and end-of-life care.
I’m passionate about interprofessional leadership, alongside hearing the voices of under-served service users and professionals. I am excited to volunteer again for the RCSLT, having previously served on the PPPC, the grants panel, and a working group refreshing the leadership pages.
Sandra Robinson – general trustee
I trained as a mature student and qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist from Leeds Metropolitan (now Beckett) University in 2006, and later completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research at the University of Leeds. I’m the Director of Speech Therapy Works Ltd., working with adults who have acquired communication and swallowing difficulties.
Following NHS roles across acute medicine, critical care, respiratory services and working in private neurorehabilitation as a manager, I now focus primarily on dysphagia (and tracheostomy) therapy, consultancy, training and supervision across the UK, in a range of healthcare settings and with industry/companies.
I currently serve as a Registrant Panel Member with the HCPC Tribunal Service, having previously trained with ACAS as a mediator and Unite as a workplace representative.
I hold the RCSLT Sternberg Award for Clinical Innovation for co-development of a postgraduate dysphagia training programme, and I’ve contributed to RCSLT position papers and working groups on Eating, Drinking and Swallowing. I am a member of ASLTIP, attend Tracheostomy CEN meetings and am a member of the AI for Speech and Language Therapists Network Committee.
Deanne Rennie – general trustee
I qualified as a speech and language therapist in 1994 following my degree at Newcastle University. I worked clinically as a speech and language therapist specialising in children’s speech and language needs across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. I have a passion for continuous improvement and research and have previously worked at De Montfort University as a senior lecturer on their speech and language therapy programme, where I still maintain an honorary contract. I progressed through clinical leadership roles initially in speech and language therapy and then more broadly in Allied Health Professions. I am currently an Associate Director of AHPs and quality at Leicestershire Partnership Trust and also co-chair the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland AHPs Council. I am passionate about compassionate and inclusive leadership and provide mentorship and coaching to aspiring future leaders as well as receiving this myself. I am currently undertaking my ILM Level 7 Executive Coaching and Mentoring qualification as I believe in supporting others to be the best they can as others have done for me. I am committed to working in my role as an RCSLT General Trustee as I remain as passionate about the profession, I chose to go into 35 years ago. I aspire to bring my expertise and passion to support the professional body and its members to continue to grow and develop.
Meet the senior team
Steve Jamieson MSc BSc (Hons) RN, Chief Executive Officer
As CEO, I am accountable to the Board of Trustees for the delivery of the RCSLT strategy, delivery of the annual operational plan and management of the RCSLT. I also provide leadership for the profession and work to build relationships with key stakeholders.
Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs
As Director of Policy and Public Affairs I’m responsible for the RCSLT’s relationships with the four governments of the UK, politicians and decision-makers, as well as our policy positions and asks. I also look after our partnerships and relationships with other organisations and stakeholders, and the RCSLT’s work in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Cara McDonagh, Director of Engagement and Communications
As Director of Engagement and Communications, I’m responsible for the RCSLT’s strategic communications with its members, stakeholders and the public. We use a range of channels to engage, including events, Bulletin magazine, media, social media, and digital content, including the RCSLT website. I’m also accountable for our branding, advertising and sponsored partnerships.
Karen Willis, Director of Finance and Resources
As Director of Finance and Resources, I’m responsible for the finances of the RCSLT, our buildings, IT infrastructure, HR and contracts. I’m also the Company Secretary of RCSLT and its trading subsidiary, making sure that everything we do is in accordance with company law and our Articles of Association.
Legal structure
The Charity is known as the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (the RCSLT); registered number 273724. It is a registered charity in Scotland, registered number SC041191.
The RCSLT is also a company limited by guarantee, registered number 518344, and therefore has no share capital. In the event of its winding up, the members’ liability is limited to £1 per member. The Memorandum and Articles, which were last amended at an EGM on 5 December 2019, govern the RCSLT, supplemented by its Bylaws.
It has a trading arm, known as CSLT Trading Ltd; registered number 0268820.
