Developing future leaders through the RCSLT

Clinical Coordinator, Sarah Melvin, reflects on completing the RCSLT leadership programme.

When I first heard about the RCSLT leadership programme, the timing couldn’t have been better. I had just stepped into a new role as Clinical Coordinator in January 2024, taking on responsibility for a locality team so the opportunity to develop myself as a leader aligned perfectly with where I was — professionally and personally. 

I’ve been working in community paediatrics for 10 years. Even back in my first post I was really passionate about improving service but also supporting staff and colleagues in being able to do that. I love being a clinician, but I’ve always had that part of me wanting to support and develop the workforce. When I got my coordinator role and the leadership programme came up, it was like the perfect fit.    

Structure of the programme  

“The leadership programme has been one of the best things I’ve ever done, I loved it.”

On the first day of the programme, we all came together for an in-person session at the RCSLT, where the programme structure was introduced by the facilitator and we had the opportunity to hear from key speakers, both in-and outside of the profession.

For me, hearing from the key speakers was invaluable. They were so relatable, you could find a bit of yourself in everyone that spoke, and I think that’s why they resonated with me so much. Over a few months, this was then followed by three online seminars focused on understanding yourself, understanding the team, and understanding the profession. A key activity we completed was the spotlight profile to explore personal mindset and behavioural style. I was identified as expressively engaged, which generally means I am quite excitable and want to start everything straight away. That was a huge learning point and has definitely helped me to slow down and learn to channel my excitement in different ways.  

On our second in-person day we were asked to present a project scope to demonstrate our learning.

Everyone’s project scopes were amazing, the energy in the room that day was fantastic and I felt a lot of pride. Pride in us all for presenting our scopes but also the pride of getting a place on the programme. 

My project scope was around wellbeing and embedding it into our workplace culture. The biggest learning point for me is that we’re still in the planning stages, I haven’t jumped in and started this project straight away. I’m going to recruit a working group so that there’s people in our team involved in shaping the project.

We are working in unprecedented times and that’s why I wanted to focus on wellbeing to make sure we all feel safe and well at work to provide the best patient care we can.   

Learning points

I learned so much about myself during this experience, in terms of both the person that I am and the leader that I want to be. The most important thing is that it’s ok to be me and bring Sarah to work. I don’t need to be like another coordinator; I can be myself and focus on how I can lead in a way that reflects my strengths and values.  

There has been a shift in my confidence. I now feel more equipped to take on leadership opportunities, and I’m no longer afraid to put myself forward.

Our jobs are busy and that can lead you to think that getting everything done quickly is a good thing. Being reminded of the importance of praising the process and what that does for team ethos and culture was so important. We can’t just praise it when we’ve got to the finishing point, it’s important to keep motivation to get there. 

As mentioned, learning to slow down, take a minute to be objective and reflective, that’s been a big thing I’ve taken away. 

For anyone considering applying to the leadership programme, I would say go for it. I don’t think anyone would regret doing the course, it’s a wonderful learning opportunity and an investment in yourself, your team and the profession. I’m a different person now than before the programme and I feel that what I have learned is going to serve me for a really long time. 

 “It was a wonderful experience to develop our first-ever RCSLT Leadership Programme and to welcome eighteen outstanding participants from across all four nations of the UK. Their expertise, enthusiasm, and dedication were instrumental in making the programme a resounding success. As CEO, I am incredibly proud of this achievement and the positive impact it will have on developing the next generation of SLT leaders.” – Steve Jamieson, RCSLT CEO

Applications for the next cohort of the RCSLT leadership programme are now open. Find out more and apply by 14 July 2025. 

[Pictured: Images of cohort one of the RCSLT leadership programme in 2024 during their final in-person day.]