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- Tasks: Lead the stroke and neurology SLT team, ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Company: Join East Kent Hospitals, a leading NHS trust serving 800,000 people.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patients' lives while working in a dynamic, innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Speech and Language Therapy and advanced clinical experience required.
- Other info: Flexible working patterns and commitment to diversity are essential.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 55000 £ per year.
Job Summary
Due to increased investment in stroke services we are expanding our team at EKHUFT! We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated SLT with proven, advanced clinical and leadership experience to lead our stroke and neurology service at Kent and Canterbury Hospital.
We take pride in the work we do to support people who have a stroke or neurological diagnosis to reach their potential. Are you looking for the next challenge in your career? If so, this is a great opportunity to play a key role in developing our expanding stroke and neurology services at Kent and Canterbury Hospital. The increased investment in our services has resulted in a substantial increase in staffing which will enable us to deliver a holistic, forward-thinking service over seven days.
We are looking for a leader who is a team-player and who will contribute to our existing positive workplace culture. You will be highly skilled in the delivery of SLT services and able to operationally lead the team.
As part of the broader adult SLT service, you\’ll be joining a team that fosters growth and positivity. Across our three main hospital sites, we offer a range of specialist inpatient services including videofluoroscopy and FEES and we are active members of the altered airways MDTs. You will work closely with the existing Head of Service and Clinical Lead for Adult SLT.
Main duties of the job
This Post Is a Newly Developed Role And Will Allow The Post-holder The Creativity To Develop Our Expanding Stroke And Neurology Services At Kent And Canterbury Hospital. The Configuration Of Beds At This Site Is:
24 hyperacute stroke beds
26 early rehabilitation stroke beds
18 acute neurology beds
19 neuro-rehabilitation beds
The post-holder will provide clinical and operational leadership to the stroke and neurology SLT team, ensuring high-quality clinical governance and service delivery, positive and effective people management, innovative clinical development of services and provide assurance to the Head of Therapy Services and the Head of Inpatient Therapy Services. In addition, the post-holder will work with the SLT team across-site to support patient care and flow and the ongoing provision of dysphagia and communication rehabilitation, videofluoroscopy, FEES and altered airway services to all SLT patients.
The post-holder will be expected to be working equally across the four pillars of practice: Clinical Practice, Leadership and Management, Education and Research.
About Us
We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people. Our vision is \’great healthcare from great people\’. Everything we do is guided by our values: \’People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference\’. We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called \’We care\’. It\’s about empowering frontline staff to lead improvements day-to-day. We\’re looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day.
Please note that if you require a Certificate of Sponsorship to work in the UK you must declare this on your application form, even if you currently have a certificate of sponsorship or a work permit for another role and are already working in the country. Please note we are only able to sponsor candidates on a Skilled Worker Visa applying for roles Band 5 and above.
Details
Date posted
08 August 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 8a
Salary
£55,690 to £62,682 a year Per anum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
344-8557DCB
Job locations
Kent and Canterbury Hospital
Ethelbert Road
Canterbury
CT1 3NG
Job Description
Job responsibilities
Please see the job description and person specification attached for further details of this new role.
Job Description
Job responsibilities
Please see the job description and person specification attached for further details of this new role.
Person Specification
Essential
Qualifications and Training
- Degree in Speech and Language Therapy or equivalent
- Current HCPC registration
- Master\’s Degree in a health related subject relevant to specialist area of clinical practice and professional registration, or with date for completion of Master\’s programme, with standalone L7 advanced practice modules.
Desirable
- Accredited Health Management course
- NHS Leadership Academy qualification or equivalent
- RCSLT membership
Essential
Clinical skills and experience
- Clinical practitioner with advanced practice skills and significant experience in clinical roles within the acute hospital setting, underpinned by the four pillars of practice.
- Advanced clinical competencies (FEES, videofluoroscopy and tracheostomy
Desirable
- Experience of working within a variety of models of care delivery and settings
- Evidence of academic published work or research
Governance
Essential
- Clear understanding of quality governance, patient safety and patient experience tools and methodology with evidence of application to clinical practice and service improvement.
- Utilisation of clinical effectiveness tools to deliver quality improvement e.g. risk management and clinical audit.
- Leadership of innovative practice utilising research and audit.
- Evidence of contributing to service development, delivery and successful change management
- Knowledge of health policy and application to practice.
Personal and professional attributes
Essential
- Ability to engage a team in achieving goals for a clear and shared vision.
- Able to create and maintain a positive work-place culture that is inclusive of all team members, stakeholders and service users.
- Demonstrate self-awareness and critical reflection
- Strong verbal and written communication skills and effective public speaker Self-motivated, positive, adaptable and flexible approach
Essential
Other requirements
- Flexibility in working patterns to meet the needs of the service
- Commitment to equity and diversity Upholds and role models the Trust values Able to travel across site
- Upholds and role models the Trust values
- Able to travel across site (including moving base-site when stroke services move to William Harvey Hospital)
Person Specification
Essential
- Flexibility in working patterns to meet the needs of the service
- Commitment to equity and diversity Upholds and role models the Trust values Able to travel across site
- Upholds and role models the Trust values
- Able to travel across site (including moving base-site when stroke services move to William Harvey Hospital)
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Kent and Canterbury Hospital
Ethelbert Road
Canterbury
CT1 3NG
Employer\’s website
https://www.ekhuft.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Kent and Canterbury Hospital
Ethelbert Road
Canterbury
CT1 3NG
Employer\’s website
https://www.ekhuft.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/ (Opens in a new tab)
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Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist for Stroke and Neurology employer: East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
Contact Detail:
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist for Stroke and Neurology
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the field of speech and language therapy, especially those who work in stroke and neurology. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest developments in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific services offered at Kent and Canterbury Hospital. Understanding their approach to stroke and neurology will help you tailor your discussions during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in their work.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership experience in detail. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or implemented changes that improved patient care, as this role requires strong operational leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and research in speech and language therapy, particularly related to stroke and neurological conditions. Being knowledgeable about recent studies can set you apart as a candidate who is committed to continuous learning and improvement.
We think you need these skills to ace Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist for Stroke and Neurology
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in speech and language therapy, particularly in stroke and neurology. Emphasise your leadership skills and any advanced clinical competencies you possess.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Mention specific examples of how your experience aligns with the job requirements and how you can contribute to the team at East Kent Hospitals.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications, including your degree in Speech and Language Therapy, HCPC registration, and any additional certifications or training relevant to the role. This will demonstrate your commitment to professional development.
Showcase Your Leadership Experience: Since this role requires operational leadership, provide examples of your previous leadership roles and how you've successfully managed teams or projects. Highlight your ability to foster a positive workplace culture and drive service improvements.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, focusing on your ability to foster a positive workplace culture and engage team members.
✨Highlight Your Clinical Expertise
Be ready to discuss your advanced clinical skills, particularly in areas like FEES and videofluoroscopy. Provide specific examples of how you've applied these skills in practice, especially in acute hospital settings, to improve patient outcomes.
✨Understand the Service's Vision
Familiarise yourself with East Kent Hospitals' vision and values, particularly their commitment to patient care and service improvement. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think about potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would address them, particularly in relation to stroke and neurology services.
