Speech and Language Clinical and Professional Lead - CFHD in Devon

Job summaryDue to the promotion of the current post holder, an opportunity has arisen to join Children and Family Health Devon (CFHD) as our Principal Clinical and Professional Lead for Speech and Language Therapy.This is an exciting time to join CFHD as we continue to transform how we support children, young people and families across Devon and Torbay. Over the last eighteen months we have worked alongside Better Communication CIC and implemented the Balanced System approach, strengthening our graduated response and improving outcomes for children and young people. We introduced Easy Access Drop-In Clinics for pre-school children and established a Link Therapist model supporting every school across Devon and Torbay. As we continue our programme of service development, we are at the beginning of the recruitment, onboarding and implementation of Experts at Hand.This is a senior leadership position within CFHD. The successful candidate will work in partnership with the Operation Manager to lead the Speech, Language and Communication pathway, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, safe and effective services for children, young people and families across Devon and Torbay.Relocation expenses will be considered for this post in accordance with the existing Devon Partnership NHS Relocation Policy. A copy of the policy can be provided to interested applicants on request.Main duties of the jobThe successful applicant will play a key role in shaping the future direction of Speech and Language Therapy services, working collaboratively with colleagues across health, education, social care and the voluntary sector to deliver integrated care and improve outcomes for children and young people.The successful candidate will be supported by the Head of Service for Nursing and Therapies as well as the Clinical Director for CFHD, the Associate Clinical Directors for Allied Health Professionals and the Experts at Hand Service Lead. Peer support will be available from the Principal Clinical and Professional Leads for Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy.Alongside pathway leadership responsibilities, the post holder will provide professional and clinical leadership for Speech and Language Therapists working across other CFHD pathways.We Are Looking for Someone Who:Is a passionate and experienced Speech and Language Therapist with highly developed clinical expertise.Has a proven track record of clinical and professional leadership.Can inspire, support and develop a diverse workforce.Is committed to innovation, quality improvement and evidence-based practice.Can build strong partnerships across health, education, social care and the wider system.Is passionate about improving outcomes and reducing inequalities for children and young people.Values co-production and the voice of children, young people and families in service design and delivery.About usAt Children and Family Health Devon, we are dedicated to improving the physical and mental health of children and young people across Devon and Torbay. We aim to create an environment where children and young people can thrive and are committed to reducing health inequalities and providing specialised support, empowering them to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.Our children and young people sayWe would like the people who work for Children and Family Health Devon to be understanding, patient and respectful. They should be trustworthy and make us feel safe and comfortable. It is important that they use their skills and experience to listen carefully in a non-patronising and non-judgemental way. When staff are positive and friendly, they help to create an environment that is informal and without pressure.Who we areWe are an alliance of NHS organisations led by Devon Partnership Trust. We are a group of professionals including psychologists, psychiatrists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, nurses and many other professions.Join us in beautiful DevonWith access to moors, sea and cities, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy Devon. Whether you enjoy spending time in the cultural hub of Exeter, exploring the Jurassic coastline or discovering the world surfing reserve in North Devon there really is something for everyone.DetailsDate posted18 September 2026Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 8aSalary 57,528 to 64,750 a year pro rata ContractPermanentWorking pattern Full-time, Flexible working Reference numberC9369-26-0707Job locationsChildren & Family Health DevonUnit 1Capital Court, Bittern Road, Sowton Industrial EstateEXETEREX2 7FWUnited KingdomChildren & Family HealthLescaze Offices, Shinners BridgeDartingtonTOTNESDevonTQ9 6JDUnited KingdomChildren & Family Health DevonSpringfield Court, Fishleigh RoadRoundswell Business ParkBARNSTAPLEDevonEX31 3UDUnited KingdomSouth Devon HealthcareTorbay Hospital Annexe187 Newton RoadTORQUAYTQ2 7BAUnited KingdomJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesFull vacancy details can be found on the attached Job Description/Person Specification. Please refer to your suitability to the post in your supporting information from the role requirements or person specification. Job description Job responsibilitiesFull vacancy details can be found on the attached Job Description/Person Specification. Please refer to your suitability to the post in your supporting information from the role requirements or person specification.Person Specification Qualifications EssentialProfessional qualification in Speech and Language Therapy / Occupational Therapy / Physiotherapy & current professional registration Post Graduate Diploma level specialist training, management qualification or equivalent and experience to master's level Evidence of recent, relevant CPD Experience EssentialExtensive knowledge of the provision of healthcare for children, young people and families within the NHSKnowledge of relevant legislation, NHS policy and other national policy relating to children and young people and its implications for area of specialtyHigh level knowledge of health presentations in children and young people and the practice of clinical interventions within area of specialty Knowledge of evidence-based practice including NICE guidelines and routine outcome monitoring relating to the designated pathway Knowledge of risk management and ability to monitor and assess risk and act accordingly to ensure safety within area of specialty Knowledge of supervision, management and leadership practiceUnderstanding of the quality, governance and regulatory framework within the NHSUnderstanding of the complex multi-agency systems providing health, education and social care for children and young peopleKnowledge of service and quality improvement methodologiesWorking knowledge of legislation, regulation, policy, guidance and practice relating to safeguarding childrenKnowledge of research methodology outcome research methodology and ability to critically interpret research findings and dataKnowledge of Information Governance standardsExperience of working collaboratively with service users and their families/carers, clinicians, managers and leadersExperience of Inter-agency working with a successful track record of influencing, and maintaining good working relationships Experience of delivering a clinical practice within the area of specialtyExperience of clinical leadershipExperience of supervising others, leading teams and developing positive supervisory relationshipsExperience of integrating principles of human rights diversity and inclusion in clinical and leadership practiceExperience of managing recruitment processes including staff appraisals, performance and sickness management, investigations, recruitment processesExperience in providing effective supervision, teaching, training to professionals within own and partner agenciesExperience of safeguarding children and ensuring the safety of young people in partnership with other agencies as appropriateExperience of using data to improve servicesExperience of initiating, organising and chairing inter-agency meetings including those related to complex clinical mattersExperience of managing complaints, incidents, risks Experience of operational and / or clinical management of clinical teams in health or social careExperience of budgetary responsibility and effective financial managementExperience in leadership in planning and implementing service improvement / development and change within a clinical setting Management of service user participation and involvement in services and implementation of service change as a result of feedbackExperience of developing and implementing policies and strategiesExperience of collaborative leadership and staff engagementWorking effectively within the local and national political environment Person Specification Qualifications EssentialProfessional qualification in Speech and Language Therapy / Occupational Therapy / Physiotherapy & current professional registration Post Graduate Diploma level specialist training, management qualification or equivalent and experience to master's level Evidence of recent, relevant CPD Experience EssentialExtensive knowledge of the provision of healthcare for children, young people and families within the NHSKnowledge of relevant legislation, NHS policy and other national policy relating to children and young people and its implications for area of specialtyHigh level knowledge of health presentations in children and young people and the practice of clinical interventions within area of specialty Knowledge of evidence-based practice including NICE guidelines and routine outcome monitoring relating to the designated pathway Knowledge of risk management and ability to monitor and assess risk and act accordingly to ensure safety within area of specialty Knowledge of supervision, management and leadership practiceUnderstanding of the quality, governance and regulatory framework within the NHSUnderstanding of the complex multi-agency systems providing health, education and social care for children and young peopleKnowledge of service and quality improvement methodologiesWorking knowledge of legislation, regulation, policy, guidance and practice relating to safeguarding childrenKnowledge of research methodology outcome research methodology and ability to critically interpret research findings and dataKnowledge of Information Governance standardsExperience of working collaboratively with service users and their families/carers, clinicians, managers and leadersExperience of Inter-agency working with a successful track record of influencing, and maintaining good working relationships Experience of delivering a clinical practice within the area of specialtyExperience of clinical leadershipExperience of supervising others, leading teams and developing positive supervisory relationshipsExperience of integrating principles of human rights diversity and inclusion in clinical and leadership practiceExperience of managing recruitment processes including staff appraisals, performance and sickness management, investigations, recruitment processesExperience in providing effective supervision, teaching, training to professionals within own and partner agenciesExperience of safeguarding children and ensuring the safety of young people in partnership with other agencies as appropriateExperience of using data to improve servicesExperience of initiating, organising and chairing inter-agency meetings including those related to complex clinical mattersExperience of managing complaints, incidents, risks Experience of operational and / or clinical management of clinical teams in health or social careExperience of budgetary responsibility and effective financial managementExperience in leadership in planning and implementing service improvement / development and change within a clinical setting Management of service user participation and involvement in services and implementation of service change as a result of feedbackExperience of developing and implementing policies and strategiesExperience of collaborative leadership and staff engagementWorking effectively within the local and national political environmentDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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 SponsorshipApplications 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 CheckThis 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 SponsorshipApplications 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 detailsEmployer nameDevon Partnership NHS TrustAddressChildren & Family Health DevonUnit 1Capital Court, Bittern Road, Sowton Industrial EstateEXETEREX2 7FWUnited KingdomEmployer's websiteEmployer detailsEmployer nameDevon Partnership NHS TrustAddressChildren & Family Health DevonUnit 1Capital Court, Bittern Road, Sowton Industrial EstateEXETEREX2 7FWUnited KingdomEmployer's website