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- Tasks: Lead a team to support children with speech and language challenges in Hartlepool.
- Company: Join a leading children's charity making a real difference in early language support.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 28 days holiday, pension scheme, and life assurance.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with a focus on collaboration and community impact.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative programme that transforms lives through early intervention.
- Qualifications: Qualified Speech and Language Therapist with leadership and project management experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Reporting to: Head of Delivery
Location: Combination of home and locally based work in Hartlepool
Contract: Fixed term contract until Aug 2027; 21 hours per week (0.6 FTE)
Role Overview
We are working with partners from Hartlepool Council, Integrated Commissioning Board and local NHS Trust to deliver the Early Language Support for Every Child (ELSEC) pilot project. ELSEC is a two year pathfinder programme co‑led by the DfE and NHS England, testing reforms in SEND and Alternative Provision. The programme funds innovative workforce models to identify and support children with speech and language challenges at an early stage. Hartlepool is one of nine local authorities taking part. The Programme Lead, together with a Senior Speech and Language Therapist and seven speech and language support workers, will create the model of early intervention support.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure effective operational management of the staff team and successful delivery of the national ELSEC programme.
- Collaborate effectively across a large number of local stakeholders, providing input, advice and leadership on how we support children with speech and language challenges.
- Contribute to raising our profile as a leading children’s charity supporting children with speech and language challenges, and raising awareness of the ELSEC project locally.
- Lead the operational delivery of the ELSEC programme locally.
- Manage and support a multidisciplinary team, including recruitment and performance management.
- Develop and oversee project plans, budgets, KPIs and reporting.
- Build strong relationships with partners, including the Local Authority and NHS.
- Provide strategic leadership and expert advice on speech and language support.
- Ensure high‑quality evaluation, reporting and continuous improvement.
What we are looking for
- Qualified Speech and Language Therapist registered with RCSLT and HCPC.
- Strong experience in multi‑agency working.
- Proven leadership experience managing staff and delivering services.
- Experience in project management, monitoring and evaluation.
- In‑depth knowledge of speech, language and communication needs (0–7 years).
Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- 28 days holiday (pro‑rata for part‑time).
- Group pension scheme.
- Life assurance.
- Opportunity to work in an organisation where every job matters.
Application deadline: 5pm on Monday, 4th May 2026.
Programme Lead for Early Language Support for Every Child employer: Speech and Language UK
Contact Detail:
Speech and Language UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Lead for Early Language Support for Every Child
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of speech and language therapy. Attend local events or workshops related to early language support, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential collaborators or stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the ELSEC programme and its impact on children with speech and language challenges. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to raising their profile as a leading charity.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples from your past where you successfully managed a team or delivered a project. Be prepared to share these stories during interviews to demonstrate your capability in operational management.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to support every child with speech and language challenges.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Lead for Early Language Support for Every Child
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in speech and language therapy, especially in multi-agency settings. We want to see how your skills align with the ELSEC programme's goals!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves managing a team, don’t forget to include examples of your leadership experience. We’re keen to know how you’ve successfully led projects or teams in the past.
Highlight Collaboration Experience: Collaboration is key for this role! Share specific instances where you’ve worked with local authorities or health services to support children’s needs. We love seeing teamwork in action!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Speech and Language UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and research in speech and language therapy, especially as it relates to early intervention. Familiarise yourself with the ELSEC programme and its objectives, so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, particularly in managing multidisciplinary teams. Think of specific situations where you successfully led a project or initiative, and be ready to discuss how you motivated your team and achieved results.
✨Build Connections
Since collaboration is key for this role, think about how you can demonstrate your ability to work with various stakeholders. Prepare anecdotes that showcase your experience in multi-agency working and how you’ve built strong relationships in previous roles.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready to ask. This could be about the future direction of the ELSEC programme or how they measure success. It shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.