Job Summary
Take the Lead. Make a Difference. Shape the Future of Community SLT and be part of a leading NHS trust in North Central London.
Are you an experienced Band 7 or 8a Speech and Language Therapist looking for the next big step in your career? Do you want to lead a dynamic team and drive innovation in community-based therapy? If so, this Clinical Lead role could be the perfect opportunity for you!
Why Join Us
Lead a highly skilled team of SLTs and SLT Assistants. Work closely with SLT colleagues across North Middlesex University Hospital (NMUH) and the Royal Free London NHS Trust being part of the same organisation since we merged in Jan 2025. You will be part of the cross‑site senior SLT leads forums, have access to joint VF clinics at NMUH, have access to joint CPD and training with secondary care based SLTs and access to Band 8b clinical SLT leads. Have the autonomy to shape services and implement new ways of working. Receive full support for CPD, leadership training, and career progression. Be part of a Trust that prioritises staff well‑being with services like an Employee Assistance Programme, Occupational Health support, and a Well‑being Forum.
Your Impact
As Clinical Lead, you will:
* Oversee the clinical organisation and development of adult community SLT services in the London Borough of Enfield
* Provide highly specialist advice to the rehabilitation and therapy teams
* Lead clinical governance, service audits, and quality improvement initiatives
* Manage a complex caseload, using advanced clinical reasoning and problem‑solving skills
* Work strategically with AHP Leads and senior stakeholders to enhance service delivery
Job Responsibilities
* Make daily decisions on allocation of resources that directly affect SLT intervention level and justify those decisions to patients, carers, and others
* Deal sensitively with patients and carers who have high levels of anxiety due to their condition (e.g., pain, loss of mobility, poor prognosis, cognitive impairment)
* Support and educate patients and carers in managing complex SLT needs
* Carry out comprehensive, highly specialist assessments of patients with diverse or complex presentations, using advanced clinical reasoning and assessment techniques to provide accurate diagnoses
* Formulate and deliver individual SLT treatment programmes based on evidence‑based practice; evaluate progress and modify programmes as required
* Develop comprehensive management plans with the multidisciplinary team, including referrals to specialist services and ongoing management planning
* Comply with the Child Protection Policy and Enfield Protection of Vulnerable Adults policy where applicable
* Monitor that service delivery is patient‑goal‑led and in line with best practice
People (HR) Management
* Lead day‑to‑day supervision of staff and local induction
* Teach, assess, and contribute to performance appraisals of less experienced SLTs, TIs, and assistants
* Participate in the staff appraisal scheme as both appraisee and appraiser, and meet agreed personal development programmes
* Performance‑manage staff within own service and address competency issues as needed
* Be responsible for the SLT in‑service training programme, including tutorials, individual sessions, presentations, and peer review
* Attend external training as appropriate and identified in own PDP
* Lead recruitment for the service and skill‑mix reviews
* Take responsibility for operational management of the adult SLT team, allocating and organising work of all staff to meet service priorities
What We're Looking For
* Qualified SLT with RCSLT‑recognised degree and HCPC registration
* Strong leadership and mentorship experience, including clinical supervision
* Exceptional communication and problem‑solving skills in complex cases
* Passion for service development and innovation in community SLT care
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications (Essential)
* RCSLT recognised diploma/degree in SLT
* HCPC registration
* RCSLT attendance at relevant post‑graduate courses
* RCSLT recognised post‑graduate dysphagia qualification
Education and Qualifications (Desirable)
* Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant subject related to this client group
* Member of a relevant CEN
Experience and Knowledge (Essential)
* Experience working with out‑patients and in community MDT settings
* Experience in clinical supervision
* Experience with diverse cultures and complex clinical problems
* Extensive experience at advanced practitioner (Band 7) level in relevant area, including adult dysphagia management within NHS
* Experience with patients with acquired neurological conditions and dysphagia
* Experience delivering training packages to carers on dysphagia and communication
* Participation in projects/audit activities
* Experience with AAC assessment and implementation (low and high‑tech)
* Experience developing and managing a team
Experience and Knowledge (Desirable)
* Experience carrying out research projects
Skills and Abilities (Essential)
* Fluent in written and spoken English, able to generate high‑calibre letters and reports
* Highly advanced communication skills for high‑level meetings regarding patient care or clinical strategy
* Highly advanced clinical reasoning, analytical and problem‑solving skills, especially for neurological and adult acquired pathology
* Ability to prioritise own and others’ workload in a busy environment
* Ability to supervise and teach own profession and other MDT members
* Effective time management and adaptability in a busy clinical environment
* Competent IT skills; knowledge of basic Microsoft packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
* Demonstrated advanced clinical reasoning for all clinical decisions
* Experience organising internal or external training sessions/courses
* Knowledge of Community Care Systems and collaboration with other agencies, including local authority
* Excellent understanding of relevant NSFs, NICE guidance and national/local policy for service delivery
* Awareness of current professional issues and developments, including legal frameworks impacting practice
Additional Information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure check will be required.
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Employer Details
Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
St Micheal's Hospital
Gater Drive
Enfield
EN2 0JB
Website: https://www.royalfreelondonjobs.co.uk/
Job Details
Date posted: 11 February 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: 8a
Salary: £61,631 to £68,623 a year (inclusive of HCAs)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full‑time
Reference number: 391-NMUH-7573380-A
Job location: St Micheal's Hospital, Gater Drive, Enfield, EN2 0JB
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