Speech and Language Therapy Service Manager

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran are one of 14 territorial NHS Boards within NHS Scotland. In support of our core purpose of working together to achieve the healthiest life possible for everyone in Ayrshire and Arran, we are committed to a culture that is caring, safe and respectful. You will be required to work collaboratively in a safe, caring and respectful way.

To find out more about NHS Ayrshire and Arran please visit our website – NHS Ayrshire & Arran – Home ().

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Speech and Language Therapy Manager based at Ailsa Hospital. This post is offered on a permanent basis.

36 hours per week. From 1 April 2026, the working week for NHS Agenda for Change staff in Scotland will be reduced. Full‑time hours will reduce from 37 to 36 hours (pro rata for part‑time staff) without loss of earnings.

A UK driving licence is essential for this role.

• To be responsible for organising the effective delivery and development of Speech and Language Therapy Services within an agreed HSCP and acute services.
• To provide professional clinical leadership, supervision and line management to Speech and Language Therapy across HSCP and acute services.
• To represent the specialist contribution of Speech and Language Therapy Services in a range of multi‑disciplinary/multi‑agency areas within and outwith the organisation in the strategic planning of agreed service areas, communicating complex and at times contentious information which relates to the specialist area.
• To lead and fully manage the Speech and Language Therapy team within the HSCP and acute.
• To ensure that systems to support clinical governance and performance management are operating effectively within the agreed Service area.
• To have responsibility for the management of a highly specialised caseload, ensuring effective diagnosis and management to meet patients’ needs.
• To act as alternating chair of the Speech and Language Therapy profession Uni Professional Development Group and be the nominated Speech and Language Therapy representative on the AHP Clinical Governance Group during tenure.
• To work in collaboration with MDT management colleagues to offer professional advice and support to SLT staff working within MDTs who are line managed outwith uni‑professional structures (where relevant).

• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy
• Attendance of formal management courses
• Evidence of relevant post‑graduate education and development to Masters level or equivalent
• Up to date portfolio demonstrating personal development leadership
• Certificate to practice from HCPC
• Significant practice at a highly specialist level within Adult or children’s Speech and Language Therapy
• Advanced level of specialist knowledge gained over a significant period of time and including regular attendance at specialist courses or specific interest groups (SIGs)
• Significant management experience
• Significant leadership experience
• Evidence of quality improvement competence
• Experience of working effectively in a multi‑stakeholder environment
• Knowledge of local and national strategic direction
• Understanding of corporate governance
• Knowledge of clinical guidelines and standards
• Competency in IT packages
• Clinical competencies in area of professional practice
• Leading, influencing and negotiating in challenging circumstances
• Communicating complex and difficult issues, using a variety of methods to a range of stakeholders
• Effective collaborative and team working
• Delivering governance and achieving results
• Proven record of motivational leadership skills and team management/development

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