Principal Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, Cleft Lip & Palate

Principal Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, Cleft Lip & Palate

The closing date is 30 August 2026

A vacancy has arisen in Trent Regional Cleft Network for a highly specialised Principal Speech and Language Therapist in the area of cleft palate and related disorders.

The post holder will be employed by Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to contribute to a service level agreement to deliver SLT services to Trent Regional Cleft Network hosted by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. The post will be based at the Trent Regional Cleft Centre, situated on the Nottingham City Hospital Campus.

The Trent Regional Cleft Network supports children and adults with cleft lip and palate and related disorders across a large geographical area covering Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley, Doncaster, Scunthorpe and Grimsby. The service caters for approximately 80-100 cleft births per year.

Nottingham SLT Service (hosted by Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust) is a large paediatric SLT department with a range of specialist therapists, training opportunities and professional support.

The post holder will work closely with the Regional Lead SLT and as part of a team of Specialist SLTs across the region, helping provide an effective regional cleft SLT service.

They will act as the identified specialist managing the cleft caseload for an agreed area of the region. They will work closely with local SLT services across the region to ensure clients receive the highest possible standards of care.

They will be required to deputise for the Regional Lead SLT for Trent Regional Cleft Network as necessary.

They will be an integral member of the multidisciplinary cleft team working closely with the surgeons, orthodontists, nurses and psychologists to ensure holistic care-planning.

Applicants should have excellent communication and organisational skills, broad paediatric experience, specialist knowledge/skills in the area of cleft palate and VPD and an ability to motivate others. They will be highly motivated and compassionate with excellent team-working skills.

The post is likely to require work on an outreach basis across the region for up to 50% of the time. A current driving licence and a willingness to travel and work away from the base is essential.

Owing to existing clinic arrangements across the region, a commitment to working on a Friday will be essential.

The post would suit an existing specialist or someone who can show an outstanding commitment to developing their skills and knowledge in this area.

To take a lead role in the assessment and treatment of a highly specialised caseload of clients with cleft palate and related disorders.

To be autonomous and responsible for the assessment, formulation and management of a highly specialist clinical caseload ensuring evidence‑based practice.

To coordinate SLT care plans for children and adults with cleft lip and palate / velopharyngeal dysfunction in a designated area of Trent Regional Cleft Network. This includes providing support to local SLTs and other professionals involved with these clients in the form of expert advice, second opinions and joint visits.

To act as a key member of the multidisciplinary cleft team, provide regular clinical input to combined cleft clinics and palate investigation clinics and contribute to clinical management decisions.

To participate in research and audit projects both locally and nationally in collaboration with other members of the Trent Regional Cleft multidisciplinary team and colleagues across the UK.

To contribute to Trent Regional Cleft Service training and research presentations at a national / international level.

To provide support to less experienced SLTs across the Trent Region and supervise students on placement allocated to the pathway.

Required to attend specialist short course and advanced training and development in order to maintain and develop relevant skills and knowledge required of a highly skilled specialist therapist working in the field of cleft lip and palate / velopharyngeal dysfunction (through…