Deputy Head of Speech and Language Therapy

Deputy Head of Speech and Language Therapy

Band 8a

Main area Speech and language therapy Grade Band 8a Contract Permanent Hours

• Full time
• Part time

Employer Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board Employer type NHS Site Wrexham Maelor Hospital Town Wrexham Salary £58,379 - £65,723 per annum pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 12/11/ :59

If you relish a challenge, have a passion to help others or simply fancy a fresh start, then Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) North Wales, has all the right ingredients. The largest health organisation in Wales, providing a full range of primary, community, mental health, acute and elective hospital services for a population of around 700,000, across North Wales . Join our team and get the support you need, in line with our Organisational Values and ‘Proud to Lead’ competence framework.

The organisation is currently undertaking a comprehensive operating model review and change programme to ensure we are best positioned for the future, creating exciting opportunities to shape how we work and deliver for the people of North Wales.

Enjoy being part of working with engaged leadership at all levels, and be assured we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and are proud to welcome applicants under the “Disability Confident Employer” scheme. We also offer a number of family-friendly benefits, including work-life balance policies.

Successful applicants will receive all recruitment related correspondence via the email account registered on the application form.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh. Applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Job overview

We have a rare and exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated Deputy Head of Speech and Language Therapy to join our dynamic and supportive service. As a key member of the leadership team, you will work in close partnership with the Head of Speech and Language Therapy and the Deputy Head of Speech and Language Therapy (Paediatrics) to provide strategic and operational leadership across the service.

While this role has a particular clinical and professional leadership focus on adult speech and language therapy services, both Deputy Heads work collaboratively across the whole service to drive innovation, quality improvement, workforce development, and service excellence. Together, you will support and inspire our talented workforce of speech and language therapists, technical instructors, and administrative colleagues, helping to ensure high-quality, equitable, and person-centred care for the populations we serve.

Main duties of the job

We have an exciting opportunity to recruit a Deputy Head of Speech and Language Therapy to join our growing and ambitious service across Flintshire and Wrexham. We are a team of around 60 staff working across the age range in primary, community, and acute care, as well as physical and mental health settings, working closely with partners across health, social care, education, and the third sector.

We are a high-performing and well-established service with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, person-centred care. Our supportive culture, skilled workforce, and commitment to collaboration, learning, and service excellence help us achieve positive outcomes for the people and communities we serve.

This role combines clinical expertise with strategic leadership, with approximately 50% of time dedicated to clinical practice and 50% to leadership and management. Working closely with the Head of Speech and Language Therapy, the Deputy Head of Speech and Language Therapy (Paediatrics), and the wider leadership team, you will help shape and develop services across the Health Board.

With a particular focus on adult services, you will work collaboratively across the whole service to support workforce development, quality improvement, and transformation, fostering a positive culture where staff feel valued, supported, and empowered.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Working for our organisation

If you relish a challenge, have a passion to help others or simply fancy a fresh start, then Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) North Wales, has all the right ingredients. The largest health organisation in Wales, providing a full range of primary, community, mental health, acute and elective hospital services for a population of around 700,000, across North Wales . Join our team and get the support you need, in line with our Organisational Values and ‘Proud to Lead’ competence framework.

Enjoy being part of working with engaged leadership at all levels, and be assured we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and are proud to welcome applicants under the “Disability Confident Employer” scheme.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh. Applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

We are unable to offer Sponsorship for this post.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents.

Informal enquiries or visits to meet the team are welcomed. Please contact Sarah Rate, Deputy Head of Speech and Language Therapy,

Person specification

Qualifications and Training

• HCPC Registered Speech and Language Therapist
• Master's Level Qualification or Equivalent Demonstrable Experience
• Leadership Qualification or Equivalent Demonstrable Leadership Experience
• Post-graduate Management Qualification

Skills and Experience

• Significant continuous professional development as an SLT and leader
• Evidence of operational service leadership and development
• Evidence of coaching skills and experience
• Proven ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple competing priorities
• Understanding of NHS Wales' context, and opportunities and challenges for SLT services
• Ability to work bilingually using English and Welsh

Qualities and Attributes

• Enhanced reflective skills applied to clinical practice and personal development
• Proven ability to develop others through coaching, teaching and skill sharing
• Understanding and living BCUHB and NHS Wales' Values and Behaviours
• Experience in leading risk management procedures within a team or service

To work in the UK, all candidates who are not UK or Republic of Ireland (RoI) nationals require sponsorship to obtain either a Health and Care visa or Skilled Worker visa , unless you have permission to work via another route. Non UK / RoI candidates wishing to apply should self-assess the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship by visiting Work in the UK . If you are eligible for the Health and Care visa, application costs are lower and you do not need to pay the annual Immigration Health Surcharge.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Contact Information

Name Sarah Rate Job title Deputy Head of Speech and Language Therapy Email address Telephone number Additional information

Informal enquiries or visits to meet the team are welcomed. Please contact Sarah Rate, Deputy Head of Speech and Language Therapy,