Lead Speech and Language Therapist

About Us

Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.

Our values are at the heart of everything we do, click here to find out more

It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.

Role Summary

We’re delighted to be offering this exciting opportunity to establish SLT leadership within the Eastern Integrated Community Stroke Support (ICSS) team. 

As a core member of the ICSS team and supported by the Lead SLT for Neuro-Rehabilitation, you will use your specialist skills to drive the development of SLT within ICSS, leading on initiatives to improve interventions, outcomes and patient experience.

About the Role

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.

More detail about the role

Based at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Heavitree), you will supervise a band 6 SLT and support early discharges from hospital by working in partnership with people with acquired communication and swallowing disorders to reduce the impact of these difficulties on well-being and enhance their ability to participate in daily life. 

You’d be joining our strong, cohesive SLT service which spans adult acute and community, and acute neonatology and paediatrics. We have excellent systems in place for supervision, support and continuing professional development and will work with you on a CPD plan to meet your needs. 

Our mission is to improve quality of life for people with communication and swallowing difficulties – come and help us do just that!

Working Pattern: This is a permanent position of 22.5 hours per week (0.6 WTE). Core hours are M-F 08:30-16:30

Interview Date: 30 November 2026

For further information please contact: Clare Woods, Lead SLT: Neuro-Rehabilitation on 01392 208580 / clare.woods11@nhs.net or Anna Jillings, Clinical Nurse Manager on 01392 408910 / anna.jillings@nhs.net

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Benefits

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:

• National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
• Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
• Car lease schemes.
• The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
• Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.