We all know that the NHS is under enormous pressure and so we need to start being more innovative about ways in which we can resource the NHS. Support workers, of course, play an enormously important role, both within the NHS and further afield.

The RCSLT has developed a framework which is specific to speech and language therapist support workers, which defines the competencies and skills required in the role, how are these recognised and how should supervision take place, as well as providing a structure for the career progression of support workers.

In this podcast, we are joined by some of the people who were involved in the development of that framework. And they’re here to talk to us about what it is and why it matters. Whether you’re a support worker, an speech and language therapist, or a manager. 


Interviewees:

Alice Howells - speech and language therapy masters student
Ruth Howes - Lead author of the framework and Specialist SLT
Charlotte McCollum - SeniorSpeech and Language Therapist, Chatterbug Ltd
Samantha Thinnesen - Speech and Language Therapy Assistant in Head, Neck and Voice 



PLEASE NOTE: In the interview the framework is referred to as the PCDF - or Professional Competencies Development Framework - which was correct at the time of recording. It is now just called 'The Support Worker Framework'.


Resources:
The RCSLT Support Workers Hub with links to the framework: https://www.rcslt.org/members/your-career/support-workers-hub/?option=saml_user_login

The interview was produced by Jacques Strauss, freelance digital producer.

Please do feedback on our podcasts to help us improve them: https://tinyurl.com/RCSLTPodcastFeedback. Thank you!

RCSLT - Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists 

Introducing the RCSLT Support Worker framework

Introducing the RCSLT Support workers' framework and hub

In this week’s episode, we speak with Jess Francis from the Training Club about digital health tools and resources to support speech pathologists in providing effective and efficient services. Jess speaks about the opportunities that digital health tools, including AI can provide allied health practitioners, acknowledges reservations that some people may hold, including when the TGA may become involved in regulating a tool, and suggests starting points to help people feel confident about engaging with AI while still meeting professional requirements.

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language and community and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. 

Free access to transcripts and a full list of resources / references for this podcast is available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved.
Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

Practical digital health tools S7E39

In this week’s episode, SPA Early Career Reference Group member, Georgia Poupoulis, and Nathan Cornish-Raley speak with Chris Antartis of Rebel Recruitment and Polly McCarthy from Village Therapy. They discuss how new grads and experienced speech pathologists can find the right job for their circumstances and career path, and how employers can sustainably offer the supports candidates are looking for.

Resources:  
Interview Boss podcast: https://www.interviewboss.com.au/

SPA resources:
Talking business: Recruitment tips for new grads: https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=921283 

Talking business: Recruitment tips for senior candidates: https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=1005397 

Talking business: Finding the right candidate: https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=921298 

Career Centre: https://spa-au.careerwebsite.com/

Work Ready: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Members/Career-and-work/Work-ready/Work-Ready-resources.aspx 

Early Career Supports: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/join/Students/Early-career.aspx?hkey=7748d22e-18d4-427a-ab4b-0de59588dba0 

SPA Mentor Match (Member Only): https://memberhub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/mentoring

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language and community and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. 

Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved.
Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

Making job transitions that work for you S7E40

This week we are rebroadcasting an episode on cultural safety with some suggested resources by way of introducing the episode. We speak with Mitch Walley from Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service, and Dr Natalie Ciccone from ECU about a telehealth service for Aboriginal people living with acquired brain injury (ABI). They discuss steps for making the service culturally secure, and the important role of yarning and Aboriginal coworkers in this process.

More cultural learning opportunities for 2025:
Culturally Safe and Responsive Practice for Speech Pathologists, November 28, 2025 https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=1485816

Acknowledge This! How to give an authentic Acknowledgement of Country, available until Dec 31, 2025: https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=921288

IAHA Cultural Responsiveness Training Level 1: https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=3328

IAHA Cultural Responsiveness Training Level 2: https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=3335

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language and community and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. 

Enjoy free access to transcripts, resources and the full reference list for this podcast through the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved.
Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.


Rebroadcast: Culturally safe telehealth for ABI support S7E41

With Board nominations opening on 28 November, in this week’s episode SPA President, Kathryn McKinley, is interviewed by Early Career Reference Group member, Sarah Cathro. They discuss governance, service, how the Board provides leadership, and how speech pathologists at every career stage can contribute to the profession.

SPA resources:
•	Nominations for the SPA Board open 28 November. www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/BoardElections
•	Join the Early Career Reference Group. Submit your EOI by 1 December. https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Members/Members/News-and-publications/Articles/2025/08-August-2025/Join-the-2026-Early-Career-Reference-Group.aspx?name=Join-the-2026-Early-Career-Reference-Group&WebsiteKey=12e7819f-4437-4942-9ef0-d1d740ca04aa&fbclid=IwY2xjawOAxz5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFDc0NiZFlJWUpGbEIwM3lJc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHsh0X4oQ8XthtPv8n6fpUh97NX0h3bV0z8jApUBZ-6T3rW1mb818Q7ToSTdm_aem_bKcBp030AVZgkuklmozszA
•	Learn about the Speech Pathology Australia Board of Directors: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/About-Us/Our-organisation/Our-structure/Board-of-Directors.aspx
•	Participate in Mentoring to further your career development: https://memberhub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/mentoring

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language and community and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. 

Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved.
Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

Leading with purpose: Reflections on governance & service S7E42

In this week’s episode, we discuss paediatric feeding and Avoidant / Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, or ARFID. We are joined by a multi-disciplinary panel to discuss collaborative supports. Psychologist Dr Katherine Bartlett, dietitian Rachel Tutill, and speech pathologist Val Gent discuss recent research about paediatric feeding needs including ARFID, as well as supports, and resources for clinicians and family or supporters. 

Resources:

Winten, Copeland G., Strodl, Esben, & Ross, Lynda J. (2024) Multidisciplinary Treatment of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. Psychiatric Annals, 54(2), e51-e55 DOI:10.3928/00485713-20240119-01

Gent, Valerie., Marshall, Jeanne., Weir, Kelly A., & Trembath, David. (2025) Caregiver perspectives regarding the impact of feeding difficulties on mealtime participation for primary school-aged autistic children and their families. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, February, 1–11. doi:10.1080/17549507.2025.2452901

Gent, Valerie., Marshall, Jeanne., Weir, Kelly A., & Trembath, David. (2024). Investigating the impact of autistic children's feeding difficulties on caregivers. Child: Care, Health and Development, 50(1), e13218. https://doi.org/10.1111/cch.13218

Feeding matters: www.feedingmatters.org
It’s not picky eating: www.itsnotpickyeating.org
The Victorian Centre for Excellence in Eating Disorders (CEED) resources library https://ceed.org.au/resources/?_resources_search=ARFID

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language and community and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. 	

Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved.
Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.



PFD and ARFID: a multidisciplinary approach S7E43

In this week’s episode, we talk about communication access when someone is critically unwell. We are joined by speech pathologist Associate Professor Amy Freeman-Sanderson who is a project lead on priority setting for communication and swallowing difficulty in critical illness, and Adam Smith who is a patient and carer representative on this steering group. Adam speaks about his lived experience and how this has informed the research, Amy and Adam speak about their goal to understand the top 10 research questions relating to communication and swallowing support needs for people who are critically unwell. 

Resources:  
Survey about top 10 research questions for communication and swallowing support when someone is critically unwell https://utsau.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6rH3cgH49gPLAsC

Communication and Swallowing Difficulty in Critical Illness priority setting partnership protocol- James Lind Alliance https://www.jla.nihr.ac.uk/documents/communication-and-swallowing-difficulty-critical-illness-psp-protocol

PCCO: Patient Communication Care Optimisation https://www.pcco.au/

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language and community and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. 

Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved.
Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

Communication access when critically unwell S7E44

Welcome back to the second season of the Summer Listening Series for 2025-2026! In this first episode Caitlyn Weber from the mental health and trauma working group reflects on a 2022 episode about adverse childhood experiences or ACEs.
In this episode, SPA’s Senior Advisor – Mental Health and Trauma, Laura Caire, speaks with Sarah Verdon, Associate Professor in Speech and Language at Charles Sturt University. Sarah explores the importance of understanding and considering ACE’s when assessing the communication development of children.

Are you interested in joining the Speak Up podcast reference group? Please email the podcast team on SpeakUpPodcast@SpeechPathologyAustralia.org.au

If you’d like to offer a reflection on an episode and participate in a rebroadcast episode please contact the podcast team on the email above.

Resources:  
ACE questionnaire:
https://www.goodsky.com.au/adverse-childhood-experience/#:~:text=What%20is%20the%20ACE%20Questionnaire,mental%20health%20or%20substance%20abuse

Harvard University brain architecture lab:
https://developingchild.harvard.edu/key-concept/brain-architecture/

Nadine Burke Harris’s TED talk:
https://youtu.be/95ovIJ3dsNk?si=sVFTJ73dF8IWAONv

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language and community and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. 

Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/),, you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved.
Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.


Rebroadcast: Adverse childhood experiences SLSS2E01

In this second episode of the 2025-2026 Summer Listening Series, Alice Pumfrey from the SPA 2025 conference support fund has selected rethinking functional neurological disorders. We start the episode with a reflection from Alice and go on to hear Matthew Ernst, Speech Pathologist and Regional Manager at Better Rehab in Queensland, speak with Dr. Cath Gregory, Speech Pathologist and lecturer, from the University of Technology Sydney. Cath outlines the speech pathology role when working with people with a Functional Neurological Disorder.

Are you interested in joining the Speak Up podcast reference group? Please email the podcast team on SpeakUpPodcast@SpeechPathologyAustralia.org.au

If you’d like to offer a reflection on an episode and participate in a rebroadcast episode please contact the podcast team on the email above.

Resources:  

For further information about the Functional Neurological Disorder Society please follow this link:
www.fndsociety.org/
Please follow this link to access the neurosymptoms.org website mentioned in this episode:
www.neurosymptoms.org/

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language and community and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. 

Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/),, you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved.
Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

Rebroadcast: Rethinking FND SLSS2E02

In our update this month Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the RCSLT covers:

Big news from 2025, including RCSLT successes such as the Invest in SLT debate, Voicebox competition in Scotland, Language Launchpad and launch of AHPF Cymru in Wales; the budget in England.
Lots happening in Scotland around children and young people. RCSLT particularly welcomes the 'Early years speech, language and communication action plan': https://www.gov.scot/publications/speech-language-communication-action-plan/
Best Start Family Hubs in England to be a one-stop shop for parents of children with SEND.
Publication of the 'Getting it right first time' head and neck cancer report: https://gettingitrightfirsttime.co.uk/medical_specialties/head-and-neck-cancer/
The House of Lords committee on the Autism Act has highlighted speech, language, and communication, the role of speech and language therapy, and the barriers too many autistic people, of all ages, and their families face accessing it, across education, employment, health, justice, and social care 
The Office of the Chief Allied Health Professions Officer (CAHPO) at NHS England has commissioned NHS Elect to co-produce  a Transformation Toolkit for NHS community speech and language therapy services for children and young people https://www.rcslt.org/news/toolkit-to-support-nhs-services-to-reduce-waiting-times-for-children-and-young-people/ 


Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please do take a few moments to respond to our podcast survey: uk.surveymonkey.com/r/LG5HC3R

RCSLT news December 2025

In this podcast we chat with Loretta Gasparini about the research she led on finding a robust predictor tool for persistent language disorders. The aim of this research is to  identify young children who are likely to have persisting language difficulties, so that we can recruit them into research, build a strong evidence base and ultimately support them to thrive.



The paper is:

Identifying early language predictors: A replication of Gasparini et al. (2023) confirming applicability in a general population. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1460-6984.13086

Loretta Gasparini, Daisy A. Shepherd, Jing Wang, Melissa Wake, Angela T. Morgan



This paper was awarded the International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders 2024 Editors' Prize.

 

GITHUB LINK: 

https://github.com/lottiegasp/languagepredictions

DEMONSTRATOR LINK: 

https://storage.googleapis.com/rcslt/Index.html





IJLCD: Six questions, eight years later: identifying early predictors of language development

Podcasts from the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists

Introducing the RCSLT Support workers' framework and hub

RCSLT Sound Waves