Speech & Language Therapist - Strategic Advisor

Location: Remote / Flexible (within the UK)
Contract: Fixed term until August 2027 (rolling contract)
Commitment: 1–3 days per month (flexible)
Rate: £350–£450 per day (dependent on experience and qualifications)

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Speech and Language Therapist to provide strategic advice and expertise to strengthen Mencap’s systems for communication, and safe eating and drinking practices.

Working within the Quality Directorate and reporting to the Head of Health and Safety, you will influence the development and oversight of speech and language–related frameworks across our organisation. Your input will help ensure safe, person-centred, and effective support for people with a learning disability.

This is a flexible consultancy opportunity, ideal for an experienced clinician looking to apply their specialist knowledge at a strategic, system-wide level.

Main Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on safe eating, drinking, and communication practices in line with legislation and professional standards.
• Advise on the design and implementation of speech and language approaches across Mencap services.
• Review and strengthen systems related to safe eating and drinking, including audit and risk assessment frameworks.
• Contribute to the development of policies, training, and quality assurance systems.
• Analyse incidents and near-misses related to communication or swallowing, identifying trends and supporting learning to prevent recurrence.

About You

You will have:

• HCPC registration as a Speech and Language Therapist and membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).
• A degree or equivalent qualification in Speech and Language Therapy.
• Experience working with people with a learning disability.
• Expertise in evidence-based approaches to communication and dysphagia.
• Understanding of national policies and best practice relevant to learning disability services.
• Confidence in contributing to strategic projects, policy, and training.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to make complex information accessible.
• A passion for improving outcomes and quality of life for people with a learning disability.

About Mencap

At Mencap, we are passionate, inclusive, brave, positive, and kind.
Join us and help shape safer, more effective communication and eating and drinking support for people with a learning disability.

Safeguarding

Mencap is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk. All successful applicants will undergo the relevant pre-employment checks, including references and (where applicable) an enhanced DBS check.

• Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

  We're here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in.

  At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues.

  Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere.

  · Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation.

  · Every day we grow and learn. It’s okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes

  · Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves.

  We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long- term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies.

  We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for.