Speech & Language Therapist Advanced Practitioner - Band 8a

ROLE PURPOSE / SUMMARY The Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) is a new organisation formed through the consolidation of three ICB areas in response to the NHSs ambition to deliver a more streamlined, strategic and cost-effective model of health commissioning. The ICB will oversee the commissioning of care for the approximately 2 million people who live in Essex. Operating within a reduced running cost envelope and aligned to the new requirements of ICBs in England, the ICB will focus on improving population health outcomes, health equity and smarter resource allocation. The Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) Advanced Practitioner is a strategic, population-level clinical leadership role working across education, health and care systems to improve outcomes for children and young people aged 0-25 with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN). The role will provide advanced clinical leadership across the Essex SEND partnership, working collaboratively with local authorities, Integrated Care Boards, NHS providers, education settings, universities, parent carer forums and professional networks to strengthen the Speech and Language Therapy workforce and increase access to SLT expertise within mainstream education settings. The post is aligned to the NHSE Multi-Professional Framework for Advanced Practice and operates across the four pillars of advanced practice: clinical practice, leadership and management, education, and research.

The post holder will

Provide strategic, population-level clinical SLT leadership to improve outcomes for children and young people (0-25) with speech, language and communication needs. Strengthen the SLT workforce pipeline across education settings through placements, apprenticeships and supervision capacity. Increase access to Speech and Language Therapy expertise within mainstream education settings. Support delivery of SEND reform and the Experts at Hand programme across the Essex system. Work with commissioners and system partners to implement evidence-based, scalable solutions which improve access to speech and language expertise within education. Develop sustainable partnerships with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), providers and wider stakeholders to strengthen workforce supply, capability and sustainability. This is a strategic system leadership role and is not intended to carry a clinical caseload or undertake individual casework. As the ICB transitions to become a leaner, more focused strategic commissioning organisation the post holder will be expected to support the delivery of SEND reform, workforce transformation and population health improvement through the NHS 10 year plan priorities. KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES To deliver on the job description set out above, the job holder will be expected to deliver on the requirements set out below: Policy and service development Lead the development and implementation of strategic initiatives that strengthen the Speech and Language Therapy workforce across mainstream education settings. Support implementation of national SEND reforms and the Experts at Hand programme across Essex. Influence policy development relating to workforce planning, education placements, apprenticeship pathways and inclusive practice. Ensure compliance with relevant NHS, HCPC, SEND and ICB governance requirements. Promote evidence-based practice and innovation across education, health and social care systems. Support development of local area SEND strategies and contribute to SEND inspection readiness and improvement activity. Strategy and analysis Analyse complex workforce, service and population health data to identify opportunities for workforce growth and service improvement. Use evaluation, audit and outcome measures to demonstrate impact and inform commissioning decisions. Develop reports, business cases and recommendations for commissioners and system leaders. Apply population health approaches to improve access to Speech and Language Therapy expertise in education settings. Use system intelligence to identify barriers, inequalities and opportunities relating to speech, language and communication needs. Planning and organisation Lead and coordinate programmes that increase student placements, apprenticeship opportunities and workforce development across Essex. Develop and implement work plans aligned with agreed programme objectives and governance requirements. Manage competing priorities across partner organisations and system programmes. Maintain robust records, reporting arrangements and programme documentation. Contribute to delivery of relevant ICB and SEND partnership priorities. Communications and Partnerships Operate as a system leader across education, health and care. Build and maintain effective partnerships with: - Local Authorities - Education settings (early years, schools and post-16) - NHS and independent providers - Universities and training providers - Parent carer forums - Commissioners - Designated Clinical Officers - Professional bodies including the RCSLT Present complex information to varied audiences and facilitate collaborative decision making. Champion co-production with children, young people and families. Influence senior leaders and stakeholders across organisational boundaries to support system-wide improvement. Able to manage conflict, find compromise and persuade based on evidence as needed Financial and resource management Support the effective use of programme funding associated with the SLT Advanced Practitioner programme. Contribute to business cases and investment proposals relating to workforce development initiatives. Support procurement and commissioning activities where required. Ensure value for money and achievement of agreed programme outcomes. Team management and capability building Act as an educator, mentor, supervisor and coach to students, clinicians and supervisors. Support development of innovative placement supervision models. Build workforce capability through professional learning and development initiatives. Promote and support Speech and Language Therapy degree apprenticeships. Facilitate communities of practice and professional networks across Essex. Provide professional leadership without direct responsibility for line management of therapy services. Other Able to use initiative and work independently as needed to deliver on requirements of the role Primarily desk-based work that requires use of visual display units, focused concentration and frequent participation in on-line or in person meetings Able to use software required to develop report, including ability to deliver high quality documents through Microsoft suite (word, power point, excel) Flexibility and evolving responsibilities As the ICB continues to evolve, portfolios may be subject to change to reflect the needs of the organization, the health and care system and national policy direction. This may include adjustments to areas of responsibility or realignment of reporting structures. KEY RELATIONSHIPS The post holder will need to build constructive relationships with partners from across the health and care system.

Key relationships will be with

ICB senior leadership including DCO and Associate Director Strategic Commissioning Local Authority partners NHS and Independent Speech & Language Therapy Providers Early Years Settings Mainstream and Special Schools Further Education and Post-16 Providers Universities and Higher Education Institutions Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) Parent Carer Forums Children and Young People Participation Groups NHS England Regional Teams SEND Partnership Boards