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Have your say on the new competency framework for SLTs working with deaf children

  • Area of Work: Scottish Sensory Hub
  • Type: News Item
  • Published: 30th September 2026
Colourful graphic of a group of children.

Consultation launched for parents/carers, people with lived experience, and professionals.

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) is working in partnership with the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS), the British Association of Teachers of Deaf Children and Young People (BATOD), and other stakeholders to develop a competency framework for speech and language therapists (SLTs) working with deaf children and young people.

The project was established in response to the recognised need for a UK-wide framework that describes the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to deliver high-quality speech and language therapy services.

The framework will support SLTs throughout their careers, from newly qualified practitioners to advanced and specialist clinicians. It will also help services, managers, commissioners, educators and families understand the level of expertise required to meet the needs of deaf children and young people.

The project aims to:

  • Define the competencies required for SLTs working with deaf and hard of hearing children and young people
  • Support workforce development and career progression
  • Promote consistency and quality of care across services
  • Provide a resource that can be used by practitioners, services, educators and commissioners
  • Support equitable access to specialist speech and language therapy services across the UK
  • Reflect the needs and priorities of deaf children and young people and their families
  • Align with relevant policy, professional and service developments across the four nations of the UK.

This consultation has two surveys:

One is for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, parents/carers, family members, and others with relevant lived experience. Take the lived experience survey here.

There is also a survey for professionals supporting deaf children or young people. Take the survey for professionals here.

Both surveys are open until 9 October 2026.

Your views will help inform what knowledge, skills and qualities are most important for SLTs working in this area.

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