Job summary
We have a rare and exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated Deputy Head of Speech and Language Therapy to join our dynamic and supportive service. As a key member of the leadership team, you will work in close partnership with the Head of Speech and Language Therapy and the Deputy Head of Speech and Language Therapy (Paediatrics) to provide strategic and operational leadership across the service. While this role has a particular clinical and professional leadership focus on adult speech and language therapy services, both Deputy Heads work collaboratively across the whole service to drive innovation, quality improvement, workforce development, and service excellence. Together, you will support and inspire our talented workforce of speech and language therapists, technical instructors, and administrative colleagues, helping to ensure high-quality, equitable, and person-centred care for the populations we serve.
Main duties of the job
We have an exciting opportunity to recruit a Deputy Head of Speech and Language Therapy to join our growing and ambitious service across Flintshire and Wrexham. We are a team of around 60 staff working across the age range in primary, community, and acute care, as well as physical and mental health settings, working closely with partners across health, social care, education, and the third sector. We are a high-performing and well-established service with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, person-centred care. Our supportive culture, skilled workforce, and commitment to collaboration, learning, and service excellence help us achieve positive outcomes for the people and communities we serve. This role combines clinical expertise with strategic leadership, with approximately 50% of time dedicated to clinical practice and 50% to leadership and management. Working closely with the Head of Speech and Language Therapy, the Deputy Head of Speech and Language Therapy (Paediatrics), and the wider leadership team, you will help shape and develop services across the Health Board. With a particular focus on adult services, you will work collaboratively across the whole service to support workforce development, quality improvement, and transformation, fostering a positive culture where staff feel valued, supported, and empowered. The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.
About us
If you relish a challenge, have a passion to help others or simply fancy a fresh start, then Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) North Wales, has all the right ingredients. The largest health organisation in Wales, providing a full range of primary, community, mental health, acute and elective hospital services for a population of around 700,000, across North Wales. Join our team and get the support you need, in line with our Organisational Values and ‘Proud to Lead’ competence framework. Enjoy being part of working with engaged leadership at all levels, and be assured we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and are proud to welcome applicants under the “Disability Confident Employer” scheme. Applications may be submitted in Welsh. Applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English. We are unable to offer Sponsorship for this post.
Details
Date posted: 23 October 2026 Pay scheme: Agenda for change Band: Band 8a Salary: £58,379 to £65,723 a year per annum pro rata Contract: Permanent Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time Reference number: 050-AHP193-1026 Job locations: Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Croesnewydd Road, Wrexham, LL13 7TD, United Kingdom
Job responsibilities
Informal enquiries or visits to meet the team are welcomed. Please contact Sarah Rate, Deputy Head of Speech and Language Therapy, Sarah.rate1@wales.nhs.uk, 07811786158
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- HCPC Registered Speech and Language Therapist
- Master’s Level Qualification or Equivalent Demonstrable Experience
- Leadership Qualification or Equivalent Demonstrable Leadership Experience
Desirable
- Post-graduate Management Qualification
Skills and Experience
Essential
- Significant continuous professional development as an SLT and leader
- Evidence of operational service leadership and development
- Evidence of coaching skills and experience
- Proven ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple competing priorities
- Understanding of NHS Wales’ context, and opportunities and challenges for SLT services
Desirable
- Ability to work bilingually using English and Welsh
Qualities and Attributes
Essential
- Enhanced reflective skills applied to clinical practice and personal development
- Proven ability to develop others through coaching, teaching and skill sharing
- Understanding and living BCUHB and NHS Wales’ Values and Behaviours
Desirable
- Experience in leading risk management procedures within a team or service
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.
Employer details
Employer name: Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board Address: Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Croesnewydd Road, Wrexham, LL13 7TD, United Kingdom
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Deputy Head of Speech and Language Therapy, Sarah Rate, sarah.rate1@wales.nhs.uk, 03000848166
The closing date is 12 November 2026.
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