Band 8A Speech & Language Therapy Lead - Neurodevelopmental Diagnostic
| Posting date: | 19 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | £61,631 - £68,623 per annum pro rata inclusive of HCAS |
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 18 February 2026 |
| Location: | London, HA8 0AD |
| Company: | Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 7725289/391-RFl-7725289 |
Summary
A Vacancy at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.
We are excited to offer this position of Speech and Language Therapy Lead in our new Autism and Social Communication Assessment pathway. This post is based at Edgware Hospital in Barnet.
We are looking for an experienced Speech and Language Therapist with prior experience in autism assessment and diagnosis in children 0-6. The ideal candidate will be ADOS-2 trained and have considerable experience in multidisciplinary neurodevelopmental assessment clinics, working with paediatricians, SLTs, OTs, psychologists and other clinicians.
This is a new multidisciplinary team which is designed to provide a needs-led, family-centred approach to assessment and diagnosis for children under the age of seven with neurodivergent needs.
The successful candidate will assess children aged 0-6 for possible autism using the ADOS and/or other appropriate assessment tools, liaise with other members of the MDT to consider the correct outcome for the child, give families feedback about the outcome of assessments, and write high-quality clinical reports.
The role involves supervision and line management of the band 7 speech and language therapists within the team, leading practice, providing specialist support to children and families, liaising with other professionals, and demonstrating a neuro-affirmative attitude to differences such as autism and ADHD.
The aim is to provide a holistic approach in communicating and sharing advice, information and plans to all relevant parties and family.
The post holder will act as the Safeguarding Lead for the team, providing advice and support in safeguarding matters, liaising with the trust’s safeguarding team and leading on cases where there are significant safeguarding concerns.
The post holder will be responsible for fostering strong relationships and facilitating communication between the Autism Assessment Team and the SLT Community Team (which sits within Whittington Health), to optimise service delivery.
Supervision of junior staff and students is a key component of the role, ensuring their development and professional growth.
The role also involves contributing to the planning, coordination, delivery, and evaluation of the effectiveness of the pathway and the Speech and Language Therapy role within it. Additionally, you will participate in service improvement initiatives and contribute to quality enhancement efforts within the team.
Royal Free World Class Values
The post holder will offer World Class Care to service users, staff, colleagues, clients and patients alike so that everyone at the Royal Free can feel:
l Welcome all of the time
l confident because we are clearly Communicating
l Respected and cared for
l Reassured that they are always in safe hands
Please see attached job description for more information about this role and working at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.
This advert closes on Monday 2 Feb 2026
We are excited to offer this position of Speech and Language Therapy Lead in our new Autism and Social Communication Assessment pathway. This post is based at Edgware Hospital in Barnet.
We are looking for an experienced Speech and Language Therapist with prior experience in autism assessment and diagnosis in children 0-6. The ideal candidate will be ADOS-2 trained and have considerable experience in multidisciplinary neurodevelopmental assessment clinics, working with paediatricians, SLTs, OTs, psychologists and other clinicians.
This is a new multidisciplinary team which is designed to provide a needs-led, family-centred approach to assessment and diagnosis for children under the age of seven with neurodivergent needs.
The successful candidate will assess children aged 0-6 for possible autism using the ADOS and/or other appropriate assessment tools, liaise with other members of the MDT to consider the correct outcome for the child, give families feedback about the outcome of assessments, and write high-quality clinical reports.
The role involves supervision and line management of the band 7 speech and language therapists within the team, leading practice, providing specialist support to children and families, liaising with other professionals, and demonstrating a neuro-affirmative attitude to differences such as autism and ADHD.
The aim is to provide a holistic approach in communicating and sharing advice, information and plans to all relevant parties and family.
The post holder will act as the Safeguarding Lead for the team, providing advice and support in safeguarding matters, liaising with the trust’s safeguarding team and leading on cases where there are significant safeguarding concerns.
The post holder will be responsible for fostering strong relationships and facilitating communication between the Autism Assessment Team and the SLT Community Team (which sits within Whittington Health), to optimise service delivery.
Supervision of junior staff and students is a key component of the role, ensuring their development and professional growth.
The role also involves contributing to the planning, coordination, delivery, and evaluation of the effectiveness of the pathway and the Speech and Language Therapy role within it. Additionally, you will participate in service improvement initiatives and contribute to quality enhancement efforts within the team.
Royal Free World Class Values
The post holder will offer World Class Care to service users, staff, colleagues, clients and patients alike so that everyone at the Royal Free can feel:
l Welcome all of the time
l confident because we are clearly Communicating
l Respected and cared for
l Reassured that they are always in safe hands
Please see attached job description for more information about this role and working at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.
This advert closes on Monday 2 Feb 2026