Question 1

What qualifications and registrations are essential for a Band 6 Speech and Language Therapist position?

Accepted Answer

Essential qualifications typically include a recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree Qualification (BSc or MSc), registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and often full membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT). Some posts also require completion of RCSLT Newly Qualified Practitioner competencies. Evidence of recent relevant CPD activities in specialist area is often needed.

Question 2

What is the typical salary range for a Band 6 Speech and Language Therapist in the NHS?

Accepted Answer

Based on the job listings, the typical salary range for a Band 6 Speech and Language Therapist is approximately £38,682 to £46,580 per annum. Some positions, particularly in London, may offer a higher salary range, such as £46,419 - £55,046, inclusive of High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS). Bank roles are paid hourly, for example £23.74 inclusive of HACS.

Question 3

What kind of experience is generally required for Band 6 SLT roles?

Accepted Answer

Most Band 6 positions require significant post-qualification experience, often at least 2 years. This experience should include managing your own caseload, working within multidisciplinary teams, and experience in assessment, analysis, and care planning. Many roles require experience working with a specific client group, such as children, adults with neurological disorders, or individuals with learning disabilities. Some positions may require experience in supervising junior staff or students.

Question 4

What are some common day-to-day responsibilities of a Band 6 Speech and Language Therapist?

Accepted Answer

Typical responsibilities include providing specialist speech and language therapy assessment, diagnosis, and intervention; managing your own caseload; developing and implementing treatment plans; providing advice and training to families, carers, and other professionals; and working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. Some roles also involve supervising junior colleagues or students, participating in audit and service improvement projects, and contributing to policy and service development.

Question 5

What clinical skills are employers looking for in a Band 6 Speech and Language Therapist?

Accepted Answer

Employers commonly seek advanced dysphagia skills, including independent working with patients with complex dysphagia. Experience in tracheostomy management, videofluoroscopy/FEES, and working with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is often desirable or essential. Specialist clinical knowledge in a specific area, such as communication management, neurorehabilitation, or voice disorders, is also frequently required.

Question 6

What non-clinical or 'soft' skills are valued in Band 6 SLT roles?

Accepted Answer

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential, including observation, listening, tact, persuasion, and empathy. Other valued skills include negotiation, problem-solving, conflict resolution, the ability to work collaboratively, good organisational and prioritisation skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Question 7

Are there opportunities for career progression in Band 6 SLT roles?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many job listings mention opportunities for career progression, including the potential to develop into more senior roles or specialist positions. Some roles offer clinical supervision and mentoring to support professional development. Several listings mention opportunities to develop skills in leadership, service development, and research.

Question 8

What kind of training and development is offered to Band 6 SLTs?

Accepted Answer

Many NHS trusts offer a strong commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD), with access to regular supervision, in-service training, and external development opportunities. Some positions may offer funding or support for postgraduate training in specialist areas. Access to facilities for education and development may also be available.

Question 9

What specialist areas or departments might a Band 6 SLT work in?

Accepted Answer

Band 6 SLTs may work in a variety of specialist areas, including community clinics, schools, acute hospitals, rehabilitation units, mental health services, and forensic settings. Common specialities include paediatrics, adult neurology, stroke rehabilitation, learning disabilities, voice disorders, and critical care. Some roles may involve working with specific populations, such as individuals with autism or those undergoing gender affirmation.

Question 10

What makes a strong candidate for a Band 6 Speech and Language Therapist position?

Accepted Answer

A strong candidate will possess the essential qualifications and registrations, relevant post-qualification experience, and strong clinical and non-clinical skills. They will also demonstrate a commitment to CPD, a passion for their chosen speciality, and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team. Experience in audit, research, and service development can also strengthen an application.

Question 11

What can I expect in terms of working patterns and shift requirements?

Accepted Answer

Working patterns can vary, with full-time, part-time, and bank positions available. Some roles may require flexible working, including working across 7 days a week to meet service requirements. Some positions are fixed-term contracts, while others are permanent. Some roles involve travel across multiple sites or domiciliary visits.

Question 12

What are some desirable criteria that employers often look for?

Accepted Answer

Desirable criteria often include membership of relevant special interest groups (CENs), experience in supervising junior staff or students, experience in audit or research, and additional qualifications or training in specialist areas. For some roles, knowledge of specific policies or frameworks, such as the Care Programme Approach or the Mental Capacity Act, may be desirable. Experience with Videofluoroscopy/FEES is often desirable.

Question 13

What specific experience is needed for roles working with children?

Accepted Answer

For roles working with children, experience in school and pre-school settings (mainstream and special schools) and local authority Children Centres is often required. Experience of supporting CYP, families and schools in line with the Children and Families Act 2014 is also commonly needed, including contribution to statutory assessments (Education Health and Care Plan Needs Assessments), contribution to the annual review process and delivery of SLT provision as specified in Education health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

Question 14

What specific experience is needed for roles working with adults?

Accepted Answer

For roles working with adults, experience of working with adult neuro patients and adults with acquired disorders is often required. Independent management of dysphagia is also commonly needed. Experience of working in inpatient settings is often desirable.

Question 15

What skills are needed for roles working in critical care?

Accepted Answer

For roles working in critical care, current competencies in SLT tracheostomy management is often essential. Recent experience of working with adults within Respiratory & Critical care is also commonly needed. Specialised knowledge & experience of a wide range of therapeutic models of working with communication disorders & dysphagia within Respiratory and Critical Care pathways is also often essential.

Question 16

What skills are needed for roles working with learning disabilities?

Accepted Answer

For roles working with learning disabilities, relevant post qualification experience and training in autism is often essential. Knowledge of policy and practice in relation to SLT and learning disability is also commonly needed. Experience of working in the community with people with LD/ASD is also often essential.

Band 6 Speech and Language Therapist Jobs in London

Featured Positions

Top NHS Employers

Related Searches

Frequently Asked Questions

Interview Preparation Guide

How to Prepare

Example Interview Questions

Key Topics to Revise

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Band 6 Speech and Language Therapist Jobs in London

Featured Positions

Top NHS Employers

Related Searches

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications and registrations are essential for a Band 6 Speech and Language Therapist position?

What is the typical salary range for a Band 6 Speech and Language Therapist in the NHS?

What kind of experience is generally required for Band 6 SLT roles?

What are some common day-to-day responsibilities of a Band 6 Speech and Language Therapist?

What clinical skills are employers looking for in a Band 6 Speech and Language Therapist?

What non-clinical or 'soft' skills are valued in Band 6 SLT roles?

Are there opportunities for career progression in Band 6 SLT roles?

What kind of training and development is offered to Band 6 SLTs?

What specialist areas or departments might a Band 6 SLT work in?

What makes a strong candidate for a Band 6 Speech and Language Therapist position?

What can I expect in terms of working patterns and shift requirements?

What are some desirable criteria that employers often look for?

What specific experience is needed for roles working with children?

What specific experience is needed for roles working with adults?

What skills are needed for roles working in critical care?

What skills are needed for roles working with learning disabilities?

Interview Preparation Guide

How to Prepare

Research the Employer

Prepare Evidence-Based Examples

Revise Core Clinical Knowledge

Demonstrate Values Alignment

Understand Relevant Policies and Legislation

Prepare Questions to Ask

Plan Your Journey

Dress Professionally

Bring Essential Documents

Practice Your Interview Skills

Consider the Impact of COVID-19

Example Interview Questions

ClinicalDescribe your experience of assessing and managing dysphagia in adults with neurological conditions.

CompetencyHow do you stay up-to-date with current evidence-based practice in speech and language therapy?

BehaviouralTell me about a time you had to manage a challenging situation with a patient or their family.

Values-BasedHow do you ensure you are providing culturally competent care to patients from diverse backgrounds?

Career MotivationWhy are you interested in this particular role and this organization?

CompetencyDescribe your experience of working within a multidisciplinary team.

ScenarioHow would you approach assessing the communication needs of a non-verbal patient with a learning disability?

Values-BasedTell me about a time you had to make a difficult ethical decision in your clinical practice.

Career MotivationWhat are your strengths and weaknesses as a speech and language therapist?

CompetencyHow do you manage your time and prioritize your workload effectively?

CompetencyDescribe your experience of providing training to other professionals.

ScenarioHow would you handle a situation where a patient refuses to follow your recommendations?

KnowledgeWhat is your understanding of clinical governance and how does it apply to your practice?

ClinicalDescribe your experience of working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Values-BasedHow do you ensure you maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to data protection regulations?

Career MotivationWhat are your career aspirations and how do you see this role contributing to your professional development?

CompetencyDescribe a time when you had to adapt your communication style to effectively communicate with a patient.

ClinicalHow do you approach setting SMART goals with patients?

Key Topics to Revise

Common Mistakes to Avoid