Building an Independent Speech and Language Therapy Practice: A Guide to Support and Inspire Healthcare Practitioners

Set against the context of a changing professional landscape, this book examines the journey of the authors, Jo and Diana, as they transitioned from working in the National Health Service (NHS) to setting up an independent practice following redundancy. Highlighting both the benefits and challenges, the authors outline the steps they took to move from survival mode and crisis management to a position of stability and success.

This book provides readers with a wealth of practical advice, helping them to avoid pitfalls and seize opportunities with confidence when establishing their own independent practice. It also touches on the fall-out from redundancy – pertinent to any job, anywhere.

Chapters explore a variety of topics, including but not limited to:

• The national context, implications for setting up an independent practice and business models
• Practical considerations: financial management, contracts, governance, technology, creating a team and models of clinical service delivery
• Assessing success and identifying areas for improvement; measuring impact, troubleshooting and looking to the future

Written in an entertaining yet informative manner, with the voices of other experienced professionals drawn on throughout in the form of personal stories and specialist contributions, this book is essential reading for speech and language therapists (and others) considering going down the independent route.

Diana McQueen and Jo Williams are Co-Directors at Soundswell Speech and Language Therapy Solutions, an independent provider of speech and language therapy services. They both have many years experience both as clinicians and service managers in the NHS.

Diana has written extensively and presented research at speech and language therapy conferences in the UK and Europe. Previously, she has worked as a Specialist Advisor for the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Jo has a Master’s degree in Leadership for Healthcare Improvement. She has worked as a Fitness to Practice Partner at the Health Care Professions Council and is currently a Local Government Early Years Peer Reviewer.