How to become a locum speech and language therapist in the UK
How to become a locum speech and language therapist in the UK: HCPC + RCSLT membership, EHCP work, school commissioning, private clinic and tribunal expert routes.
A locum speech and language therapist covers clinical work on a session-by-session basis for the organisations that need them, as a self-employed professional rather than a salaried employee. This guide walks through everything you need to do to start, in order, and the common pitfalls that catch people in their first year.
Step by step.
7 steps- 01
HCPC + RCSLT registration
HCPC registration is mandatory; "Speech and Language Therapist" is a protected title. RCSLT membership is strongly expected – many schools and ICBs require an RCSLT Certificate to Practise (CTP). Minimum 1–2 years post-qualification experience before pure locum practice is the norm.
- 02
Pick a specialism
SLT demand is intensely specialism-driven: paediatric language and SLCN, autism, dysphagia / VFS / FEES, stammering, voice, adult acquired (stroke, head injury), AAC. Paediatric SEN dominates the private market; dysphagia commands premium in acute NHS agency.
- 03
For NHS locum: agencies + NHSP + trust banks
Sanctuary Personnel, Globe Locums, Your World Healthcare, and ProSLT (SLT-specific) cover most NHS locum work. Register with a couple plus NHSP and your local trust bank. Agency Band 7 work sits £36–£48/hr.
- 04
For schools and EHCP work: build direct referrals
Schools often procure direct through SENCOs or SLA providers, bypassing agencies. Get listed as a named SLT on EHCPs (parents drive demand). Full EHCP assessment reports run £750–£1,500. Payment terms 60–90 days are standard – budget for cashflow.
- 05
For tribunal expert work: Bond Solon + solicitor network
Tribunal expert witness reports pay £1,500–£3,500 with £800–£1,200/day attendance. Bond Solon expert witness training is the minimum standard. Build relationships with SOS!SEN, IPSEA-referred firms, and local SEN solicitors.
- 06
Keep dysphagia competencies current
If you’re working in acute or community dysphagia, local sign-off on VFS / FEES / modified diet competencies matters. Clinical risk and medico-legal exposure both rise if competencies slip. Most trusts require annual refreshers.
- 07
Register with ICO and set up peer supervision
ICO registration is non-negotiable for private practice. RCSLT expects documented peer supervision for Certified Member status. Both are easy to miss in year one.
Documents to have ready.
- 01HCPC registration certificate
- 02RCSLT membership + Certificate to Practise
- 03ICO data protection registration
- 04Enhanced DBS (Child Workforce for paediatric / school work)
- 05Occupational health + immunisations
- 06Dysphagia / FEES competency evidence (if relevant)
- 07Safeguarding Level 2 / 3, AAC or specialism certificates
- 08Sample EHCP report (redacted) for SEN commissioners
- 09Indemnity certificate
Sessional sends reminders 30 days before each expiry.
First-year pitfalls.
- !Schools paying 60–90 days out. Budget holders change, and locum contracts have limited teeth
- !Over-servicing EHCP clients. Parental pressure expands scope beyond the original quote
- !Dysphagia work without current local competencies. Clinical and medico-legal risk
- !Not charging for report writing separately from session time
- !RCSLT Certificate to Practise lapsing because contract work didn’t require it, then a school tender blocks you for 3 months
Run your locum work like a business, from day one.
Sessional tracks every session, invoice, expense, and document, so you spend evenings with family, not spreadsheets. Free to start.
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Last reviewed April 2026. Rates and regulator details change. If something looks off, let us know.