RCSLT news January 2026: looking ahead; workforce survey; and news from around the UK

Please let us know what you think of this podcast.In our update this month Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the RCSLT covers: Looking ahead – events on the horizon for 2026 including Scottish and Welsh elections, the NHSE workforce plan and other focus areas and SEND reform in England. RCSLT workforce survey – call for responses to help us build the evidence base on vacancies and retention: https://www.rcslt.org/news/complete-the-2026-workforce-survey/. First 1,000 days report including evidence from speech and language therapy https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/81/health-and-social-care-committee/news/211450/boost-infants-life-chances-with-more-family-hubs-health-visitors-and-new-vaccines-strategy-mps-tell-govt/. Response to Freedom from Violence and abuse strategy: https://www.rcslt.org/news/rcslt-warns-new-freedom-from-violence-and-abuse-strategy-fails-to-address-communication-barriers/  Call to fill vacancy of the Welsh Chief Allied Health Professions Officer in the Senedd. Update on assisted dying from Jersey, Scotland and the UK. The Mental Health Act receives royal assent in England: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mental-health-bill-receives-royal-assent-revolutionising-care. Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.