Speech and Language Therapist

Job summary Do you think everyone who is arrested is guilty? Or that all offenders should be locked up for as long as possible? If so, this is not the role for you. Do you believe people in police custody should be interviewed in a way they can understand and engage with? Do you think people should clearly understand their bail conditions, rather than risk re-arrest for unknowingly breaching them? By identifying speech, language and communication needs, vulnerable people can be better supported to navigate the Criminal Justice System, understand legal processes, and access appropriate support. This can improve their experience and help reduce the risk of reoffending. We are seeking a qualified Speech and Language Therapist to join our Liaison and Diversion team. We are looking for an enthusiastic, HCPC-registered professional with an interest in health and justice and a passion for supporting people in police custody and court. Previous experience in criminal justice or offender health is desirable but not essential. Our award-winning service is committed to improving outcomes by identifying health needs, connecting people with support, and reducing reoffending. The team has received recognition from the Howard League for Penal Reform, Thames Valley Police, Hampshire Constabulary, and Berkshire Healthcare. If you are passionate about using your skills to make a real difference to people navigating the criminal justice system, we would love to hear from you. Main duties of the job To support the delivery of the Speech & Language pathway in line with the L& D agenda. To be responsible for a specialist speech & language portfolio which will include provision of expert advice to speech & language therapists, senior clinicians, Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) across Thames Valley & to provide the police & court with written information pertaining to the individual in a timely fashion. To attend police stations,custody suites,community settings & magistrates courts & provide specialist speech & language assessments, advice & identify robust care pathways. To work closely & build links with all referring agencies within the custody suite, court & probation, acting as a single point of contact. To deliver specialist training within Criminal Justice pathways to custody sergeants, magistrate & crown court & other key stakeholders. To work autonomously, with the ability to organise & manage own time according to delegated workload. We work across Berkshire, Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire, you may be required to attend police custody suites across these areas, usually Loddon Valley, Maidenhead & Abingdon & any of our sites in Thames Valley to meet service needs. This role is Monday - Friday only. Requests for specific working pattens can be considered in line with our policy. Our service operates in police custody from 7am - 8pm, 7 days a week using a combination of early shifts, late shifts & does not operate at night. About us Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we're committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we're committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish. Our values at Berkshire Healthcare are: Caring for and about you is our top priority Committed to providing good quality, safe services Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include: Flexible working options to support work-life balance 27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell Generous NHS pension scheme Excellent learning and career development opportunities 'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave Free parking across Trust sites Details Date posted 09 October 2026 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £39,959 to £48,117 a year per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 371-MHS1191 Job locations Liaison and Diversion - Thames Valley, 57-59 Bath Road, Reading RG30 2BA Reading RG30 2BA United Kingdom Job description Job responsibilities The must have's for this role: Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree Health Professions Council licence to practise Registered member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists Significant experience at Band 5 or equivalent in a community setting. Licence holder with access to your own vehicle who is prepared to multiple sites across Berkshire as required. Your application is your opportunity to demonstrate