Speechmag

Editor apologies for using wrong version of Pulse / Frontline advert

Much as I enjoy editing Speech & Language Therapy in Practice and seeing a new issue come out, there is always a horrible moment as I wait to find out what mistakes have made their way into print. A painstaking proofing process is essential as, once the magazine is 'out there', it is very difficult to do anything about it.

While errors are usually fairly minor, such as a typo, a missing word or poor punctuation, very occasionally they have more serious consequences. With the Winter 09 issue my checking process went spectacularly wrong and I ended up using the first draft rather than final version of the advert on the inside front cover. The company is being very gracious about it but as there are a few important differences - in particular the e-mail address at the end - I wanted to make readers aware of it as soon as possible. What follows is the correct version (click on it to see it full size):

 
  

CPD courses for speech and language therapists

The CLaSS unit at University College London has added new titles to its range of continuing professional development courses for speech and language therapists.

Among them is a two level course on supervision with Sam Simpson and Cathy Sparkes of intandem called 'Are You Getting Enough?' This was also the title of a series of four articles the duo wrote about supervision for Speech & Language Therapy in Practice in 2008. As a speech and language therapy and counselling partnership, they are also offering a new two level course to help therapists develop their counselling skills.

Myra Kersner, one of the authors of A Career in Speech and Language Therapy, is running a new course with Ann Parker aimed at speech and language therapy assistants and teaching assistants. This will include "the practical development of interpersonal communication skills with children and adults who have communication difficulties, with parents and carers, and with other colleagues." Another intriguing and topical option is 'Getting the most out of interagency meetings'.

The full programme also covers dysphagia, mutism, dyspraxia, autism, goal setting, voice, storysharing, psycholinguistics and analysis of sign language.

HPC renewal in the post

The Health Professions Council has asked me to pass on a reminder to speech and language therapists that the deadline date for registration renewal is Monday 30th September 2009.

It was a timely reminder for this registrant at least, and my renewal is now on its way.

Two and a half per cent of speech and language therapists are being audited this year to make sure they are meeting the HPC's standards for continuing professional development.  HPC has made a DVD to help registrants understand the standards and prepare for audit. I certainly found the DVD helped me feel much less daunted by the prospect of being audited and very clear about what I would need to do if I was chosen.

If you have been selected for audit, you could think about making the most of the work you have put in by submitting some of your reflections for publication. Do get in touch if you would like to discuss this further.