Bridging the Gap Together: Co-Producing Support for Families Awaiting Paediatric Speech and Language Therapy Services in Northern Ireland

Summary

Demand for paediatric Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) services in Northern Ireland (NI) exceeds capacity, with over 3,300 children aged 2–5 years awaiting services (RCSLT NI 2024). Delayed access to SLT can adversely affect school readiness, literacy, and long-term social, emotional and educational outcomes (McCormack et al. 2009; Harrison et al. 2009). Unsupported early language difficulties also carry substantial economic costs, estimated at £330 million across the UK over the lifetime (Pro Bono Economics 2021).

Active waiting has the potential to empower families and support children’s communication development while awaiting SLT input (McLeod et al. 2020). Supporting progress during the waiting period may reduce a child’s need for SLT intervention and alleviate pressure on SLT services (McGill 2020). However, limited research has explored the support needs of families awaiting paediatric SLT in NI or how active-waiting resources could be embedded within existing services. This project aims to address this gap.

Aim

To co-produce an active-waiting intervention to support children with early language difficulties and their parents while awaiting paediatric SLT services in NI.

Objectives

1. Explore the experiences and support needs of parents, children, paediatric SLTs and service managers during the waiting period.

2. Co-produce an active-waiting intervention through collaborative stakeholder workshops.

3. Evaluate the intervention’s feasibility, acceptability and implementation potential within paediatric SLT services across NI.

The project will be guided by the Medical Research Council Framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions (Craig et al. 2008) and informed by national guidance on co-production (DoH 2018; NIHR 2024).

By enabling families to actively support children’s communication while awaiting SLT, this research aims to improve developmental outcomes, enhance family experiences and contribute to more sustainable paediatric SLT services. Findings will inform future service delivery and support innovation in early intervention for children with speech and language needs in NI.

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience or knowledge of research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Track record of peer reviewed publications
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• Relevant professional qualification

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

PhD Scholarships are available for this project and will cover:

• Tuition fees.
• A maintenance allowance of approximately £22,000 (exact rate is to be confirmed) per annum for three years, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
• A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum.

To be eligible for these scholarships applicants must: be a UK or Irish national; or have pre-settled or settled status; or have indefinite leave to remain or enter.

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme i.e. September 2027.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year, or part-time equivalent, funded from any source, including self-financing students, are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Students in full-time employment are not eligible for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

Part-time PhD scholarships may be available at a 0.5 pro rata rate of the full-time scholarship, which would require a six-year registration period.

The University will award a successful candidate one of the following scholarships for the project, depending on the funding available at the time an admissions offer is made:

1. Department for the Economy (DfE) PhD Scholarships
2. Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS)

Please note that the Terms and Conditions for scholarships are subject to change for 2027/28.