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Navigating a Portfolio Career

Date: 5th February 2025

Navigating a Portfolio Career as a Speech and Language Therapist: Balancing NHS and Independent Work

For many speech and language therapists (SLTs), a portfolio career – combining part-time NHS work with independent practice – offers the best of both worlds. It allows for the security and professional development of an NHS role while providing the flexibility and autonomy of independent work. However, managing both successfully requires careful planning and strategy. For about ten years, I worked very happily as an independent practitioner, honing my business and clinical skills in the world of private practice, alongside a part time NHS role first in clinical then in a management role. This is what I learnt about how to make it work:

1. Define Your Boundaries

Balancing two roles effectively means setting clear boundaries between them. Allocate specific days for each role and avoid letting them overlap. This not only ensures compliance with NHS policies on secondary employment but also helps you maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

2. Stay Organised

Juggling two roles means double the admin! Use scheduling tools, digital calendars, and task management apps to keep track of appointments, reports, and deadlines. Having structured systems in place will help you stay on top of your workload without feeling overwhelmed.

3. Communicate Clearly

Ensure transparency with both your NHS employer and your independent clients. Check your NHS contract for any restrictions on private practice and keep your manager informed to avoid potential conflicts of interest. Likewise, be upfront with independent clients about your availability.

4. Protect Your Wellbeing

It can be tempting to take on too much but burnout is a real risk when managing multiple roles. Prioritise self care, schedule regular breaks, and be mindful of your workload. Remember, a well rested therapist is more effective in both settings.

5. Keep Learning

A portfolio career gives you access to different caseloads and training opportunities. Leverage this by applying skills from one setting to the other. For example, NHS training can enhance your independent practice, while the business and leadership skills from private work can help you become more resourceful in your NHS role.

6. Get Support

You don’t have to do it alone. Connect with other SLTs who balance both NHS and independent work through our ASLTIP Local Groups and members forum. Seeking supervision and peer support can also help you navigate challenges more effectively.

7. Ensure Separate Supervision for Independent Practice

Supervision is a crucial part of professional practice, and it’s important to have separate supervision arrangements for your independent work. While NHS supervision can support your role within the service, independent practice requires different considerations, such as business ethics, clinical decision making in a private setting, and handling complex cases independently. Having a dedicated supervisor for your independent practice ensures you receive the appropriate guidance and support, and can help your career to excel.

8. Keep Your Finances in Check

Independent work requires managing invoices, taxes, and business expenses. Consider working with an accountant or using book keeping software to stay on top of your finances. Also, check that your professional indemnity insurance covers both roles adequately. ASLTIP has a Setting Up Independent Practice Course (SUIP) which provides an overview of responsibilities and obligations to help you ensure that you are compliant. The course also gives you more detail about the ins and outs of setting up a service and an opportunity to ask questions at a ‘Meet the Board’ interactive session.

9. Be Flexible

One of the biggest advantages of a portfolio career is flexibility. Review your workload regularly to ensure it remains sustainable and enjoyable. If one area becomes too demanding, don’t be afraid to adjust your commitments accordingly.

Final Thoughts

A portfolio career as an SLT can be incredibly rewarding, offering variety, professional growth, and a sense of autonomy. By setting boundaries, staying organised, and prioritising self care, you can successfully navigate both roles while maintaining a fulfilling career.

Are you currently balancing NHS and independent SLT work? Why not join ASLTIP, share your experiences with and get support from our amazing community!

 

Nicola Holmes

Vice Chair for ASLTIP and founder of Supporting Talking

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ASLTIP’s membership has been growing rapidly since 1989. We are a support organisation run by our members. The executive board is always grateful for new members and new ideas.

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