What we do

We can support any part of the commissioning process.  The tools developed as part of the Balanced System facilitate needs assessment, whole service mapping and service specification development.

Needs assessment

A range of templates have been developed to facilitate focused data collection relevant to identifying the SLCN need within a given population.  A need calculator which links demographic data to predicted SLCN need across the range of universal, targeted and specialist levels is in pilot form and is available as part of a consultancy package.

Whole systems mapping

Templates which allow a 'map' to be created to show the total contribution to SLCN support from all services within a specified area have been developed.  These allow us to understand the strengths and gaps of current provision as well as identify areas of overlap or duplication.

Service specification development

The Balanced System framework includes the key elements of an overarching specification for the speech and language therapy contribution to the overall support of SLCN within a given area.

An exciting project which Marie is piloting in two Local Areas is a template specification which takes account of the whole SLCN system including the workforce contributions from all agencies.  It is anticipated that this will be available more widely by Autumn 2011.

Independent 'Lead Professional' advisory role

Increasingly, Marie and associates are being asked to maintain an ongoing role with commissioners to provide profession specific advice that is independent of the provider who has been commissioned to deliver services locally.

Consulting for providers

We can support providers with service reviews, service design, responding to tender applications, and interim management support.

Service reviews

We have significant experience in reviewing therapy services.  Reviews can be tailored to address a specific area of concern or challenge, through to a providing a total overview of the service with an analysis of fitness for purpose and an action plan.

Service design

Often linked to service reviews but sometimes a stand alone project, we will work with the team to build a model which fits the local specification and demands.  Increasingly projects of this type are triggered by the need to demonstrate an ability to provide the service to the commissioning specification.

Tender applications

This is an increasing area of work for us as more services are having to respond to tenders.  We can provide advice in terms of the professional aspects of the service model to deliver the outcomes and can work with corporate teams regarding cost modelling if required.

Interim management support

Linked to the coaching element of the business, increasingly we are being asked to provide time limited management support to service leads who are dealing with the challenges of the ever changing context.

We provide a range of coaching and mentoring packages.

Coaching

Coaching can be provided 1:1 by phone or in person, or more typically a mixed package of face to face and remote sessions.

Clients typically agree a time frame and specific areas to address in the first instance with a re-negotiation at a pre-agreed point in the process.

Mentoring

Subtly different from coaching, our mentoring packages are often chosen after a service review or re-design as a means of retaining ongoing external support on a flexible basis.  We would offer phone, email and if needed, on site mentoring over an agreed period of time with an approximate time commitment.

Action learning sets

It is our intention to develop a number of action learning sets over the coming year, to allow those we have worked with to share knowledge and experience and to problem solve collectively as the context for children's services unfolds.

We are currently developing a range of training packages. 

More information will be available shortly.

If you wish to be contacted when details become available, please register and / or contact us.

More details to follow.

Some examples of our pro bono work:

• Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)
• College of Occupational Therapists
• Bercow Review
• Better Communication Action Plan
• Afasic