Written question WQ98661

The Welsh Government recognises the important contribution that speech and language therapists make in supporting people of all ages and is taking forward a range of actions to support and develop this workforce.

Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), as the statutory body responsible for education and workforce planning, leads the commissioning of training places through its annual Education and Training Commissioning Plan. This is developed in partnership with NHS organisations and informed by workforce planning data, taking account of service need, education capacity, placement availability and funding.

While training places have increased in recent years, a lower number of places has been commissioned for 2026–27. This measured approach ensures priority programmes are sustained and provides a one-year stabilising position while the Welsh Government and HEIW undertake detailed scenario modelling and develop a strengthened, longer-term workforce planning and commissioning model. We have been clear that NHS Wales needs a long-term workforce strategy, and we will publish this in the autumn.

There are two speech and language therapy degree programmes in Wales, including provision which supports the development of Welsh-speaking therapists and improved access to services through the medium of Welsh.

The Welsh Government also provides core funding to HEIW to support wider workforce priorities, including improving retention, wellbeing and workforce planning across allied health professions.

We remain committed to working with partners to ensure the speech and language therapy workforce is sustainable and aligned to service need.