UK dataswitch to US
Speech and language therapists
designing a treatment programme based on clients' conditions, instructing patients, parents and collaborating within a multidisciplinary team to achieve common goals. If that's your week, this page is about your job.
The honest answer
AI changes the edges of this job, not the middle: assisting patients in regaining communication skills following brain injuries or strokes is work software can't reach.
What shifts is scheduling therapy sessions and related activities for clients: the overhead at the edges, not the middle you trained for.
Your week, as this page understands it
Speech and language therapists are responsible for the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of speech, language, fluency and voice disorders caused by disability, injury or illness. The job title says “speech” or “language therapists”: officially one job, two names. The real job is the part underneath: assisting patients in regaining communication skills following brain injuries or strokes. That is the thing someone has to be right about.
The exposed part of this job is specific, and we won’t pretend it is coming back. But speech and language therapists is not one task. It is 53 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is assisting patients in regaining communication skills following brain injuries or strokes, and the ledger below shows exactly why.
Where the work sits, by task weight
- shifting to AI
- 14%
- changing shape
- 4%
- staying human
- 83%
These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.
Whole-job exposure score 26 out of 100 (21–32 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, across 53 scored tasks. The number is the support for the sentence above it, not a headline about anyone’s future.
How we know this
What is measured: Every published task statement for speech and language therapists is rated on five dimensions: can a model produce the output, does the work need a body in a room, does it need a legally accountable person, does it depend on a person being trusted in the moment, and how much data exists. A published formula turns those five ratings into the score; the model never writes the number.
How the bar is built: Each task’s share of the bar is its published importance weight, so a task you do all day counts for more than one you do twice a year.
Release: 2026-q4.1, scores computed 2026-08-05. Read the full method.
Your job, task by task
These are the official task statements for this occupation, in plain English, sorted by what the evidence says is happening to each one. The official wording sits under every line so you can check the rewrite against it.
- One row is marked low confidence, so treat it as a ballpark rather than a fine measurement.
- 2 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
- Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.
Shifting to AI
8 tasksTasks today’s tools can already do most of. This is the part we will not soften: where these rows are the bulk of your week, the week changes.
Maintaining documentation of caseload activities
This is reading one thing and writing another: documentation of caseload activities in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 80 · 2223/00Source: “Maintain documentation of caseload activities, including the initial evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge of clients.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (62–70 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Keeping caseload documentation complete from evaluation through to discharge is structured work software already does well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Writing reports and maintaining proper documentation of client NHS or billing records
This is reading one thing and writing another: reports in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 80 · 2223/00Source: “Write reports and maintain proper documentation of client NHS or billing records.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (62–70 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Reports and billing records are structured documents that current tools produce reliably, with the clinician confirming them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Scheduling therapy sessions and related activities for clients
This is reading one thing and writing another: therapy sessions in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 2223/00Source: “Schedule therapy sessions and related activities for clients.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 85 out of 100 (81–89 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Booking sessions around rooms, staff and patient availability is exactly what scheduling software already does very well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Recording patient information for medical records
This is reading one thing and writing another: patient information in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 2223/00Source: “Record patient information for medical records.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (62–70 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Writing patient information into the record is structured work that current tools handle well, with the clinician checking it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Changing shape
2 tasksTasks where the machine takes the producing and a person keeps the checking, the deciding, or the answering-for-it. For most jobs this is the biggest group, and it is where "transformation, not termination" is literally visible.
Managing a caseload, prioritising cases based on urgency and outcome success
The software now makes the first pass at a caseload, prioritising cases, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 85 · 2223/00Source: “Manage a caseload, prioritising cases based on urgency and outcome success.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Sorting and prioritising a caseload is scheduling work software does well, with clinical checks by the therapist.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Monitoring waiting lists and managing the referral and discharge process for service users
The software now makes the first pass at lists, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 2223/00Source: “Monitor waiting lists and manage the referral and discharge process for service users.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Waiting list and referral tracking is standard administration, with clinical decisions still made by the therapist.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Staying human
43 tasksTasks that stay with a person, because they happen in the physical world, because the rules need someone accountable, or because the value is that a specific person does them.
Designing a treatment programme based on clients' conditions
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for a treatment programme, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 95 · 2223/00Source: “Design a treatment programme based on clients' conditions.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 31 out of 100 (27–35 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: A programme can be drafted from published approaches, but the treatment chosen is the registered therapist's own decision.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Developing speech exercise programmes to reduce disabilities
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for speech exercise programmes, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 95 · 2223/00Source: “Develop speech exercise programmes to reduce disabilities.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 31 out of 100 (27–35 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Exercise programmes can be drafted from published material, but prescribing one for a patient is a registered therapist's decision.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Planning therapy programmes to meet individual client goals
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for therapy programmes, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 95 · 2223/00Source: “Plan therapy programmes to meet individual client goals.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 31 out of 100 (27–35 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Goals and exercises can be drafted, but the therapy programme is a registered speech and language therapist's own clinical decision.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Identifying the speech and communication difficulty or disorder
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for the speech, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 95 · 2223/00Source: “Identify the speech and communication difficulty or disorder.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 20 out of 100 (13–27 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Software can suggest likely patterns from assessment data, though a registered therapist makes the call.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Show the other 43 tasks
Publishing research results on hearing or speech disorder treatments
shifting to AIThis is reading one thing and writing another: research results in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 2223/00Source: “Publish research results on hearing or speech disorder treatments.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 83 out of 100 (79–87 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Writing up research is well-documented desk work that AI drafts to a good standard.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Completing administrative paperwork to ensure compliance and record-keeping
shifting to AIThis is reading one thing and writing another: administrative paperwork in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 2223/00Source: “Complete administrative paperwork to ensure compliance and record-keeping.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 72 out of 100 (68–76 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Compliance paperwork and record keeping are structured, well-documented tasks that software already handles reliably.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Writing confidential client case notes and reports
shifting to AIThis is reading one thing and writing another: confidential client case notes in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 2223/00Source: “Write confidential client case notes and reports.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (62–70 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Turning a session into a clear case note is close to routine for current tools, with the therapist checking and signing it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Reporting findings to aid in the development of procedures
shifting to AIThis is reading one thing and writing another: findings in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 2223/00Source: “Report findings to aid in the development of procedures, technology, or treatments.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (62–70 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Writing up findings from clinical data is well within current tools, with the therapist confirming what the data shows.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Referring clients to additional medical or educational services through consultation
staying humanThe rules require a named, qualified person to answer for clients, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 80 · 2223/00Source: “Refer clients to additional medical or educational services through consultation.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 37 out of 100 (30–44 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Identifying who else should be involved is fairly routine, but the referral is made in a registered therapist's name.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Evaluating barium swallow results and medical or background information to diagnose and plan treatment for swallowing disorders
staying humanThe rules require a named, qualified person to answer for barium swallow results, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 90 · 2223/00Source: “Evaluate barium swallow results and medical or background information to diagnose and plan treatment for swallowing disorders.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 36 out of 100 (29–43 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Swallow studies and notes are read on screen, though a registered therapist must own the diagnosis and plan.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Reviewing and revising the programme
staying humanThe rules require a named, qualified person to answer for the programme, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 85 · 2223/00Source: “Review and revise the programme as appropriate.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 36 out of 100 (29–43 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Reviewing progress notes and redrafting the plan is largely desk work, but the revised plan is the registered therapist's decision.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Using computer applications to identify or assist with communication disabilities
staying humanThe rules require a named, qualified person to answer for computer applications, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 75 · 2223/00Source: “Use computer applications to identify or assist with communication disabilities.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 36 out of 100 (29–43 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Software is central to this work already, though setting a communication aid up for a patient still needs the therapist with them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Establishing and maintaining a safe practice environment
staying humanThe rules require a named, qualified person to answer for a safe practice environment, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 80 · 2223/00Source: “Establish and maintain a safe practice environment, maintaining confidentiality and records appropriately.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 32 out of 100 (25–39 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Records and confidentiality routines are well supported by software, but keeping a clinic safe means being there and noticing things.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Instructing dialect speakers and students with limited English in communication
staying humanThe value here is that a specific person handles dialect speakers and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 75 · 2223/00Source: “Instruct dialect speakers and students with limited English in communication.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 30 out of 100 (23–37 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Language and accent teaching material is plentiful, but learners rely on live feedback and encouragement.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Supporting health promotion and disease prevention activities
staying humanThe value here is that a specific person handles health promotion and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 75 · 2223/00Source: “Support health promotion and disease prevention activities.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 30 out of 100 (23–37 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Health promotion materials are easy to produce, but the persuading happens between people.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Assessing clients' progress in communication skills
staying humanThe rules require a named, qualified person to answer for clients' progress, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 90 · 2223/00Source: “Assess clients' progress in communication skills.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 27 out of 100 (20–34 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Progress measures are well documented and easy to chart, but the clinical reading stays with the therapist.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Informing patients and their families about mental health and medical conditions
staying humanThe rules require a named, qualified person to answer for patients, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 70 · 2223/00Source: “Inform patients and their families about mental health and medical conditions, preventative health measures, medicines, or treatment plans.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 24 out of 100 (17–31 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: The information is well documented, but families take it in when a clinician they trust explains it and answers their questions.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Monitoring and evaluating patient progress to adjust treatment plans
staying humanThe rules require a named, qualified person to answer for patient progress, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 90 · 2223/00Source: “Monitor and evaluate patient progress to adjust treatment plans.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 23 out of 100 (19–27 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Progress data can be tracked easily, but changing a treatment plan is a registered therapist's clinical decision after seeing the patient.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Training professionals in therapy delivery
staying humanThe rules require a named, qualified person to answer for professionals, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 65 · 2223/00Source: “Train professionals in therapy delivery.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 23 out of 100 (16–30 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Training materials are easy to prepare, but teaching people to deliver therapy means watching and correcting how they do it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Teaching students sign language
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: students sign language, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 2223/00Source: “Teach students sign language.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 20 out of 100 (13–27 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Sign language is well documented and no licence is needed to teach it, but learners need a person to practise with.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Sharing knowledge of new treatments for hearing or speech disorders through participation in educational events
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: knowledge of new treatments, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 2223/00Source: “Share knowledge of new treatments for hearing or speech disorders through participation in educational events.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 20 out of 100 (13–27 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Sharing knowledge at educational events means a person presenting to colleagues who can question them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Counseling and instructing patients and their families in techniques to improve hearing and communication related to hearing loss
staying humanThe rules require a named, qualified person to answer for patients, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 90 · 2223/00Source: “Counsel and instruct patients and their families in techniques to improve hearing and communication related to hearing loss.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 18 out of 100 (11–25 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: The techniques are documented, but families take them up when a clinician sits with them and works through the difficulty.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Instructing patients, parents, teachers or employers in communication strategies to maximise effective receptive communication
staying humanThe rules require a named, qualified person to answer for patients, parents, teachers or employers, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 85 · 2223/00Source: “Instruct patients, parents, teachers, or employers in communication strategies to maximise effective receptive communication.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 18 out of 100 (11–25 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: The strategies are well published, but parents and teachers adopt them when a therapist shows them and adapts to their setting.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Guiding carers on implementing treatment programmes
staying humanThe rules require a named, qualified person to answer for carers, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 80 · 2223/00Source: “Guide carers on implementing treatment programmes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 18 out of 100 (11–25 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Written guides for carers are easy to produce, but showing and reassuring a carer works face to face.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Working as part of the team and contribute to service improvement
staying humanThe value here is that a specific person handles part of the team and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 80 · 2223/00Source: “Work as part of the team and contribute to service improvement.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 17 out of 100 (10–24 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Contributing to a team and improving a service depends on being part of it and on local knowledge that is never written down.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Assessing the cause and nature of problems
staying humanThe rules require a named, qualified person to answer for the cause, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 95 · 2223/00Source: “Assess the cause and nature of problems, including congenital issues like cleft palate or acquired disorders.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 16 out of 100 (9–23 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Notes and test results can be analysed by software, but the diagnosis must come from a registered therapist.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Collaborating with colleagues and the multidisciplinary team in treatment planning
staying humanThe rules require a named, qualified person to answer for colleagues, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 80 · 2223/00Source: “Collaborate with colleagues and the multidisciplinary team in treatment planning.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 14 out of 100 (10–18 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Treatment planning in the team is the registered therapist's own clinical decision, made in live discussion with colleagues.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Practising within the profession's legal and ethical boundaries
staying humanThe rules require a named, qualified person to answer for within the profession's legal, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 80 · 2223/00Source: “Practise within the profession's legal and ethical boundaries.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 14 out of 100 (10–18 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Practising within professional boundaries is an obligation on the registered person, and it cannot sit anywhere else.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Supervising other therapists in developing treatment plans
staying humanThe rules require a named, qualified person to answer for other therapists, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 75 · 2223/00Source: “Supervise other therapists in developing treatment plans.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 14 out of 100 (10–18 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Only a registered therapist can supervise and take responsibility for another therapist's treatment planning.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Participating in meetings regarding patients' progress
staying humanThe rules require a named, qualified person to answer for meetings regarding patients' progress, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 80 · 2223/00Source: “Participate in meetings regarding patients' progress.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (6–20 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Progress meetings depend on qualified people being present, answering questions and agreeing what happens next.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Collaborating within a multidisciplinary team to achieve common goals
staying humanThe value here is that a specific person handles within a multidisciplinary team and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 85 · 2223/00Source: “Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team to achieve common goals.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 12 out of 100 (5–19 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Working well in a team depends on live relationships and shared local knowledge that never gets written down.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Assisting in assessments of language
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: assessments of language, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 2223/00Source: “Assist in assessments of language, voice, fluency, articulation, or hearing.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 11 out of 100 (4–18 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Assessing speech, voice and hearing means being with the person, listening and prompting, under a registered therapist's direction.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Supervising and instructing assistants to support professional tasks
staying humanThe rules require a named, qualified person to answer for assistants, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 80 · 2223/00Source: “Supervise and instruct assistants to support professional tasks.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 11 out of 100 (7–15 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Assistants can only be directed and signed off by a registered therapist who takes responsibility for the work they do.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Evaluating and reflecting on the effectiveness of own practice for self-development
staying humanThe rules require a named, qualified person to answer for the effectiveness of own practice, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 75 · 2223/00Source: “Evaluate and reflect on the effectiveness of own practice for self-development.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 11 out of 100 (7–15 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Reflecting on your own practice is something only the practitioner can do, and it is required for staying on the register.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Employing alternative diagnostic or communication devices or strategies
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: alternative diagnostic, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 2223/00Source: “Employ alternative diagnostic or communication devices or strategies.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (5–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Choosing and setting up a communication device means trialling it with the person, and that choice sits with a registered therapist.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Exercising professional judgement as an autonomous professional
staying humanThe rules require a named, qualified person to answer for professional judgement, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 85 · 2223/00Source: “Exercise professional judgement as an autonomous professional.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (4–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Autonomous professional judgement is what registration exists to guarantee, so it stays with the registered person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Implementing treatment plans for voice problems
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: treatment plans, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 2223/00Source: “Implement treatment plans for voice problems such as inappropriate pitch or harshness.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 7 out of 100 (3–11 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Voice therapy is delivered in person by a registered speech and language therapist listening and correcting as the person tries it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Conducting lessons or directing educational or therapeutic games to assist teachers dealing with speech difficulties
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: lessons, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 2223/00Source: “Conduct lessons or direct educational or therapeutic games to assist teachers dealing with speech difficulties.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 7 out of 100 (3–11 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Therapeutic games and lessons work through a person in the room holding a child's attention and responding as they go.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Observing and testing patients to identify specific difficulties
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: patients, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 2223/00Source: “Observe and test patients to identify specific difficulties.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 7 out of 100 (3–11 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Identifying the difficulty means observing and testing the person face to face, and the conclusion is a registered therapist's.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Transforming the communication abilities of individuals
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: the communication abilities of individuals, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 2223/00Source: “Transform the communication abilities of individuals, groups, and communities through advanced communication techniques.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 7 out of 100 (0–19 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, low confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Real change in someone's communication is built through sustained personal work, not generated text.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Assisting patients in regaining communication skills following brain injuries or strokes
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: patients, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 2223/00Source: “Assist patients in regaining communication skills following brain injuries or strokes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 6 out of 100 (0–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Rebuilding speech after a stroke depends on regular practice with a trusted therapist in the room.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Providing therapy to children with language delays or disorders
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: therapy, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 2223/00Source: “Provide therapy to children with language delays or disorders.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 6 out of 100 (0–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Therapy with young children works through play and a relationship, which needs a person present.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Administering hearing tests and examining patients to collect information on type and degree of impairment
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: tests, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 2223/00Source: “Administer hearing tests and examine patients to collect information on type and degree of impairment, using specialised instruments and electronic equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 6 out of 100 (2–10 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Testing hearing means fitting equipment to a patient and operating it with them present in a controlled setting.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Implementing treatment plans or protocols as directed by speech and language therapists
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: treatment plans, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 2223/00Source: “Implement treatment plans or protocols as directed by speech and language therapists.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 5 out of 100 (1–9 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Delivering therapy means being with the person doing the exercises, under the direction of a registered therapist.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Teaching clients to control or strengthen tongue
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: clients, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 2223/00Source: “Teach clients to control or strengthen tongue, jaw, face muscles, or breathing mechanisms.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 4 out of 100 (0–8 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: This is hands-on work in the room, with a registered therapist modelling movements and giving physical and spoken cues.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Assisting children and adults with eating or swallowing difficulties by providing specialised therapy
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: children, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 2223/00Source: “Assist children and adults with eating or swallowing difficulties by providing specialised therapy.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 2 out of 100 (0–6 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Swallowing therapy has to happen at the bedside with a registered therapist watching and adjusting as the person eats and drinks.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Evaluating oral motor function in infants
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: oral motor function, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 2223/00Source: “Evaluate oral motor function in infants.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 2 out of 100 (0–6 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Assessing how a baby uses their mouth means watching and feeling them feed, which only a registered therapist present can do.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
What this job pays, and how many people do it
- Median pay
- £45,500a year, before tax, the middle of the range, so half earn more and half earn less.ashe-t14, 2025 · ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025)Provisional, because the ONS revises this figure in the autumn.
How we know this
Source: ashe-t14
Reference period: ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025)
Rounding: Shown to the nearest £100. The exact published figure is in the downloadable dataset. We do not render pounds the survey cannot support.
- People doing this job
- 19,100in the UK, 2026.nomis-aps · Apr 2025-Mar 2026 (latest APS 12-month period)This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.
What is deliberately not here: a forecast of how many of these jobs exist in ten years. Where an official projection exists for a market we publish it with its vintage; where it does not, we leave the space empty rather than borrow the other country’s number.
Why this is shifting
The reason is boringly specific. Most of what is shifting here is reading one thing and writing another: therapy sessions in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: scheduling therapy sessions and related activities for clients and maintaining documentation of caseload activities. What it cannot do is be answerable: patients need a named person the rules will accept, and software cannot be that person. Which is why this page talks about your tasks changing, not your job ending.
Your move
Over a pint: what I’d tell you if you were my friend
Start with what does not change: assisting patients in regaining communication skills following brain injuries or strokes is the middle of this job, and the evidence on this page says it stays with a person.
So, given all that: 14% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 4% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 83% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 53 scored tasks. It is not a forecast about you.
So the thing worth your attention is not the job going away. It is the layer around it. Scheduling therapy sessions and related activities for clients is the part turning into software, and being the person who understands that layer is worth money.
This week: one thing
Ask the one question. Find whoever is bringing new software into your workplace (the manager, the office, whoever runs the system) and ask them what it is meant to do to therapy sessions, and what it is not meant to touch. Ten minutes, this week, before anyone decides it for you.
- What you end up holding
- a straight answer about what is actually being rolled out, and when
- How long it takes
- ten minutes
If there’s nobody obvious to ask, or you’d rather not ask your manager: Put the same question to your union rep, your shift lead or the person who has been there longest, in person, over a break. Same ten minutes, same answer, and you will usually get a straighter one. Write down what they say. The note is the artifact, and it tells you whether a treatment programme is in scope or not. Nothing to log into, no licence needed.
Over the next 90 days
Get inside the tool rollout rather than waiting for it. Over the next ninety days, ask to be in the group that tests, checks or signs off whatever new system arrives near managing a caseload, prioritising cases based on urgency and outcome success. It is usually an unglamorous seat that nobody fights for, and it is the one that decides how the software is used on your job rather than to it.
Over the next 12 months
On this evidence I would not retrain out of this job, and I will say that plainly rather than hedge it. The task list here is dominated by work that stays with a person. What I would do with a year is get formally recognised for the layer around it (the systems, the compliance, the planning), so you are the one who understands the software instead of the one it is done to. Before you pay for anything, spend an hour with National Careers Service. It is free and government-funded, and it is listed below with the rest of the free routes.
The roads out of here, and why I am not sending you down them
I looked at the obvious moves out of this job, and here is what I found.
I checked the 12 nearest UK occupations to speech and language therapists (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was occupational therapists: only about 16% of its durable work is work you already do. And on the numbers you do not need one. This job scores 26/100 here, with only 14% of the task list in the top band, and “assess the cause and nature of problems” is not work that hands over cleanly. None of them beats deepening what you already have.
How that was checked: this job was compared against all 412 UK occupations in this release on their official task statements, and the 12 nearest were examined one by one. A move that turns on an industry, an employer or a qualification rather than on the work itself will not show up in a check like that. And this release carries no licence register, so anything you are weighing needs that looked up separately.
3 moves I checked and rejected
These are the obvious-looking jumps. They are here with their reasons rather than quietly dropped, because the ones that fail are worth knowing about. It is one less thing to turn over at night.
Occupational therapists
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “train professionals in therapy delivery”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 15% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: You would be starting most of it from nothing: about 15% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on.
Registered nurse practitioners
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “inform patients and their families about mental health and medical conditions, preventative health measures, medicines, or…”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 10% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: You would be starting most of it from nothing: about 10% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on.
Clinical psychologists
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour on the work AI is not taking: you already monitor and evaluate patient progress to adjust treatment plans, and their equivalent is to adjust treatment programmes based on patients' progress as required. Across both published task lists that is about 9% of the durable work in that job.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 9% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step.
What I’d stop worrying about
A friend tells you what not to spend fear on. This is that list.
The headline number you read somewhere
The big “X% of jobs” figures are about the whole economy, not about you. The number that describes your job is on this page: 14% of its task weight, across 53 scored tasks. Every row behind it is printed above with the source. Check ours; ignore theirs.
The headlines about your trade disappearing
They are usually about the technology, not the timetable. Changes to work like assisting patients in regaining communication skills following brain injuries or strokes arrive through rules, insurance and money, slowly and visibly. This page tracks the task evidence and will move when it moves.
Retraining out of a job that is holding up
On this evidence I would not spend money leaving. Spend it on the layer around the job instead: the tools, the paperwork, the planning. That is where the change actually is.
The “obvious” next job everyone suggests
I checked the obvious moves and most of them did not survive. The reasons are printed with the routes above, including the pay and the gate. A move that fails on the numbers is worth knowing about so you can stop turning it over at night.
You are reading the United Kingdom figures
The United States splits this work across more than one official group, of which Speech-Language Pathologists is the closest. The pay and employment figures are not directly comparable, and we do not average them together.
Switch to the United States page →partial match
The other groups this work is counted across:
In US official statistics this job is counted as Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. Pay is shown separately for each of those groups (medians cannot be averaged together), while the task list and the scores on this page are for this group only.
Your route through this
Where to go next, and what it costs
Free, and complete
The moves above cost nothing. These are the real services that go with them: public, government-funded, and free at the point of use. Nothing on this page is behind an email address or a payment.
In England:
A free hour with a government-funded careers adviser is worth more than another evening of reading. In England that's the National Careers Service.
Free, government-funded
In England:
National Careers Service - Find a course
Search what's actually running near you before you spend anything.
Free to search; individual courses vary
In England:
Free courses for jobs (Level 3 qualifications)
A free Level 3 qualification you already qualify for beats a paid course you don't need.
Free for eligible adults
In England:
Free, up to 16 weeks, and you get a job interview at the end. In England these are Skills Bootcamps - search what's running near you.
Free for eligible adults in England
In Scotland:
My World of Work (Skills Development Scotland)
In Scotland it's My World of Work, from Skills Development Scotland.
Free, publicly funded
In Wales:
In Wales it's Careers Wales.
Free, Welsh Government-funded
In Northern Ireland:
Careers Service Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland it's the Careers Service on nidirect.
Free, Department for the Economy-funded
No Space for this job, but one for what is happening to it
Nothing Collab365 runs is built for speech / language therapists, and we are not going to point you at the nearest one and call it a fit.
There is one that is not about a job title at all. The AI Authority is about being the person who directs these tools at work rather than the person they get compared to. That is worth saying here, because 14% of the work on this page is already inside what they can do.
7 days free, no card needed. Explore up to 2 Spaces before you choose a plan: you pick a plan later, not now.
The AI Authority is a general community about working with AI, not a course for speech / language therapists. You do not need it to act on anything here: the moves above cost nothing and stand on their own. The data on this page is the same either way.
Noted, and thank you. We’ll email you if a Space for speech / language therapists launches. Nothing else.
That did not look like an email address, so nothing was saved. Have another go below.
We could not save that. The fault is ours, not yours, and your address was not stored. Please try again later.
No deadline on any of this. The page will still be here, and the data is refreshed on a published schedule rather than when someone wants a headline.
Questions people ask about this job
- Will AI replace Speech and language therapists?
- Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 53 official task statements scored for Speech and language therapists (United Kingdom, SOC 2223), 14% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 26 out of 100 (range 21–32, band: low). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.
- Which tasks in “Speech and language therapists” can AI already do?
- The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Schedule therapy sessions and related activities for clients” (85/100, very high); “Publish research results on hearing or speech disorder treatments” (83/100, very high); “Complete administrative paperwork to ensure compliance and record-keeping” (72/100, high). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.
- Which tasks in “Speech and language therapists” stay human?
- About 83% of this job's task weight sits in work that scores low for AI exposure. The lowest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Evaluate oral motor function in infants” (2/100, minimal); “Assist children and adults with eating or swallowing difficulties by providing specialised therapy” (2/100, minimal); “Teach clients to control or strengthen tongue, jaw, face muscles, or breathing mechanisms” (4/100, minimal). Low scores usually mean the task needs a body in a room, a legally accountable human, or trust built in real time. Those are the three things the scoring rubric treats as gates rather than obstacles.
- What should someone working in “Speech and language therapists” do about AI?
- Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 14% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 83% is not. The practical move is to spend more of your week on the tasks that score low, the ones above, and to get fluent at directing AI through the tasks that score high, because those are the parts that change whether or not you are ready for them. This page does not predict your job, and nothing here is career advice tailored to you: the score describes the occupation, not the person.
- How is the AI exposure score for Speech and language therapists calculated?
- Each official task statement for the occupation is rated on five published 0–4 dimensions (output replicability, physical embodiment, licensed accountability, real-time human trust, and data availability) by claude-opus-5 using scoring prompt task_scoring_v1.0. The model never writes the score; a published formula turns the five ratings into a 0–100 number, so every score can be recomputed by hand. The occupation figure is the importance-weighted mean across 53 scored tasks. The prompt, the rubric, the formula and the full dataset are published at https://futureproof.collab365.com/method and https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1 under CC BY 4.0.
Where these numbers come from
About the data on this page
- Provisional, because the ONS revises this figure in the autumn.
- This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.
- One row is marked low confidence, so treat it as a ballpark rather than a fine measurement.
- The match between this job and its counterpart in the other country is partial, so the two pages count slightly different groups of people.
- 2 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
- Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.
- Task statements
- gaisi-indexProcessing: catalogue-bridge → ssc-relatedness-weighting → task-scoring → score-aggregation
- Task weights
- gaisi-index (relatedness)
- Scores
- Rubric task_scoring_v1.0, model claude-opus-5, computed 2026-08-05.
- Pay and employment
- ashe-t14 (ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025))nomis-aps (Apr 2025-Mar 2026 (latest APS 12-month period))
Figures on this page come from release 2026-q4.1, published 2026-08-05. Every release keeps its own permanent address, so a figure you cite in March is still there, unchanged, in November.
The plain-English wording on this page is assembled directly from the task statements and the published ratings, not written by hand for this occupation. That is why it is specific, and it is also why we say so.
The routes and free resources further up are today’s, not the release’s (last reviewed 2026-08-05). A route is an offer, not a historical fact, so it moves on its own clock.
Using these figures?
Cite this
Everything on this site is published under CC BY 4.0. Quote it, chart it, sell something built on it. Just say where it came from, and cite the dated release rather than the site, so the figure you quote stays checkable.
Plain text
Collab365 (2026). Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1 (methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0). https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1. Licensed CC BY 4.0. Built with O*NET data (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0); ONS data (Open Government Licence v3.0); GAISI task framework (arXiv:2507.22748, MIT); BLS data (public domain).
BibTeX
@misc{collab365futureproof2026q41,
title = {Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1},
author = {{Collab365}},
year = {2026},
url = {https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1},
note = {Release 2026-q4.1, methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0, CC BY 4.0}
}Data as of release 2026-q4.1, published . Releases never change after publication; when the figures move, a new dated release is published beside this one and this one stays exactly where it is.