The Balanced System® in Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester Combined Authority together with Greater Manchester Integrated Care have commissioned the Balanced System outcomes framework as the structure for provision for all services which support speech, language and communication development and needs of the children and young people of Greater Manchester.   More information about The Balanced System® can be found here.

Timeline

May, 2025 - February, 2026

System Engagement

Building links across the SLT and wider system to establish working groups focusing on creating SLCM support that is:

  • Easy to Access 
  • Place based
  • Continuum of support
  • Demonstrates Impact

 

March - September 2026

 

System planning and development 

 

  • Sharing collaborative action plans
  • Implementing changes
  • Reviewing progress
  • Capturing impact

October 2026 - March 2027

 

System review and refinement

 

  • Reviewing the experiences of children, young people and families
  • Implimenting changes based on feedback from families

 

 

 

Outcomes and Impact:

 

Ease of Access:

 

Place-Based:

  1. The Balanced System Link Therapy model handbook

 

External links:

  1. Kent:?https://www.kelsi.org.uk/special-education-needs/special-educational-needs/the-balanced-system-in-kent-for-speech-language-and-communications-needs-slcn/working-with-a-link-therapist
  2. Worcestershire (Danny’s journey):?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yKLqtQ1NjA
  3. Devon:?https://childrenandfamilyhealthdevon.nhs.uk/news-and-events/the-balanced-system-transformation/#jump-collapse10040 

 

Continuum of support:

 

Information: 

  1. 2025.11.27 TBS Graphics.pdf