Profile: Rowan Ranner

I am a highly experienced community‑based Speech and Language Therapist specialising in adults and children with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and complex neurological communication and swallowing needs. With over 20 years of clinical experience, I bring advanced expertise in assessment, differential diagnosis, cognitive‑communication rehabilitation, dysphagia, interdisciplinary working and medico‑legal reporting.

I am skilled at integrating complex linguistic, cognitive, sensory, psychological, social, environmental and contextual information into clear, coherent, evidence‑based formulations and reports.

I have a strong understanding of medico‑legal processes and my responsibilities as both a treating clinician and expert witness.

Areas of Expertise

  • Cognitive‑communication disorders
  • Language disorders (Aphasia)
  • Motor speech disorders (Dysarthria, Apraxia of Speech and dysarthraphonia)
  • Dysphagia & EDS assessment
  • Mental Capacity & communication‑accessible assessment
  • Behaviour, social cognition & communication
  • Interdisciplinary neurorehabilitation
  • Expert witness assessment & reporting
  • Family‑centred and system‑aware practice
  • Trauma informed practice

Professional Experience

Highly Specialist Speech & Language Therapist
Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation Team (2008–present)
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Associate Specialist SLT
Speech & Language Therapy North East (2024–present)
Kirsop Taylor Healthcare (2019–present)

Expert Witness SLT
West Care Experts (2021–present)

Earlier Roles (2001–2019)

  • Sheffield SALT Agency – Acute Neurology, Stroke, Community Rehab
  • Morecambe Bay PCT Specialist Rehabilitation Team
  • Cumbria ABI Rehabilitation Team (CPFT)
    Extensive experience across acute, inpatient and community neurorehabilitation.

Selected Specialist Training

Extensive postgraduate training in ABI, cognitive‑communication disorders, dysphagia, mental capacity, social cognition, FND, AAC, motivational interviewing, CAT, CBT skills, and expert witness practice. Examples include:

  • Cognitive Communication Disorders International Symposium (2025)
  • Better Conversations (UCL, 2025 & 2020)
  • Mental Capacity Clinical Excellence Network (2025)
  • Assessment & Treatment of Global Aphasia (2023)
  • Advanced Motivational Interviewing in ABI (2021)
  • Expert Witness Evidence Training (2024)

Professional Memberships

Conference Contributions

Regular presenter at regional and national ABI events, including Headway, ABICEN, and North West Clinical Research Conference.

Education

  • BSc (Hons) Speech & Language Therapy, University of Manchester – Distinction in Clinical Practice
  • MSc‑level Dysphagia Qualification, Sheffield Hallam University – First Class
  • Bond Solon Expert Witness Report Writing

Personal Interests

A committed fell runner. Passionate about the outdoors and family life.

If you would like to discuss a referral, request a quote, or explore how specialist ABI speech and language therapy can support you or your client, please get in touch.

    Our Services