Borrowing and Using Camcorders


Audio and Video Recordings


Many clinicians give the students an opportunity to record themselves carrying out part or all of a session. This is usually in the form of a video recording but may also be an audio recording. Although it is not a requirement of the course, when possible students should take the opportunity to record themselves working with a client.

It is a very useful experience that promotes self-evaluation and development. The student and possibly the supervising clinician can then reflect on it afterwards.

Recordings of clinical sessions must only be made with appropriate supervisor and client permission. A consent form is provided in this handbook along with an information sheet for the parent/carer (see sample forms in appendix).

Alternatively the speech and language therapy service may have their own, or there are some amended examples of consent forms on the departmental website which you may find more suitable for your particular client group.

For loan of audiovisual equipment, email Steve on steven.newton@ucl.ac.uk (or Dave Cushing, d.cushing@ucl.ac.uk if Steve is away). Please do not ring, as the request should be made in writing for our records.

Please be aware that the department has a limited amount of equipment. At the start of a clinical placement you should check whether the service you are in has equipment you can use, to reduce pressure on departmental stock. Any departmental loans will be subject to availability on a first come, first served basis. Please note that all camcorders are in the miniDV tape format, tapes are readily available from electronic stores and frequently larger supermarkets (normally in packs of 3).

Each student will be allowed to borrow a video recorder on two occasions in the year. Any further loans, or loans of other equipment, will require the prior agreement of your study area coordinator or your clinical tutor (if for a clinical placement) or for your supervisor (if for a project).

They in turn should inform Steve (see above) of the authorization by emailing him/her at least 48 hours in advance, which does NOT include weekends and bank holidays. Cameras also need to be returned promptly, as during periods of high usage scheduling of loans is very tight. Your failure to return equipment promptly may result in another student being unable to fulfill their placement requirements. Loans are strictly 3 day only (Collect day 1, use day 2, return day 3). Please do not ask to borrow them for longer periods during term time, as there is significant demand for them.

If the equipment is available, you can pick up/return the equipment from Chandler House Room 105 by prior arrangement, between 8.30am-1pm and 2pm-4.30pm.

There are no longer set times for pickup and return, although it is definitely preferable to try to collect/return early in the morning period. Please try to indicate an approximate time for collections/returns if at all possible.


DO NOT leave equipment at reception as it cannot be locked away.


When you pick up the equipment you will be asked to sign a form. This acknowledges your responsibility for returning it on the due date and for taking reasonable care of it. When it is returned, the technician will check it for loss, damage or missing items. You should of course tell him/her of any damage, defect or loss as soon as possible so that it can be put right. The department’s right to ask you to pay for the loss or damage is only likely be exercised if this was caused by your not taking reasonable care of it. The main purpose of these arrangements, with its checking procedures and clarification of the borrower’s responsibility, is to help ensure the equipment you take out will always be in working order.

If equipment is stolen while in your care please report the theft to the police and get a crime reference number.


Maintaining confidentiality:

It is essential that recordings are only used for the purpose for which consent was obtained. If tapes are provided by the clinician, they must be returned to the relevant person at the end of the specified time period. If the tape is the property of the student, it is the student’s responsibility to follow the procedures stipulated in the consent form. This may mean wiping the tape(s) at the end of the placement. At the end of the course students must erase any recorded material still in their possession at the end of the course. The clinical tutor in Year 4 will ensure that this has happened and the student will be asked to sign a declaration stating that his has been done.