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Exclusive: New programmes announced for talented future nurse leaders

Two new dedicated programmes to equip talented nurses for leadership roles have been announced.

New funding has been found for the continuation of a dedicated programme to equip talented nurses for leadership roles


NHSI executive director of nursing, Ruth May has said these new courses have been designed to 
prepare nurses for their next career step. Picture: Mark Hakansson

NHS Improvement (NHSI) has revealed there will be 15 places available for a new cohort on the aspiring nurse directors’ course and 15 additional places for aspiring deputy nurse directors’ course.

The first aspiring nurse directors’ masters-level programme ran for six months during April to October last year, and saw 11 deputy nurse directors receive preparation for chief nurse roles.

Future leaders

NHSI executive director of nursing Ruth May said helping prepare future nurse leaders was an important part of the organisation’s work.

Dr May said: 'We know there are so many talented individuals in the NHS who have the potential to progress their careers and lead teams. However, we also recognise that this can be a daunting prospect.

‘These courses have been designed to help prepare nurses and midwives, who are ready to take the next step, for the level of commitment required to be a trust chief or deputy nurse.’

'Welcome news'

The group of deputy nurse directors who took part in the original programme has since decided to remain together to help raise the profile of nursing. The group has renamed itself the Nursing Thought Leadership Group (NTLG).

Among the members of the NTLG is University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust assistant chief nurse Paul Jebb.

Mr Jebb welcomed news of the two new NHSI programmes.

He said: ‘It's great that this exciting opportunity will continue to develop executive nurse leaders of the future, to meet their responsibilities and meeting the needs of the changing NHS as well as the needs of our communities.'

Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust deputy chief nurse Julie Tunney added that the original aspiring nurse directors group would remain involved in the new programmes as mentors.

‘The NTLG has been invited to contribute their experiences to new course members both as formal and informal facilitation,’ she said.


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