Since 2021 I and/or teams/individuals I have worked with have won 15 awards.

One thing I'm really proud of is that at least five people I've worked with as a manager have gone on to university to become Registered Nurses or Nurse Associates.

I joined the Social Care sector in 2015 and really felt I had found my calling in regard to my nursing career. I am very passionate about my job and feel it is very important that Social Care and the nursing community within this area get the recognition they deserve.

I have 3 boys and between them, my husband in the military and my work, my days are very full but also very rewarding and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I have worked in dementia care for 15 years, starting in care homes in London and Somerset. This gave me the opportunity to gain post graduate qualifications in dementia. I then qualified as an RGN and my first nursing role was in a GP practice assessing, diagnosing and supporting people living with dementia and their carers to live as well as possible.

Kim’s nursing career spans both public and private sectors, enriching her leadership with a deep understanding of care across diverse settings. From her roles as Community Nurse Lead and Regional Complex Care Nurse to managing a nursing home with a specialist focus on dementia, she brings a holistic, person-centred approach to clinical practice. This breadth of experience enables her to identify and address inequalities in wound care, champion continuity across care transitions, and advocate for vulnerable groups navigating the healthcare system.

Teresa currently works for the Bristol-based charity Brunelcare in the Director of Nursing and Care Services Team. Teresa is currently undertaking a Masters in Advanced Clinical Practice.

Moving to Riversway Nursing Home in Bristol I became an Admiral Nurse in 2016, supported by Dementia UK with supervision and best practice training.

I work as a Clinical Lead/ Trainer and believe strongly in a specialist practitioner working in a nursing home to promote good relationship-centred care supporting excellent person-centred care for our residents.

Her experience within various organisations both in the public and private sectors has given opportunities for a unique viewpoint on the sector as a whole, and how the care workforce’s contribution can truly deliver impact, as well as how organisations can better support their people to be committed to providing high quality care, especially through a Transforming Care lens.

Ashleigh also has a keen interest in mentoring other passionate professionals who want to make an impact, by being open, approachable and asking questions around what the future could look like, if we took action together in making a difference.

Since founding Unicare Devon in 2009, I’ve worked tirelessly to champion a collaborative approach across the region. My efforts have focused on building strong partnerships with commissioners, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), and organisations such as Skills for Care.

We are undoubtedly facing a crisis in the care system—but I firmly believe that the solutions lie in breaking down silos, fostering genuine collaboration, and cultivating a culture free of blame. Through shared values and joined-up thinking, we can create a more sustainable and compassionate care system for all.

Alongside my role at Southern Healthcare, I’m a Director and Trainer for The Eden Alternative, a values-led programme that focuses on creating vibrant, person-centred care cultures. I also serve as a Director of the Devon Care Homes Collaborative, working with others who share the same commitment to excellence in care.

I passionately believe in supportive social care nurse education, so have developed an Advanced Diploma (CPD) in Adult Social Care Nursing accredited with the University of Bolton, (now Greater Manchester) and I continue to work closely with partners who are shaping the future of social care nurse education. Currently, I’m developing a Social Care Induction Preceptorship Programme, an initiative designed to create clear, rewarding career development pathway to inspire the next generation of social care nurses.

Other studies include a COST collaboration developing a pain assessment tool for adults with dementia. An MRC programme which examined the self-management of chronic pain amongst the older population.

Other areas include collaboration with UNMASS on a falls study and CORNELL on technology use in the older population.

I am also working on dental pain in dementia and virtual reality, frailty and overprescribing.

During her nursing career Charlotte has worked on acute care of the older person ward, community nursing where she gained District Nurse qualification and specialist community teams including care home support and safeguarding adult. Charlotte has also worked in Social Care as a Senior Nurse, and now works independently delivering training and support to health and social care providers.

In 2019 Charlotte was awarded Queens Nurse title by the Queens Institute of Community Nursing. The QN award recognises a high level of commitment and leadership in Community Nursing.

In 2024 Charlotte was awarded CNO Adult Social Care Gold Award for ‘outstanding commitment to infection prevention and control, combined with leadership of South West SCNAC exemplifying excellence and collaboration in social care nursing’

In her spare time Charlotte enjoys spending time with my family and dogs and am an active member of the local Women’s Institute.

Following 14 years in the independent healthcare sector as Chief Nurse and Executive Hospital Director, she returned to the NHS. Shelagh has worked in Somerset in a variety of executive roles, including five years as Chief Nurse and Deputy Chief Executive at Yeovil District Hospital.

Having taken up the role of ICB Chief Nursing Officer in June 2022 and, more recently, the additional responsibility of Chief Operating Officer, Shelagh has been able to draw on her knowledge and experience to support improvement, collaboration and operational transformation while ensuring the clinical, care and support voice is well represented across our system. Shelagh’s passion for improving working cultures and having shared values to allow us to focus on the health and well-being of the population we serve will help the ICS to fulfil its promise.

Her current Deputy Director of Nursing role supporting Professional Leadership, Quality and System Development . Her MSc had a focus on compassionate leadership in healthcare.

Bernies clinical background is in general nursing across Children and Adults primarily leading in health and care integrated teams specifically within community health care settings and Continuing Healthcare policy . Bernie has significant experience in successful transformation and improvement in healthcare.

A significant part of Bernie’s role is to support Nursing Leaders across the South West to deliver the Chief Nursing Officers programmes such as Children and Young People, All age Continuing Care, Community and Primary Care Nursing, Professional Nurse Advocacy, Safer Staffing and Palliative and End of Life Care.

In addition to the current professional leadership role Jill is also has the portfolios for Mental Health, Learning Disabilities, Autism and Children and Young People, Continuing Health Care and Safeguarding

Cindy also has an MA in Professional Practice; PG Cert in Transformational Leadership and a Level 5 in Leadership and Management as well as many other related qualifications.

Cindy was listed in the U.K. top ten Nursing Times Florence Nightingale Nurse of the Year Award 2020.

Cindy was also given the Queens Nurse title in September 2023.

She is also a published author and has a passion for influencing education, health and social care.

Cindy is currently completing the Advanced Diploma in Adult Social Care Nursing with the University of Greater Manchester.

Her diverse roles include Community Intravenous Specialist Nurse, Manager, and Trainer, covering the entire South West of England and South Wales. Cheryl has also served as a Global Clinical Auditor with Bupa Centre.

For the past 10 years, she has been a Qualified Educator and spent seven years as the Head of Clinical for a National Training Organisation, where she developed and delivered comprehensive training programs tailored to the unique needs of various healthcare settings. These included the original authorship and ongoing evolution of the beloved CHAPs Course (Care Home Assistant Practitioner). Personal care of both clients and trainers were paramount and reflected in the successful multidisciplinary clinical team who felt they belonged whilst enjoying the independence of self employment.

Cheryl’s extensive experience has equipped her with a unique blend of clinical expertise and a commitment to quality improvement. Cheryl believes in the power of evidence-based practice and continuous improvement, ensuring her clients receive the highest standard of training and support.

With a deep understanding of clinical protocols, quality management systems, and continuous improvement methodologies, Cheryl excels in leading cross-functional teams to implement effective quality assurance strategies that enhance patient outcomes and optimise operational efficiency. Emphasising collaboration and communication, she strives to foster a culture of quality and accountability, ensuring clinical practices not only meet but exceed industry standards.

A strong advocate for sharing knowledge, Cheryl aims to empower others to protect their patients, their profession, and themselves. Recognising the challenges of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, she emphasises the importance of wellbeing and holistic therapies in her own self-care and the wellbeing of others.

Cheryl’s broad and extensive career in Health and Social Care across various settings provides a unique perspective. Since leaving the NHS, Cheryl became very passionate about advocating for the private sector, including through successful tenure as a nominated board member with the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). The SW co-chair position will provide Cheryl the opportunity to leverage her diverse career, qualifications, and skills to make a meaningful impact.

Additionally, Cheryl has a privileged viewpoint of the sector, hearing firsthand from both clients and delegates about the challenges they face.

I am passionate about making a meaningful difference in residents' lives every day. As Head of Quality and Governance at Aria Care, I firmly believe that nursing within health and social care is a deeply rewarding career. Our highly skilled workforce delivers compassionate, holistic care, and every time I visit a home and work alongside our dedicated teams, I feel incredibly proud of the work we do.

I started as a Care Assistant at Meadow House about 29 years ago and always loved being a Care Assistant. I then became a Senior Carer completing NVQs. Healthcare Homes offered the Nursing Associate Apprenticeship, which for me felt like a dream to be able to qualify and learn, whilst still earning. I did the 2-year course and loved it, even the assignments. I had placements including theatres, gastro ward, spoke days with midwives, stoma nurse, social worker and many more. To be able to watch and learn from other professionals was incredible. Just as I was on my last placement covid hit and we went back to our places of work. Though the pandemic was stressful and scary it was a big learning experience. I work alongside the nurses at Meadow House doing the same role with them there for support. Meadow House is an incredible home and I continue to learn as well as gaining confidence within my role.

I won a star of Norfolk award for my role as a Senior Carer. I believe I won this due to my passion for social care. I still have this passion. I still believe the people we care for teach me and so for me to care for them in the best way I can is my way of paying back for what they do for me.

Having worked for Nellsar as a nurse, Home Manager, RN Development Manager and Operations Manager, Marisa’s passion for supporting people to develop and become confident and competent in their roles has always been the motivation to work with others. In particular, this is what drives her ambition to be part of the various strategies to raise the profile of social care, particularly for social care nursing (nurses, Nursing Associates, and students).

Marisa’s additional role as Operations and Compliance Manager with two small Homes (Totem and Tamarind Care) supporting adults with complex Learning Disabilities, gives her a more varied scope of knowledge and networking opportunities.

In 2021, Marisa was recognised for her work in social care, becoming a Queen’s Nurse and continues to promote the value and importance of social care.

In my early career I spent a year working within a Nursing home and developed a passion then for supporting my amazing social care colleagues who provide holistic care for our most vulnerable in society.

For the past eighteen years, Helen has enjoyed working in the charity sector in her local hospice initially, in a clinical role as a clinical nurse specialist in palliative care and then back in education, leading a team delivering palliative and end-of-life care education in Sussex and playing a pivotal role in this.

Social care is enormously critical to Helen and for patients at the end of life in this geographical region – Helen has strong links to social care in West Sussex. More recent publications include Loss, grief and Bereavement in Schools and Colleges.

Currently she manages a domiciliary care agency and supporting all ages to remain in the community being home or residential settings and manage their long-term conditions.

Victoria believes in focusing on the whole person when caring for her patients. She is passionate about providing quality care while remaining mindful of her patients’ individual preferences and needs. In addition to her career in nursing, Victoria enjoys volunteering her time in her local community and spending time outdoors.

In April 2023, Claire was appointed as the Regional Chief Research Nurse lead at the NIHR in Kent, Surrey and Sussex, where she spent 18 months working across all sectors to drive forward research that is led, delivered and supported by Nurses, Midwives and AHPs.

In August 2024, Claire was appointed as the NMAHP Health and Care Director for the newly formed Regional Research Delivery Network in the South East (Kent, Surrey and Sussex)

Prior to his role at the RCN, he spent two years within the adult social care delivery group at the Department of Health and Social Care, having been seconded from the CQC where he spent a decade leading inspection teams.

Committed to lifelong learning, he has studied for a master’s degree in healthcare ethics and law, a postgraduate diploma in advanced practice (infection prevention and control) and an honours degree in health studies (aggression management).

He has a passion for improvement and removing barriers for nursing staff to deliver excellent care and support.

Andrea joined the QARANC in January 1994 as a newly qualified Nurse and Private Soldier. She then commissioned in Oct 1996 and during her Army career has undertaken various Clinical and Command and Staff roles. She has deployed with Field Hospitals to Bosnia, Iraq and latterly was Commanding Officer of the UK Military Hospital in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan as Commanding Officer of 22 Field Hospital. It was from her tour in Afghanistan that she was awarded the Royal Red Cross for inspirational leadership.

Andrea lives in Camberley, Surrey and is married to Russell Lewis MC (Grenadier Guards). Russell is an Ex-Regular Officer and now a Reservist who is about to take up Command of the London Guards Regiment. Andrea has a 15 year old daughter Sophie who attends Farnborough Hill School for Girls. Andrea has a BSc in Infection Control and MSc in Healthcare Management and Policy and completed the NHS Leadership Academy Director’s Programme on leaving the Army

I am driven by a commitment to clinical excellence, consistently promoting best practice and high standards of person-centred care to deliver positive outcomes and outstanding quality support for clients.

She is a graduate of the NHS Leadership Academy Senior Leaders and Nye Bevan programme and the Leadership College for Government Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) accelerated programme.

From 2017 until 2021 Karen was a member of the National Health Service (NHS) Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) strategic advisory group. She was recognised by the Health Service Journal (HSJ) in 2021- 2024 as one of the 50 most influential Black, Asian and minority ethnic people in health.

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the NHS, Nursing Times recognised Karen as one of the 75 nurses who have positively shaped the NHS over the past 75 years. In June 2024 she was awarded an MBE in recognition of her contribution to nursing, as part of the King’s Birthday Honours.

Karen is a member of the General Advisory Council at the King’s Fund. In a capacity as a volunteer and campaigner, Karen works with Prostate Cancer UK, to educate and raise awareness of the disease. She is also a Trustee at Helpforce, which seeks to bolster volunteering in health and social care and in 2022 her work saw her recognised as a Burdett Hero by the Burdett Trust for Nursing.

Karen is passionate and privileged to be a nurse.

Bluesky: @karenbonner.bsky.social

LinkedIn: Karen Bonner MBE

Over the years, I have developed a broad skill set and gained substantial experience in caring for children, adults, and the elderly across both care home and homecare settings. I have benefited from excellent mentorship and leadership, which has enhanced my leadership and management skills. I am known for my excellent communication, rapid learning ability, and proficiency as a mentor and educator.

Prior to joining Azalea Court, I embraced a new challenge in the pharmaceutical industry as a Quality Assurance Assistant, with the long-term goal of supporting my father’s pharmaceutical company while maintaining my nursing registration. Having acquired foundational knowledge in this field, I longed for nursing again, so joined Azalea Court in November 2024.

Alyce now works as a Wellbeing Nurse Ambassador in an independent living, integrated retirement community supporting individuals with their physical and cognitive health enabling then to continue to live independently and add quality and life to their years.

Alyce advocates wholistic, patient centred care and is passionate about supporting people to live their best life on their terms.

Millie is excited to understand the wider IHSC nursing workforce and forge working relationships to promote and influence their value in health and social care and ultimately patient care.

Joanna brings a wealth of skills and experience from her work in adult social care and complex home care. Her appointment comes at an important time, as the latest CQC State of Care report highlights the growing number of people choosing to receive care in their own homes.

As nurses and care staff, we share a commitment to ensuring that this care is safe, compassionate, and meaningful, enabling people to live well where they feel most comfortable. Joanna’s expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen social care nursing across London and champion the vital role of community and home-based care.

At the same time, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to Nuno for his ongoing contribution and leadership. While he is stepping down as Co-Chair, we’re delighted that he will remain a valued member of the Council. Nuno has played a key role in fostering collaboration between health and social care, laying the groundwork for future analyses of London Ambulance Service activity with care homes, and promoting research-active care homes and home care services across adult social care.

I developed a health and wellbeing bus and championed resilience-based clinical supervision to support staff across care settings. I'm a proud Queen’s Nurse, a Gold Award holder from the Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care, and a recipient of multiple HSJ and Nursing Times awards recognising my innovative programmes of work.

I led nationally recognised work in the rollout of digital technology in adult social care during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, with my implementation praised as one of the most successful. I now run my own education and consultancy business, supporting providers with both workforce development and the integration of digital technologies in care settings.

I am currently the Co-Chair of the Social Care Nursing Advisory Council for London, a role that enables me to champion the voice of social care nurses, influence policy, and drive improvements across the region.

Throughout my career, I have been a tireless advocate for person-led care, always championing the voices, choices, and rights of residents. Ensuring that people who draw on care and support remain at the heart of decision-making is central to everything I do.

Research continues to fascinate me especially its power to elevate practice in adult social care. I’m committed to encouraging more adult social care nurses to engage in research and have championed student nurse placements in social care settings to help shape the next generation of skilled, confident practitioners.

Mobile: 07872585504

Mark qualified as a registered nurse in the early 80s and worked initially in Sheffield for several years in various roles linked to Trauma and Orthopaedics before moving to Lincolnshire, as a ward charge nurse and clinical educator linked to Nottingham University.

In early 2000’s Mark moved across to Social Care, to work for a large national provider within their Workforce Team, as a Skills Manager and then later as a content creator.

In 2015, Mark joined Lincolnshire Care Association, where today, he is Executive Director and Head of Workforce and now heads up a team that looks to support delegated across Adult Social Care.

I have both clinical experience and a values-driven approach to my practice, always striving to improve outcomes and promote the rights and wellbeing of those I support.

As a nurse working within the social care sector, I’m particularly focused on being part of the Social Care Nursing Placement Strategy, contributing to the development of high-quality, meaningful placements that reflect the values and complexity of social care. I’m passionate about championing the role of nurses in this field — not only as caregivers, but also as advocates, leaders, and life changes.

My goal is to help shape a future where social care nursing is fully recognised for its impact, and where students and nurses are inspired, supported, and empowered to see social care as a dynamic and rewarding career path.

I have the best job in the world. I get to support my colleagues to enable our residents to live their best lives. I am responsible for role modelling, coaching, and training best practice and outstanding care.

Some training in care can be repetitive, but I am always looking for new ways to deliver. Not everyone learns in the same way, but I am passionate about making learning accessible and fun.

While I found these roles rewarding, it was six years ago that I truly discovered my passion for social care nursing. Since then, I have worked in a variety of roles across the social care sector, supporting individuals with diverse and often complex needs. I found great meaning in helping people live well in their communities and in settings that promote dignity, independence, and long-term wellbeing.

Currently, I work as the Practice Education Facilitator for Exemplar Health Care. In this role, I dedicate my time to nurturing the development of student nurses, nursing associates, and allied health professionals. My focus is on creating supportive, high-quality learning environments that promote confidence, competence, and a deeper appreciation of the vital role social care plays within the wider healthcare landscape. I'm passionate about mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals and advocating for greater recognition of social care within education and practice.

Katie has played a significant role in advocating for and implementing digital solutions in social care. She has been involved in co-hosting the first series of roundtables on the responsible use Generative AI in social care with the Institute of Ethics in AI at Oxford University and the subsequent publication of the Oxford Statement. Her work focuses on ensuring that digital innovations in social care are used ethically and effectively.

People up and down the country joined us and became active campaigners, raising the voices of those that weren’t being heard. Motivated by sheer desperation, we began fighting for Gloria’s Law – the right to maintain contact with loved ones in health and care settings.

Our Rights for Residents campaign has been hugely successful in forcing changes to Government policy and ensuring thousands of people living in care, of all ages, were reunited with their loved ones.

Although Social Care is something that affects each and every one of us at some point in our lives, it is only when we are personally affected that we realise how important it is. I feel passionately about working in partnership with others to highlight the importance of Social Care and how we can work together to improve the experience for everyone.

Shirley’s team work directly with adult social care providers, as well as a wide range of other partners within the local health and care systems.

Prior to her current role Shirley has many years of experience working within the sector, including as a manager for children’s residential services and developing and managing a care partnership for the adult social care sector.

Social care nurses are an integral part of the sector workforce with almost 40k within England and approx. 750 qualified Nursing Associates (as of 2024). Many social care nurses are also in a management role. We need to ensure that these care professionals remain updated and develop both their clinical, leadership and management skills/knowledge, also that they are offered support and guidance to continue this vital role in the social care sector.

I have been supporting research in wider care settings for the last 9 years firstly in Hospice and then in Care homes. I started working with Care Homes 9 yrs ago as West Midlands ENRICH Lead and became the National ENRICH Coordinator during Covid. I support Care home research Nationally and provide support to those working within care homes to become research aware and engaged and also working with researchers with care homes to become research active.

Locally I am an Assistant Research Delivery Manager supporting the development of research in social care settings, including local authorities, Schools, Prisons, and other settings. I have supported the development of policies and procedures to enable organizations to become research-aware, engaged, and active. I am keen to support other settings using the wealth of experience I have from working across these settings and supporting research from idea to the dissemination of research findings

Social care deserves to have its achievements celebrated and those who work in social care should have the opportunity to grow and learn new things to support them both personally and professionally. I believe Research can help us to achieve that goal.

Lynne collaborates closely with the Chief Nursing Office and the Social Care Nurse Advisory Councils in the Midlands and beyond. Her efforts have been instrumental in organising and delivering a series of webinars in partnership with the Royal College of Nursing Midlands, aimed at supporting social care nurses.

In her current role, Lynne works with Care Providers and Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) to facilitate nursing associate and social care nurse apprenticeships across the West Midlands. She is also actively involved in the development of the Care Academy model, focusing on creating comprehensive education and training programs for social care nurses.

There are examples of these initiatives that have led to notable improvements in the sector, including a reduction in emergency hospital conveyances and an increase in the number of people dying in their place of choice. She collaborates at national level and with Skills for Care and their Registered Managers networks to advance social care nursing practice, career pathways, and entry routes into the profession.

Vicky has recently taken up post with the Royal College of Nursing as Lead Nurse for the independent health and social care sector for the West Midlands region, having previously worked at Coventry University for twelve and a half years, both as Assistant Professor and Course Director for Learning Disability Nursing. For nine years prior to this she worked as a Forensic Community Charge Nurse, and Mental Impairment Community Nurse.

Vicky has a special interest in the support of people with learning disabilities and autism and the criminal justice system.

This experience has enabled Louise to have a proven history of strategic planning with NHS and partner organisations, both locally and nationally working with the independent sector and many types of health, social care providers.

Her knowledge of governance, assurance processes, and quality in clinical practice within the NHS and social care services is invaluable. In her current role at BSOL, Louise is responsible for the quality assurance of nursing care and leads the development and implementation of systems and processes within social care nursing.

Since joining the Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board, Louise has established two networks: the Quality Leads for Social Care Network for the West Midlands region and the BSOL Nurses and Clinical Leads network for nurses working in social care. These initiatives ensure that BSOL benefits from relevant initiatives and that continuity across the region.

Prior to this Andrea held national and regional roles in NHS England, as Deputy Director Community Workforce in the Primary Care and Community directorate leading on the NHS England long term workforce plan (Community) and national community policy (workforce) including virtual wards, advanced practice and Skills for Health capability frameworks. During the pandemic Andrea was seconded to the national Chief Nursing Officer team (CNO Team) as Assistant Director of Nursing and Quality leading on community nursing safer staffing; continuing care workforce recovery and the national community nursing portfolio.

Andrea has extensive and diverse experience in the NHS, Department of Health and local government. She has a proven record of system partnerships, commissioning, and providing excellence in health and social care. Andrea has been seconded to the Department of Health on two occasions to lead on Widening Participation in Learning and latterly, the Call To Action for Health Visiting. She has achieved national recognition and was awarded a Fellowship of the Institute of Health Visiting for services to public health nursing, early years, developing the workforce and service improvement. In addition, Andrea is an accredited Service Improvement Associate: Primary Care Improvement Faculty.

Andrea has had various roles including regional lead for maternity transformation; regional lead SEND reviews working jointly with the Department of Education. Andrea is passionate about early years public health and she has presented Parliamentary evidence for better start in life as well as leading a successful regional programme to deliver the Family Nurse Partnership programme which has evidenced positive outcomes for children and young people.

Andrea is a proud and privileged to continue to have a fulfilling and rewarding 40 year career in health care and public health. She remains fully committed to making a difference for people, improving care and supporting the workforce to be the very best they can be.

Jayanthi holds a Master’s degree in Dementia Studies from the University of Stirling and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in the same field, further enhancing her expertise. She has been recognized with the "Outstanding Dementia Care" award within her organization and was a finalist for the prestigious Dementia Care Manager of the Year Award at the 25th National Care Awards in 2023 for her innovative contributions.

A committed advocate for professional development, Jayanthi has supported staff in progressing into roles such as Registered Nurses and Nursing Associates. She also mentors nursing students during their placements, fostering future generations of healthcare professionals.

Jayanthi’s charitable initiatives have raised funds and awareness for vulnerable populations. Her dedication was nationally recognized when she was named the sole female runner-up for the T. Haridas Social Worker Award by the UK Indian Malayali Association. As Nursing Home Help Team Lead for Kerala Nurses UK, she continues to champion excellence in nursing and strengthen the professional community.

Jo-Anne moved to work with older people in the late 1990s, where she developed a real interest in working with People living with Dementia and long-term conditions within care homes. As a trustee and trainer for WRAP (Warwickshire Reminiscence Action Project), Jo-Anne visited care homes training staff, supporting them to change both attitude and environment positively.

Jo-Anne started working for the Royal British Legion in 2003 as a Registered Manager. She led the home through its first inspection in 36 years and introduced a culture of person-centeredness, innovation, change and excellence. She is passionate about the positive impact and added value nurses make to the social care environment.

Over the years, the home worked with Dementia Care Matters to become an accredited Butterfly Home, with GSF to become a Platinum-rated home, and the home has been rated Outstanding on their last 2 CQC inspections. In 2015 the home was featured in a Channel 4 documentary, Dementiaville, and later awarded Care Home of the Year.

Jo-Anne is an active member of various best practice and research groups and regularly speaks at conferences. She is also Chair of the Skills for Care Registered Managers Network in South Warwickshire. In 2020 Jo-Anne was made a Queen’s Nurse and has been awarded an MBE in this year’s New Year’s Honours List.

Anita is proud to have supported many care assistants to progress professionally; 107 as Registered Nurses, 6 as Nursing Associates, 3 as Midwives and 1 as a Social Worker.

Anita is currently a Board Member for the National Care Association merged with the Registered Nursing Home Association. She has held positions such as Board Member and Fellow for Skills for Care, Governor of a NHS Mental Health Trust and Non-Executive Director of a Primary Care Trust.

Recently, Anita supported the campaign for a Specialist Practice Qualification for Care Home Nursing, believing it important for this area of nursing to be recognised as a specialism.

She has worked with the Queens Nursing Institute Reference Group to develop and map the standards.

Mary is leading a pilot ‘destination pathway’ which provides pre-registration nursing students with placements in primary, community and social care. This pathway supports the ambition to bring care closer to home and provide a sustainable workforce.

Her previous roles include Interim Management, Registered Manager of various care homes, Clinical Deputy Management, Practice and Community Nursing.

Deborah is a link nurse for pain and palliative care in the Eastern region, a 2025 RCN Congress voting member, a Healthwatch board member for end-of-life care, and an active contributor to the Social Care Nurses Forum.

Our sector is rich with opportunity: from the uniqueness of each care setting to the meaningful relationships built between professionals and those they support. There are clear career pathways, diverse roles, and a chance to truly make a difference. However, we face real challenges — particularly around the talent pipeline and future workforce sustainability. That’s why it’s more important than ever to shine a light on the value of social care nursing, and to create space for innovation, recognition, and growth.

Her passion lies in championing the vital role of nursing in social care. Over the years, Charlene has contributed her expertise to nursing homes specialising in palliative care, multiple sclerosis, and care for young adults with head injuries. She is a proud member of the Nursing in Social Care Advisory Board.

Charlene has just completed her Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management, which reflects her commitment to continuous growth. She has also taken part in impactful initiatives, including Teaching and Learning in Care Homes, reinforcing her proactive approach to education and quality improvement.

Her leadership style is person-centred and collaborative, focusing on compassionate care and empowering her team to deliver the highest standards.

As a former Chair of Trustees for a mental health charity and former Chair of the Social Care Nursing Advisory Council for MSE, she is passionate about social care and the people we care for. She collaborates with the Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust to enhance veteran and family services and has contributed to national policy as part of the Chief Nurse Adult Social Care Advisory Panel, the NMC Post Registration Standards Assimilation Process and the Field Specific Standards Reference Group with the Queens Nursing Institute, developing and mapping Standards of Education and Practice for Nurses, for Community Nursing Specialist Practice Qualification.

Her dedication has earned her the prestigious title of Queen's Nurse, the Chief Nursing Officer Gold Award, and the Cavell Star. As an accredited Somatic Trauma-Informed Coach and military veteran, she has authored a best-selling book on living with CPTSD, providing guidance for families. A Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, she also mentors rising leaders in social care and the NHS, bringing compassion and expertise to her support for peers, veterans, and their families.

Over time, she progressed to become the Lead Nurse for Continuing Care at Blackpool CCG, where she developed a deep understanding of patient care and management.

Alison’s leadership and expertise in both clinical and administrative settings have equipped her with a unique perspective on healthcare delivery, driving improvements and fostering collaboration within teams to enhance service quality and patient outcomes.

Outside of work, Alison enjoys being with her family and her dog, bringing balance to a dedicated professional life.

I have been working within higher education for the last 18 years and enjoy giving students the chance to see what a difference they can make to the lives of the people they support, enabling people to live good, valued lives.

I have a particular interest in practice learning and the student placement experience and am passionate about learners having the opportunity to experience as wide a range of settings as possible during their professional training.

My role is to ensure we are delivering high level clinical care, but I’m also very passionate about ensuring we support our service users in their day-to-day activities, meeting their needs as an individual and not just their clinical needs.

I have over 20 years experience working in health and social care. I have experience in managing and overseeing complex services and commissioning of new services.

I am passionate about mental health and providing high quality person-centre care along with reducing the stigmas associated with mental illness and ensuring the most vulnerable people in our society live fulfilled and enriched lives in safe and caring environments.

Awarded the Gold Chief Nurse Adult Social Care Award from the Department of Health and Social Care’s Chief Nurse, Deborah Sturdy. The award recognises a select number of nurses in the UK, who go above and beyond to make outstanding contributions in the field.

Experienced practitioner as a Social care nurse with a keen interest in the sectors strategic development and collaborative partnerships. Raising the profile of nurses who work in the social care sector has always been of paramount importance.

Foundation of Nursing Studies Alumni and inspire improvements Fellow. Pilot home for The Teaching Care Home project.

Co-Chair for the North West Social Care Nursing Advisory Councils (SCNAC).

Interested in creative ways of working, innovation and supporting all in realising ambition, be it colleagues or those who use our nurse led services.