Social Care Nursing Advisory Councils Inaugural Event Marks a Milestone for the Sector
London, September 12th, 2024
On Thursday, September 12th, the Social Care Nursing Advisory Councils (SCNACs) hosted their inaugural event at Coventry University’s London campus, marking a significant moment for adult social care.
The event brought together senior leaders from across health and social care, with a focus on elevating the role of social care nursing in the wider health and care system.
The day opened with a keynote address by Deborah Sturdy, Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care, who has said the following:
The Social Care Nurse Advisory Council’s first conference, bringing senior NHSE nurse leaders and social care colleagues together, provided a truly inspirational day to share the positivity, energy, and pride in social care nursing. The event underlined the untapped talent within the sector and provided an opportunity to help nursing leaders fundamentally consider the possibilities of working together to look after the same people, ensuring we are utilising our resources to the best effect. Nursing is a significant part of the answer to delivering reform, and this event has set the tone for how, through those close relationships and strong leadership, we can make that happen.
Prof. Deborah Sturdy
- Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care
It was great to join the Social Care Nursing Advisory Council’s first conference and meet nursing colleagues from across adult social care. As nurses, we know that collaborative working across health and social care is key to helping us improve outcomes, care and experience for the populations and communities we look after. The work the Councils are doing in this space is not only helping to strengthen collaborative working across local systems, but across our nursing profession and health and social care as a whole.
Duncan Burton
- Chief Nursing Officer for England
The NIHR Nursing and Midwifery Office was delighted to have been able to support the inaugural Social Care Nursing Advisory Council’s day of celebration. It was a great opportunity to celebrate Social Care Nursing whilst harnessing the collective passion and commitment to strengthen the voice and visibility of the sector to influence positive change for those delivering and receiving care The NIHR Nursing and Midwifery Office is looking forward to working with the chairs to ensure that more social care nurses have the opportunity to be at the forefront of supporting, delivering and leading research by practice and for practice.
Dr Zena Aldridge
- RMHN MA FRSA Social Care Nurse Fellow
We were honoured to be a part of the very first Social Care Nurses Advisory Council day of celebration. An incredible day of learning and listening whilst being able to represent the authentic voice of those in care and their families. Thank you to all for an inspiring day of debate and opportunity.
Kate Meacock
- Rights for Residents
The establishment of the regional SCNACs have invigorated a community of practice approach to partnership working and the strength of these will only increase over time. Deborah Sturdy’s leadership shines through others. Deborah empowers the right people to make decisions at the right level. It’s the only model of nursing leadership I want to see!
Joanne Bosanquet MBE RN FRCN FQNI
One of the highlights of the event was a recorded message from Stephen Kinnock, Minister for Social Care, who, although unable to attend in person, expressed his support for the Council’s vital work. His message reiterated the importance of collaboration across the sector to deliver meaningful reform.
Throughout the day, attendees heard from a variety of inspiring speakers and panellists, including Major General Tim Hodgetts, who delivered both the keynote at the start of the day and an insightful reflection to close the event. His speeches left a profound impact on the audience, described as “one of the most inspiring speeches we have heard.”
The seven regional SCNACs across England aim to ensure that social care nursing is fully integrated into broader health and care system discussions and planning. This inaugural event provided an excellent platform for collaboration, idea-sharing, and strategic discussions that will shape the future of the sector.
Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, also delivered remarks during the opening address, emphasising the crucial need for collaboration between the NHS and Social Care.
Major General TJ Hodgetts CB CBE KHS OStJ DL
Later in the day, five individuals were honoured to receive Chief Nurse Awards from Deborah Sturdy, recognising their outstanding contributions to the sector.
Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care, Deborah Sturdy, presented awards to Mirko Rodolfo, Lucy Gilliespie, Clemence Muchingaguyo, Preeti Hamal and Louise Keane
The success of the event was made possible by the excellent venue provided by Coventry University, London, and the generous support of NIHR, who funded the event.
The day concluded with a vibrant drinks’ reception hosted by the Care Show, where the energy and excitement among attendees could still be felt.
The event images were taken by Tony Attille of Black Ink Photographic.
