Strengthening Nursing Leadership Through FNF Membership
“Nursing leadership is about more than titles – it’s about creating environments where potential and talent are recognised, nurtured, and empowered.”
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is a member of the FNF Academy. While the Chief Nursing Officer is the primary member, the wider nursing and midwifery workforce has access to its leadership development opportunities, including the chance to engage in national policy work and contribute to shaping the future of the profession.
Here, Festus Chinedu Omeike shares his journey and experience.
My Journey with the Florence Nightingale Foundation
Nursing leadership is about more than positions – it’s about creating environments where potential and talent are recognised, nurtured, and empowered. My journey as an Early Career Lead has been guided by these principles, supported by both my Trust and the Florence Nightingale Foundation.
I currently serve as a Cultural Ambassador for MFT, an Early Career Lead, and co-chair the Professional Culture and Perception of Nursing Working Group under the Chief Nursing Officer for England (CNO). These roles provide a unique opportunity to represent early-career nurses in national discussions, contributing insights directly into policy development and initiatives that shape the nursing workforce. Supporting the Advisory Board and Working Group Chairs, I help ensure the voices of early-career nurses are heard and translated into meaningful change across the NHS.
The Value of Partnership
The partnership between MFT and the Florence Nightingale Foundation reflects a shared commitment to developing compassionate, inclusive, and effective nursing leaders.
Through this partnership, nurses across the Trust can access leadership development programmes, mentorship, and professional networks. For early-career nurses, these opportunities create space for reflection, growth, and meaningful engagement in conversations about the future of nursing.
Connecting with peers from across the country has reinforced the importance of collaboration and shared learning in strengthening our profession.
National Learning and Impact
With the support of the Florence Nightingale Foundation, I have:
- Co-chaired national working groups addressing workplace culture, professional identity, and workforce experience.
- Attended the Chief Nursing Officer Summit in London, engaging with leaders including Professor Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer of England; Professor Greta Westwood, Chief Executive of the Florence Nightingale Foundation; and Professor Nicola Ranger, General Secretary and Chief Executive of the Royal College of Nursing.
- Contributed to the People Board Committee Staff Story, sharing insights and perspectives as an early-career nurse.
“Sharing national insights locally allows us to improve early-career nurse support, retention, and workforce development in meaningful ways.”
Bringing these national perspectives back to MFT allows colleagues to explore how strategies discussed at a national level can be applied locally. This includes initiatives to support early-career nurses, strengthen retention, and enhance workforce development. Creating environments where nurses feel confident to lead, innovate, and advocate for patients is essential for staff wellbeing and high-quality care.
Recognition and Opportunities
The Florence Nightingale Foundation has also opened doors for wider engagement. I was invited by Kimberley Salmon-Jamieson, Interim Deputy Trust Chief Executive & Chief Nursing Officer, to participate in the External Speaker Series alongside an Advisory Officer from the Nursing and Midwifery Council. This platform supports early-career nurses to practise safely and confidently, while providing a national stage to amplify their voices.
The guidance and encouragement from Kimberley Salmon-Jamieson, alongside our Trust Chair Kathy Cowell, have created opportunities for early-career nurses like myself to develop leadership skills, engage in national discussions, and make a meaningful impact in both policy and practice.
Looking Ahead
“By connecting national learning with local practice, I hope to inspire early-career nurses to recognise and embrace their talent and potential – continuing Florence Nightingale’s legacy of transforming care through leadership and innovation.”
By connecting national learning with local practice, I hope to inspire early-career nurses to recognise and embrace their own talent and potential, take up leadership opportunities, champion professional culture, and make a positive difference for colleagues and patients alike. In doing so, we continue Florence Nightingale’s legacy – advancing nursing practice, leading change, and placing patient care at the heart of everything we do.
This is the future of nursing I am proud to be part of – and committed to helping build, nurturing the next generation of leaders who will transform healthcare for the better.
