Dr Agimol Pradeep BEM works as a Senior Transplant Coordinator at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in London. When she became a Florence Nightingale Foundation (FNF) Leadership Scholar in 2024, she already had significant experience as a senior nurse, an academic, a researcher, a campaigner to promote organ and stem cell donation within the South Asian community, and an advocate for internationally educated nurses.
Eighteen months on, Agimol reflects that the scholarship provided something extra: the programme helped her “find herself” as a leader and gave her influence far beyond her immediate role – helping her lead change at home and globally.
Finding My Voice: How the FNF Scholarship Helped Lead Change
Authentic Leadership Development
“Rather than pushing me into a single leadership style, the scholarship supported me to lead authentically. I grew in confidence, becoming more comfortable speaking up, and recognised the value of my own voice, without needing to change my personality. My colleagues have noted this, noting that I am calm, persuasive and impactful.”
Credibility, Confidence and Reach
During my scholarship, I led a quality improvement project focused on supporting internationally educated nurses: a review of the NMC registration policy and the development of resources and networks to support the global nursing workforce.
I initially started this work in 2020 after hearing the experiences of numerous internationally educated nursing colleagues who were unable to work as nurses in the UK due to the lack of an English language test, despite having been taught and examined in English and being able to communicate well.
I started a campaign to support these nurses and to find solutions so they could reclaim their professional identity in the UK health and social care system. Working closely with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), by 2023, the NMC implemented a new pathway, ‘Supporting Information from Employer’ (SIFE), to support the globally educated and experienced nurses working in the UK for over 12 months as unregistered practitioners under a nurse manager and have successfully completed their test of competencies (OSCE and CBT) to complete their NMC registration and to obtain UK registered nurse status. So far, this policy change has supported over 8,000 nurses and midwives across the UK.
"The global nursing shortage is not just a workforce issue; it is a patient care issue, a public health issue, and ultimately a human issue."
Agimol Pradeep – Senior Transplant Coordinator at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London
“This initiative not only helped the global nursing workforce and improved patient care, but it also helped the UK healthcare system to save around £96 million on international recruitment costs within the two years of this policy change, as these nurses were already in the UK, working in a non-nurse capacity.”
The skills and networks gained through the FNF Scholarship enabled me to expand the project’s reach across NHS and social care settings.
I have worked in collaboration to develop and submit a resource information sheet to guide applicants and employers through the SIFE pathway. This is now accessible on the NMC website.
Furthermore, I am actively contributing as a volunteer member of an External Implementation Advisory Group, as requested by the NMC, where I help regularly evaluate the process and its effectiveness. This engagement allows us to continuously improve support for all stakeholders involved.
I feel privileged and proud to act as the primary point of contact for a diverse group of global nurses navigating the SIFE pathway, as well as for employers seeking clarity on the recent changes. It is vital to acknowledge that policy changes take time to be fully understood and implemented. Having accessible expertise can significantly help provide evidence-based information and reassure those with concerns.
Through the FNF scholarship network, I connected with senior national leaders, regulators and academics, helping to shape conversations about workforce policy and inclusion.
The credibility of the FNF Scholar title made a tangible difference, when you approach people as an FNF Scholar, the response is different. There is trust, openness and recognition of the work you’re trying to do.
A Ripple Effect of Leadership
I now serve as Chair of the Alliance of Senior Kerala Nurses (ASKeN), a diaspora group that represents and supports senior nurses from the South Indian state of Kerala working across the UK. The organisation’s motto is “Lift as you Climb,” and through this role, I have actively encouraged others to apply for an FNF Scholarship and their leadership programmes, mentoring colleagues and helping them see leadership development as accessible and worthwhile.
“The opportunity I had through FNF has allowed me to give back, that’s the real impact.”
Within my own NHS Trust, I have used my learning to support others to grow. I now encourage team members to publish, present and step into leadership opportunities. For colleagues publishing for the first time, the experience has been extremely positive both professionally and personally.
Extending Impact Globally
The scholarship also strengthened my global outlook. Through an honorary role with the University of Salford, I’ve helped develop international collaborations with nursing institutions in India, supporting global learning, evidence-based practice and student exchanges. This work reflects one of the core principles I’ve gained through FNF: thinking beyond organisational boundaries and recognising nursing as a global profession.
Investing in Nurses, Transforming Systems
I believe my journey shows what becomes possible when nurses are supported to lead. The FNF Scholarship did not just add another qualification; it enabled sustained influence and created opportunities for others.
“I aim to foster a ripple effect of mentorship that will nurture the next generation of leaders. I have gained valuable courage and confidence, allowing me to advocate effectively for my peers and tackle my imposter syndrome. This transformative experience has equipped me with tools to make a meaningful impact on those around me.”
Next steps
On 12 May 2026, on International Nurses Day, I received the greatest news as a nurse, informing me that I was shortlisted as one of just 10 finalists for the Aster Guardian Global Nursing Awards, which received over 134,000 nominations from nurses across the globe, and the award ceremony is taking place in India on 23 July.
I was nominated for the award by another nurse in recognition of her tireless dedication over the last decade to promoting organ and stem cell donation through her voluntary work.
I am truly humbled and deeply honoured to have been nominated for such a prestigious award. I am immensely grateful for the unwavering support, encouragement, and guidance I have received from the many incredible colleagues I have had the privilege of working with over the last two and a half decades in the NHS. My hope is that this opportunity will help amplify the message of the ‘Gift of Life’ and inspire more people to support organ and stem cell donation, ultimately helping to save more lives. I also recognise that this recognition represents far more than one individual. It shines a light on the extraordinary work nurses do every single day across the world, often quietly, selflessly, and tirelessly, without expectation of praise. I stand alongside so many inspiring nurses whose compassion, dedication, and commitment continue to transform lives and strengthen healthcare systems. I am looking forward to flying the flag for UK nurses at the awards ceremony in July.
The visibility I’ve gained through my FNF scholar programme and my past research and philanthropic work is gaining global recognition. I’ve been asked to serve as a speaker at the Global Health Workforce Barcelona 2026 Conference, focusing on key challenges affecting the global health workforce.
