Stephen Jones
A registered mental health nurse, Stephen embarked on an unconventional career pathway; a journey of practice and research development. Stephen shaped and commenced a bespoke HEE funded clinical-academic pathway, consolidating his practice at Oxleas NHS, while commencing a full-time PhD at the University of Greenwich. Stephen has practiced as a registered mental health nurse in the acute inpatient setting, recovery and rehabilitation service, crisis and home treatment and single point of access (assessment and triage). In its final write-up stage, Stephen’s doctoral research explored the influence senior nurse leaders have on mental health nurses towards implementing recovery-orientated practices.
In 2015, Stephen was named a Nursing Times Rising Star for his enthusiasm and commitment to the role of mental health nursing. He has a proven track record of leading change and promoting innovation; improving service-user outcomes, while developing and enriching the professional role of the mental health nurse. Stephen holds a keen interest in mental health workforce development, in particular the areas of career pathways, leadership, teamwork and multi-disciplinary person-centered collaborative working.
Stephen joined the RCN as professional lead for mental health in January 2021. Prior to this appointment, Stephen worked in the South London Mental Health and Community Partnership (SLP), driving the advancement of senior nursing careers across Oxleas, SLaM and SWLSTG. In his role at the RCN, Stephen’s priorities include: driving the UK-wide parity-of-esteem agenda, supporting the mental wellbeing of the nursing workforce, as well as supporting, developing and promoting the work of the RCN Mental Health Forum. Twitter: @SWJ_1
