We were delighted to welcome our new cohort of Scholars at today’s Welcome Day. Fifty-five nurses and midwives joined us from across the UK and beyond, including colleagues from Ukraine and Australia.
FNF scholarships are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: developing the future nursing and midwifery leaders needed to deliver complex health and care.
Scholars from every part of health and care will take part in an 18-month programme, combining core learning with tailored development, supported throughout by an experienced mentor. A central part of each scholarship is a continuous improvement project – many Scholars go on to publish their work, sharing learning and extending impact.
In 2025 alone, our Scholar alumni produced 55 publications across 44 journals. Their work spans the whole health system: not only acute and specialist services, but public health, community care, workforce development and more. Recent topics include exploring how poverty is addressed in primary care consultations and improving pressure injury assessment for people with darker skin tones.
It's been an uplifting welcome day. Hearing previous FNF scholars' stories on how this course has transformed then was truly inspiring. I was excited about starting this iconic course, but after today I am euphoric about the journey I'm about to embark on, and the impact this will have.
Andrea Lewis RRC, Regional Chief Nurse, South East NHS England
The energy and atmosphere at today’s FNF Scholar Welcome Day was absolutely electric. I left feeling excited about what’s to come, not only the learning opportunities ahead, but also the chance to learn from and connect with others on the programme. I certainly begin this journey with curiosity about what the “Nightingale effect” will look like in my own life, and having the opportunity to witness its impact firsthand through those already on the programme gives me a real sense of excitement and possibility for what lies ahead.
Here is to saying YES, to opportunities that lie ahead!
Michelle Ncube, Lead Cancer Nurse Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
During the Welcome Day, our new cohort heard from recent Scholar alumni about their leadership journey: You can read more about some of their experiences here:
- Leading with Intention: Growth, Courage and Influence though FNF, Gifty Markey, Associate Chief Nursing Officer for MH, LD & Neurodiversity at North Bristol NHS Trust
- What a Rural Community in Nepal Taught Me About Health Inequality, Dani Nebres, Lead Nurse, King’s NIHR Clinical Research Facility
It has been my absolute privilege to meet our new scholars as they begin this important journey. As a former scholar myself, I remember just how powerful that first step can be and the sense of possibility, responsibility, and ambition it brings.
This cohort represents the very best of nursing and midwifery, drawn from across the professions and united by a shared commitment to lead, innovate, and make a lasting difference. The depth of experience they bring, alongside their drive to improve outcomes for their teams, the people they care for, and their communities, is truly inspiring.
I am excited to see the impact they will have, both during the programme and far beyond it.
Arlene Wellman MBE, Strategic Advisor, FNF
