Preceptorship Programme
At Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, preceptorship is a structured, mandatory programme supporting newly registered nurses through two tailored pathways: a 12-month standard route and a six-month accelerated option for internationally educated nurses. Delivered virtually across three hospitals and eight satellite units, the programme includes themed study days, face-to-face clinical skills training, and access to a digital learning platform.
What sets this model apart is its innovative, inclusive approach to virtual learning—using gamification, real-time engagement tools, and multidisciplinary teaching to create a dynamic experience. With built-in flexibility, PNA support, and a credited Level 6/7 module, the programme not only supports professional transition but actively invests in each nurse’s long-term development.
Organisational Details
We are a large acute NHS Foundation trust made up of three main hospitals and eight satellite units, providing care to over 1.6 million patients each year. Each hospital has its own identity and areas of clinical focus, but they work together as a connected network, committed to delivering high-quality local services and sharing expertise across the organisation.
Our workforce of more than 16,000 staff plays a vital role in delivering safe, effective care and supporting service improvement. In 2024, we supported 186 registered nurse preceptees: 68 on the Standard Preceptorship pathway and 118 on the Accelerated Preceptorship programme.
Description
We enhanced our preceptorship offer by introducing a structured, two-pathway model: a 12-month standard programme and a 6-month accelerated route for internationally educated nurses. Both include themed study days, clinical skills sessions, and digital workbook completion, with flexibility to accommodate prior experience.
The standard pathway includes six full-day virtual sessions covering:
- Professionalism
- Safe practice
- Effective practice
- Nursing updates
- Career pathways
- Supportive practice
The accelerated pathway includes three sessions where themes are combined:
- Professionalism & Safe Practice
- Effective Practice & Nursing Updates
- CPD & Supportive Practice
Both pathways also include two in-person clinical skills days focused on Cannulation & Venipuncture and Vascular Access, and access to Professional Nurse Advocate (PNA) support via weekly bookable online sessions.
The programme is delivered through a blended model: virtual study days (MS Teams), self-directed learning (Freelearn/Moodle), in-person skills sessions, and digital competency tracking. Engagement is enhanced through gamification, interactive simulations with debriefs, and recognition awards.
Delivery involves the Preceptorship Lead, preceptors, the education team, and multidisciplinary colleagues including palliative care, bereavement, infection control, diabetes, frailty, and dementia specialists. Ward managers and the OSCE lead also support learner identification and protected time. Preceptees may also complete a Level 6/7 accredited module, earning 30 credits toward postgraduate study.
What makes it stand out?
What distinguishes this initiative is its strong commitment to equity, flexibility, and consistency across a large and diverse organisation. By delivering the programme primarily online, all newly registered nurses—regardless of their site or shift pattern—can access the same high-quality content and support. This ensures a standardised learning experience across three main hospitals and eight satellite units.
The use of gamification, simulation debriefing, and engagement tracking creates an interactive, responsive virtual environment that keeps learners involved and motivated. Additionally, the integration of Professional Nurse Advocate (PNA) support, a Level 6/7-accredited module, and strong multidisciplinary teaching reinforces the Trust’s commitment to both personal and professional development from day one.
Support and Learning for Preceptees
Learning time is protected by use of supernumerary hours for the first 6 weeks of the preceptorship period – working alongside an experienced registered professional to have the time to learn systems, processes and policies safely. The learning will include some digital training modules prior to commencing in role and supernumerary hours. Further face-to-face specialist training and competency assessments will be carried out once commenced in the role. There is ongoing learning, development and progression opportunities through the Exemplar Health Care Academy, as well as via the RCNi platform, apprenticeships, and in services. There are opportunities to champion areas of practice and support junior and student staff members as they progress within the role. All registered nurses and nursing associates will be required to attend an internal leadership programme to support the level they are working at and will progress with this if they chose to work in more senior roles. Clinical Nurse Managers and Unit Managers have engaged in their leadership pathways. There is currently a pilot programme for registered nurses which will be rolled out across the organisation later this year.
Support and Learning for Preceptors
All preceptors are offered comprehensive training through a blended model, combining e-learning modules with face-to-face sessions. This ensures they are well-prepared to support preceptees confidently and effectively. Training includes communication and coaching skills, assessment strategies, and guidance on how to nurture clinical competence and professional independence.
To foster ongoing development and peer support, we have introduced a Preceptor Champions network. These champions act as local leads, sharing best practice, supporting colleagues, and contributing to a consistent and high-quality preceptorship experience across the Trust.
Preceptors are also recognised and celebrated through structured recognition schemes, including a Best Preceptor of the Month award and the Nurse Preceptor of the Year accolade, presented during the Trust’s Excellence in Education Ceremony. These initiatives help reinforce the value of preceptors’ contributions and support their continued growth within the organisation.
Inclusion and Equity
Our preceptorship programme is intentionally designed to be inclusive and culturally sensitive, welcoming Registered Nurses from a wide range of backgrounds. This includes tailored support for internationally educated nurses (IENs), with flexibility to acknowledge prior experience and ensure equitable access to learning and development. The programme fosters a culture of respect, equity, and belonging, where diverse perspectives are valued and supported.
We also actively support a neurodiverse workforce by offering flexible learning formats, individualised support plans, and access to reasonable workplace adjustments. Preceptors and staff receive ongoing training to raise awareness and understanding of neurodiverse conditions, helping to create an environment where all colleagues can thrive. By promoting inclusive practices, we aim to ensure every preceptee is empowered to succeed—regardless of background or learning need.
Next Steps and Vision
Our preceptorship programme is committed to continuous improvement, ensuring it remains responsive to the evolving needs of our workforce and the communities we serve. We aim to build on current successes by integrating emerging best practices in education, leadership, and inclusivity—leveraging tools such as virtual reality, simulation, and enhanced digital platforms to improve engagement, accessibility, and personalised learning.
Planned innovations include:
- Expanding the use of Freelearn to create customised learning pathways tailored to individual progress and performance.
- Embedding gamification elements (e.g. badges, leaderboards) to boost motivation and learner engagement.
- Hosting showcase events where preceptees can present their work and reflect on their growth.
- Aligning competencies using Digital Learning Solutions, ensuring learners meet both theoretical and practical standards.
- Tracking career outcomes of past preceptees to demonstrate impact and inspire future participants.
- Participating in the National Multi-Professional Preceptorship Programme to contribute to and benefit from wider system learning.
Our long-term vision is to create a skilled, confident, and inclusive nursing workforce—one that is supported from the point of registration through to career advancement, and equipped to meet the challenges of modern healthcare with professionalism, compassion, and resilience.
Evidence of impact
“I want to say a big thank for you giving me the opportunity to learn from you, I am very grateful. I really enjoyed your method of teaching and how you ensured everyone was carried along.”
“Thank you for your kind email and certificate of engagement. …you made yesterday’s session very interesting and informative which made it very easy to engage.”
“I am sincerely grateful and honoured to be recognised as Preceptor of the Month. Thank you so much for this meaningful recognition—it truly motivates me to continue doing my best in guiding and supporting others.”
“Thank you for your kind message and for making the sessions interesting and fun.”
Challenges and Lessons learned
Delivering a consistent preceptorship experience across multiple sites has presented key challenges, including ensuring equity of access to digital learning, meeting the diverse needs of internationally educated and neurodiverse staff, and protecting learning time amid clinical pressures. Sustaining active engagement from preceptees and service users in programme development has also required dedicated effort.
In response, we’ve learned that flexibility in delivery is essential to accommodate different learning styles and schedules. Ongoing stakeholder engagement—including learners, preceptors, and service users—has improved relevance and impact. Investing in preceptor development through training and recognition has proven vital to learner success. Finally, applying an inclusive and responsive approach has enhanced retention, learning outcomes, and team cohesion. These lessons continue to shape and strengthen our programme as it evolves.
Region/nation: England
Setting: Acute care
Professional Groups Involved: Nursing and Nursing Associates
Part of a recognised framework: Yes: National Preceptorship Framework
Is this mandated in your organisation? Yes
Executive Sponsor for Preceptorship: Director of Education
