Overview

Nurses play a fundamental role as the backbone of our healthcare system, acting as crucial advocates for patients and performing the frontline care that allows the NHS to function. However, due to an increase in chronic diseases, an ageing population and the aftermath of COVID-19, there has been a significant number of nurses leaving the NHS in previous years (the King’s Fund, 2022). Improving the strength of the nursing workforce is vital for guaranteeing the quality of patient care and meeting the ever-increasing demands placed on the healthcare system. By coming together to share solutions, colleagues are encouraged to learn from best practice in creating a strong, resilient and well-supported nursing workforce fit for the long-term.

  • According to the Royal College of Nursing in 2023 there are over 40,000 NHS nurse vacancies in England
  • 62% of nurses said they didn’t have the ability to take breaks during shifts, according to The Royal College of Nursing in 2023
  • There has been an increase of 53,600 (4.4%) nurses compared to 2023

Join us at The Nursing Workforce Conference 2024 to hear the latest updates from leading experts on retaining and improving the nursing workforce. Hear best practice case studies covering a range of topics, including creating strong recruitment and retention strategies, supporting staff mental health and improving inclusion and diversity performance. Additionally, you will have the chance to network with senior colleagues in your field, providing you with a great opportunity to discuss shared difficulties and solutions.

Reasons to attend:

  • Learn from High-Level Keynote Speakers: latest guidance on improving the nursing workforce from industry leaders
  • Gain Insights Into Nursing Workforce Trends: stay up to date on the most recent developments and emerging trends in the nursing workforce, including EDI policies and international recruitment strategies
  • Learn Practical Strategies for Nursing Recruitment and Retention: explore effective methods for embedding a robust recruitment and retention strategy across all aspects off the nursing workforce
  • Professional Development: 4 hours of CPD points towards your yearly quota
  • Engage in Interactive Networking Opportunities: participate in interactive sessions and networking opportunities to discuss challenges and collaborate with peers in nursing workforce

Who should attend:

  • Nurses
  • Nursing Managers and Administrators
  • Healthcare Educators
  • Human Resources Professionals
  • Policy Makers and Government Representatives
  • Academics and Researchers
  • International Recruitment Specialists
  • Community Engagement and Arts Initiatives Professionals
  • Diversity and Inclusion Professionals
  • Students and New Graduates nurses

NEW AND EXCLUSIVE TO YOUR
CONFERENCE PACKAGE – GE Insights:

This year’s conference package includes 12-months FREE access to GE Insights, our cross-sector learning resource of case study focused videos, articles, lived experiences and more (RRP £199). Gain unlimited access to our online platform when you purchase your conference ticket.

Key benefits include:

 ✓100s of Exclusive Case Studies – fingertip access to videos and articles covering all key sectors including Library services, and ALL CPD certified

 ✓Key Sessions from All Our Conferences – gain valuable insights from our past, present, and future events (160+ pa)

 ✓Articles and Interviews – learn from our network of expert speakers and contributors explore further the key discussions from the conferences

 ✓Additional CPD Hours – automatically earn more for everything you watch, read, and hear

 ✓Your Own CPD Dashboard – charts your progress, allows you to add notes, download your activities, and save/print an official CPD certificate

 ✓Personalised Homepage – only see the relevant content you need to save time

 ✓30+ New Uploads Each Month – we’re adding new content every week to ensure you stay engaged and informed all year round.

For more information or to make a booking please call 0330 058 4285

Agenda
  • Online Registration
  • Chair’s Opening Remarks

    Professor Jane Ball, Professorial Fellow-Research, University of Southampton (invited)

  • Keynote: National Update and Guidance: Improving Nursing Education and Recruitment to Build a Resilient NHS

    Abstract: This keynote session will provide insights into the initiatives aimed at enhancing nursing education and recruitment to fortify the NHS workforce. Key topics include the expansion of nursing training places to meet demand, development of alternative pathways into nursing through apprenticeships, collaboration with external partners to ensure inclusive education, and the provision of comprehensive international recruitment support.

    • Outlining current nursing workforce statistics and the national strategy to combat high  turnover rates Insights into increased nursing training places to meet demand and achieve a robust and competent workforce
    • Developing alternative routes into nursing through apprenticeships to improve the offer of accessible opportunities
    • Collaborating with external partners to underpin inclusive education and training pathways
    • Comprehensive international recruitment toolkit: providing support and guidance for NHS trusts in performing global recruitment initiatives

    Natasha Williams-Faray, Chief Nursing Officer, NHS England (invited)

  • Keynote: Boosting Retention Strategies to Deliver a Sustainable Nursing Workforce Fit for the Long-Term

    Abstract: In this keynote, we will explore strategies to bolster retention and sustain a diverse nursing workforce. Topics include implementing retention-focused strategies, creating welcoming environments for international recruits, addressing burnout, and fostering opportunities for career advancement.

    • Implementing a retention-focused strategy to attract and retain a nursing workforce that is diverse and prepared with necessary knowledge and skills
    • Guidance on creating a welcoming environment for international recruits to combat the declining domestic workforce and plug skills gaps
    • Tackling burn out: ensuring support to enable nurses to deliver high-quality care without compromising own wellbeing
    • Creating opportunities for career advancement and professional development to encourage staff retention

    Professor Nicola Ranger, Chief Nurse, Royal College of Nursing (invited)

  • Case Study: Promoting Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Through Strong Initiatives and a Culture of Support

    Abstract: Explore initiatives aimed at promoting staff mental health and wellbeing through community engagement and arts initiatives. Topics include arts-based events, creating open cultures for discussing mental health, providing one-to-one support, and gaining senior leadership buy-in.

    • Facilitating a wide range of arts-based events for staff in work and community settings to boost workplace wellbeing
    • Successful methods for creating a safe and open culture for staff to discuss trauma and mental health struggles with colleagues, family and friends
    • Providing one-to-one support to identify mental health issues early-on and perform  referrals to specialist services where necessary
    • Practical tips for gaining senior leadership buy-in to support and champion workplace wellbeing

    Johan Skre. Arts in Health Co-ordinator, Swansea Bay University Health Board (invited)

  • Questions & Answers 

  • Breakout Networking: Whole-System Approach: Identifying the Effects of Staff Wellbeing on Retention and Recruitment

    This session will provide you with the opportunity to discuss the main challenges you face in creating nursing workforce strategies that successfully retention and recruitment. Allowing you to share your experiences and common solutions

  • Comfort Break

  • Case Study:  Strengthening Inclusion in the Nursing Workforce to Empower Colleagues from All Backgrounds

    Abstract: This session focuses on strategies for strengthening inclusion in the nursing workforce. Topics include developing robust EDI strategies, ensuring effective accountability, raising staff awareness through training, and implementing inclusive communications.

    • Developing a robust EDI strategy through focused consultation and involvement of internal and external stakeholders
    • Ensuring effective accountability through collecting data and monitoring performance according to EDI objectives
    • Raising staff awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion through culturally sensitive training programmes
    • Implementing inclusive language and imagery in internal and external communications to reflect the diversity of staff and patients

    Lorraine Cameron, Head of Equality and Diversity, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (invited)

  • Case Study: Preparing Nursing Students and New Recruits for a Successful and Fulfilling Career

    Abstract: Discover strategies for preparing nursing students and new recruits for successful integration into the workforce. Topics include exposure to diverse medical settings, support in applying for roles, tools for successful integration, and tailored pathways for career progression.

    • Providing new nursing students exposure to a range of medical settings allowing them to better determine future career progression and opportunities
    • Key insights into supporting student nurses in applying for roles, preparing for interviews and navigating the recruitment process
    • Tools and resources for equipping newly qualified staff with necessary skills for successful integration
    • Creating tailored pathways for career progression for students and newly qualified nurses according to individual needs

    Jessica Partington, Head of System Workforce Transformation, North Central London – Integrated Care (invited)

  • Case Study:  Adopting a Comprehensive Approach to Better Support Internationally Recruited Colleagues

    Abstract: This session presents a case study on supporting internationally recruited colleagues within healthcare settings. Learn about implementing pastoral buddy systems, conducting effective feedback sessions, providing integration support and celebrating cultural diversity.

    • Facilitating a pastoral buddy system to offer individualised support by matching internationally recruited staff with experienced colleagues
    • Tips for conducting feedback sessions with internationally educated colleagues to learn and embed their perspectives into support initiatives
    • Ideas for signposting information about local amenities, services and cultural events to foster integration into the wider community
    • Celebrating cultural diversity and contributions of internationally educated colleagues through inclusive workshops and events

    Alison Ward, Deputy Director of Nursing and Quality, The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust (invited)

  • Questions & Answers 

  • Chair’s Closing Remarks

    *Programme subject to change without notice

Who Should Attend

Who Should Attend?

Delegates who will have an interest in this event will be workforce leads, nurses and others working in the healthcare sector.

*This Conference is open to Public, Private and Third Sectors

For more information or to make a booking please call 0330 058 4285

Sponsorship

We are now taking bookings for our wide range of sponsorship and exhibition packages; we also offer bespoke packages tailored for your organisation.

Why Sponsor and Exhibit at this event:

 Network with key decision makers across the sector
 Meet your target audience in the Sector
 Listen and Learn from leading industry experts across the Sector
 Opportunity to demonstrate your products or services
 Speak alongside industry leading experts
 Work with your dedicated account manager to generate the maximum amount of leads

Exhibition and Sponsorship Packages:


Strategic Headline Sponsor:

  • 20-minute speaking slot followed by Q&A
  • 3x2m Exhibition Space (In the Refreshments and Catering room)
  • Pre show marketing email to all registered delegates
  • Post show inclusion on presentation email
  • Branding on Website and Event Guide (Logo and 100 Word Profile)
  • A4 Insert or A4 Chair Drop
  • 5 Delegate Conference Passes
  • 1 Speaker Pass

Key Supporter Package:

  • 20-minute speaking slot followed by Q&A
  • Branding on Website and Event Guide (Logo and 100 Word Profile)
  • A4 Insert or Chair Drop
  • 1 Speaker Pass
  • 2 Delegate Conference Passes

Exhibition Stand:

  • 3x2m Exhibition Space (In the Refreshments and Catering room)
  • Power, Wifi, Table and 2 Chairs (If required)
  • Branding on Website and Event Guide (Logo and 100 Word Profile)
  • 2 Delegate Conference Passes
  • 1 Stand Manager Pass

Insert or Chair Drop:

  • 1 Delegate Conference Pass
  • A4 insert into delegate pack or A4 Chair Drop

For more information or to discuss your requirements, please contact the team on 0330 0584 285, or sponsorship@governmentevents.co.uk or complete our enquiry form and we will contact you.

Pricing
  • Private Sector Rate: £425.00+VAT
  • Public Sector Rate: £235.00+VAT
  • Voluntary Sector Rate: £235.00+VAT

Your delegate place at this leading conference gives you access to all of the following including 12-months FREE access to GE Insights, our cross-sector learning resource, and the easiest way for you to prepare for the conference and then stay engaged all year with the ongoing discussions and best practice:

✓ High Level Keynotes

✓ Case Studies Showcasing Best Practice

✓ Panel Discussions

✓ Live Chat and Networking Opportunities

✓ Q&A

✓ 8 Hours of CPD

✓ Speaker Presentations and Videos OnDemand

✓ 12-Months FREE access to GE Insights (RRP £199)

 – 100s of exclusive case study focused videos and articles

 –  CPD Dashboard

 –  Personalised Homepage

 – 30+ new uploads each month