Council of Deans of Health announce 2025 Spring Conference

The Council of Deans of Health – which represents the UK’s university faculties engaged in education and/or research for nursing, midwifery and the allied health professions – has announced the launch of its 2025 Spring Conference, scheduled for April 1, 2025, at the Congress Centre, London. This event will bring together Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State for Health as keynote speaker, and esteemed experts from the fields of clinical academia and healthcare education to engage in important discussions on the future of these sectors.

This year’s conference will feature an array of distinguished speakers who are shaping the future of clinical academia and healthcare education. One of the key highlights will be Professor Dame Jessica Corner, Executive Chair of Research England at UKRI, who will share crucial insights and recommendations stemming from the clinical academic workforce task and finish Group. Her presentation will focus on how we can best support clinical academics in the evolving healthcare landscape.

Additionally, Rob Stroud, Director of Assessment Services and Access to Higher Education at the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, will provide an in-depth overview of recent changes to the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC) education quality assurance process.

Elizabeth Fenton OBE, Director of Nursing and Midwifery at NHS England, will discuss the findings of the educator survey. This will offer valuable insights into the current state of the healthcare educator workforce, informed by data contributed by the Council’s members.

Additional speakers include:

• Professor Anne-Maree Keenan OBE, Pro-Dean for Research and Innovation, University of Leeds; Academic Capacity Development Lead, NIHR Leeds BRC
• Beverley Harden MBE, Deputy Chief Allied Health Professions Officer, NHS England
• Dr Simon Cassidy, Head of Placement Experience and Improvement, HEIW
• Professor Jane Coad, Professor in Children and Family Nursing, The University of Nottingham; Chair, Clinical Academic Roles Implementation Network
• Hugh Tregoning, Professional Liaison Consultant, Health and Care Professions Council

Event details:

• Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2025
• Time: 09:30 – 17:00
• Location: Congress Centre, London, WC1B 3LS

The conference will provide ample opportunity for networking and collaborative discussions, ensuring participants can engage with experts and peers in meaningful ways throughout the day.

For more information and to register, visit this link and follow the Council of Deans of Health on social media. We look forward to welcoming you to our 2025 Spring Conference.