Description
Since 2025, the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) has been the principal sponsor of the Student Nurse: Learning Disabilities Nursing Award at the prestigious Student Nursing Times Awards 2025 and 2026.As Field Expert and Professional Lead for the BSc Learning Disabilities Professional Nursing programme at QUB, I was formally appointed by the Head of School to lead our institutional representation and strategic engagement with this high-profile national event.
In this role, I provide strategic oversight of the sponsorship agreement, reviewing and approving its direction to ensure alignment with the School’s academic vision and international ambitions. I led negotiations with Nursing Times to optimise QUB’s branding, marketing, and media presence across internal and external platforms, ensuring strong institutional visibility and impact. This work was instrumental in enhancing the international profile of Learning Disabilities Nursing and positioning QUB as an educational and professional leader.
As an expert representative on the national judging panel in 2025 and 2026, I review nominations from across UK Higher Education Institutions, shortlisting deserving candidates, and undertaking finalist interviews to select the award recipient. This role demonstrates national recognition of my subject expertise and professional standing within the discipline.
Additionally, I strategically leverage this platform to build and strengthen national networks with senior academic and clinical leaders, while championing and showcasing the excellence of final-year Learning Disabilities Nursing students across the UK on a prominent national stage.
Through this work, I have contributed to raising the professional profile, visibility, and strategic influence of Learning Disabilities Nursing both nationally and internationally, while reinforcing QUB’s leadership and reputation within the field.
| Period | Apr 2026 |
|---|---|
| Held at | Nursing Times, United Kingdom |
| Degree of Recognition | National |