North West Faculty for Advancing Practice
February 2026 update
For further information about the Faculty and the Centre for Advancing Practice please have a look at our page on the website.
Open to funding applications
The Faculty are currently accepting funding requests for MSc Advanced Clinical Practice Programmes for 2026/27.
The deadline for funding applications is 27th February 2026.
For more information please visit our website.
In addition, we would like you to be made aware of the following:
Implementation of Division Team Leads within a Trust: Sharing Practice from Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust have implemented a network of Division Advanced Practice (AP) Leads under the leadership of Caroline Ashworth, AP Trust Lead, with a view to streamlining AP line management, provide robust governance, and support workforce development.
To do this, the Trust implemented 10 new Divisional AP Team Leads across key specialities. Each AP Team Lead was allocated protected management time to undertake this role (2-4 hours per week). Clear reporting lines to Deputy Divisional Nurse, Clinical Director and the AP Leadership Team were established. The role has been introduced as a two-year rotational model to provide leadership opportunities for others. The Trust have also launched an AP Leadership Development Programme to run alongside the introduction of the role.
Six months after the implementation of the roles, there has been improved governance and standardisation across AP roles, enhanced communication and responsiveness with clear escalation pathways, positive workforce experience with structured appraisals and job planning. There has also been excellent feedback from APs and divisional leadership teams, including teams feeling valued and listened to, alongside improvements in culture.
Looking forward, the AP Leadership Team will continue their Leadership Development Programme to strengthen leadership capacity, monitor feedback to ensure sustained improvement and explore opportunities for further rotational leadership roles to build capacity.
If you would like to know more about this project, please contact Caroline Ashworth, Trust AP Lead caroline.ashworth@lthtr.nhs.uk
Report by GM Cancer Alliance;
Exploring the challenges involved in supporting, integrating and growing the future advanced practice workforce.
Conferences, webinars and study days
Centre for Advancing Practice Masterclass Series
Following the success of the 2025 Masterclasses, the Centre for Advancing Practice Masterclass Series continues into the new year, focusing on strategy, consultant practice, mental health, learning disabilities and autism, and health inequalities. Webinars include:
Multi-professional Consultant Practice Unpacked: Progress, Purpose, and Possibilities - Date: 10th Feb 2026 Time: 12:30 to 13:30
Mental Health and Learning Disabilities and Autism - Date: 17th March 2026 Time: 12:30 to 13:30
Health Inequalities - Date: 23rd April 2026 Time: 12:30 to 13:30
Sessions sell out fast—sign up early for 2026!
Advanced practice non-clinical study day: The pillars of practice - Focusing on the non-clinical aspects
Event date: 17 April 2026 – The Christie Institute for Cancer Education
Advanced Practice is evolving fast — and so are the expectations placed on those working at this level. On 17 April 2026, a dedicated one‑day study event will bring Advanced Practitioners together for an inspiring, practical and honest exploration of what it means to thrive in modern AP roles, with a strong focus on the non‑clinical aspects of Advanced Practice.
What the day includes
Face‑to‑face or live online attendance, plus six months of on‑demand access
A dynamic mix of lectures, case studies, video content, panel discussions and interactive sessions
Suitable for all experience levels, from aspiring APs to seasoned practitioners
Who should attend?
Trainee and qualified Advanced Practitioners looking to strengthen their professional identity, broaden their impact and connect with peers.
Booking link here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/advanced-practice-study-day-tickets-1683270510409?aff=ACPNW
Paediatric ACP Conference
The Paediatric ACP Conference will be taking place on Wednesday 6th May 2026. This event has previously been attended by colleagues from across the country, as there really isn’t anything else quite like it nationally. It’s always a fantastic day and has been organised by our amazing Paeds ACPs here at Bolton.
🔗 Event link:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/paediatric-acp-conference-tickets-1787347587749
For further information, please contact:
Research news and updates
Academy of Advanced Practice Research UK (AAPR-UK)
In collaboration with the leadership of advanced practice academic colleagues across the UK, the Centre for Advancing Practice has supported the establishment and development of AAPR-UK. The Academy is focused on supporting the progression of advanced practice research and enabling those working in advancing practice roles to credibly engage in research activities. The Academy, with the support of the Centre, is now working with key stakeholders across the advancing practice community to develop research priorities for advanced practice. You can find out more here:
Academy of Advanced Practice Research UK
Research funding opportunities
NIHR Predoctoral Award – closing date 12th March 2026
The Predoctoral Award is designed to advance your health and social care research career at masters level. The scheme supports early career researchers to undertake a masters degree, or a bespoke training and development plan comprising masters-level training, and provides protected time to help you develop a competitive PhD application.
For more information about this award please visit the NIHR website: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/funding/predoctoral-award-cohort-2/2026343
Research for patient benefit (RfPB) under-represented disciplines and specialisms: Nurses and Midwives – closing date 8th April 2026
This Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) funding opportunity is part of ring-fenced funding in support of the NIHR strategy to strengthen the careers of under-represented disciplines and specialisms in health and care professions. To support capacity building, all applications to this funding opportunity must be led by a nurse or a midwife at an early stage of their research career.
For more information about this award, please visit the NIHR website: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/funding/rfpb-under-represented-disciplines-and-specialisms-nurses-and-midwives-202526/2025432
International Journal for Advancing Practice
Looking to stay up to date with the latest publications in the field of advancing practice? Wondering where to publish your latest research? Why not visit the International Journal for Advancing Practice https://www.internationaljournalforadvancingpractice.com/
