Event Starts In

About the Event

The UK’s leading event for community nurses will return as an in-person event for the first time   since 2019, bringing nurses together to share expertise, spark discussion, and explore the present and future of community nursing. The theme this year is ‘Care, Equity and the Road Ahead – Community Nurses Leading Change.

Attending in person? Discover where to stay, eat, and connect in Birmingham, with a guide written by Queen's Nurse, Kumbi Kariwo.



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1 Day

Of focused learning, discussion, and networking

Expert Speakers & Leaders

Insights from across community nursing

UK Audience

Connect with colleagues nationwide

Exclusive Access

To session recordings for 30 days after the conference

Event Agenda

Explore our carefully curated schedule designed to maximise learning and networking opportunities.


08:30

Registration, Refreshments and Networking

09:30

Chair’s Welcome

Steph Lawrence MBE

QN, Chief Executive, The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing

Steph Lawrence MBE joined the QICN as Director of Nursing and Deputy Chief Executive in October 2024. Steph was appointed Chief Executive Designate in March 2025 and became Chief Executive of the QICN on 1st July 2025.


Steph has been a nurse for more than 37 years with the last 22 years spent working in the community. She is both an adult and children’s trained general nurse as well as being a very proud District Nurse. Steph was the Chief Nurse at Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust. She also spent 3 years working at the CQC as the National Professional Adviser for Community Services.


Steph led the national trailblazer group for the District Nurse Apprenticeship standard which is now being delivered in many English universities. She also co-chaired the Clinical Reference Group for the National Community Nursing plan for several years.


She was recognised in the Queen’s 2022 Jubilee Birthday Honours and received an MBE for services to District Nursing.


Steph is also a Queen’s Nurse and Fellow of the QICN.

09:45

The Future of Community Nursing in a Transforming NHS

Samantha Jones OBE

Permanent Secretary, Department of Health and Social Care

Samantha started her career as a general and paediatric nurse. Having completed the NHS Management Training Scheme, she worked in a variety of operational management roles across the NHS including as a Chief Executive for 2 trusts. She has worked nationally at NHS England leading the New Models of Care Programme before moving to run primary care services as Chief Executive of the largest primary care provider in England. Throughout her career, Samantha has worked in both the public and private sector focused on delivering health services.


Samantha was appointed as expert adviser to the Prime Minister for NHS transformation and social care in 2021, where she led on all elements of health and social care policy before taking up post as the interim Permanent Secretary and Chief Operating Officer for 10 Downing Street. Samantha was also the expert adviser to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, and most recently became Permanent Secretary of the Department for Health and Social Care in June 2025. 

10:30

Lived Experience of Healthcare: A Conversation with George and Rob

Rob Webster CBE

QICN Fellow, Chief Executive Officer, West Yorkshire Health & Care Partnership

Rob has been the lead Chief Executive for the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, an integrated care system (ICS), since March 2016. He became the Chief Executive of NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) in July 2022. 


His focus is on collaboration across health, local government, the third sector and communities to improve outcomes for people in West Yorkshire.


He has worked in healthcare since 1990, taking on national leadership roles in the NHS Confederation as CEO; in the Department of Health as a director on policy, transformation and delivery. He was a director in the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit in the Cabinet Office and in a successful national public/private partnership.


He has also chaired the aspirant Community Foundation Trust Network, the Technical Advisory Group on NHS Allocations & the Foundation Trust Network Community Services Group. He also served as a trustee of Mencap for ten years.


Rob was awarded a CBE for services to healthcare leadership in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2020.

George Webster

Television Presenter, Actor, Dancer and Writer, BBC/CBBC

George Webster is a British BAFTA-winning presenter, actor, and author, best known as the first CBeebies presenter with Down syndrome, joining the BBC channel in 2021. Born in 2000 in West Yorkshire, he is a dedicated advocate for disability representation, and a published children's author.

Steph Lawrence MBE

QN, Chief Executive, The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing

Steph Lawrence MBE joined the QICN as Director of Nursing and Deputy Chief Executive in October 2024. Steph was appointed Chief Executive Designate in March 2025 and became Chief Executive of the QICN on 1st July 2025.


Steph has been a nurse for more than 37 years with the last 22 years spent working in the community. She is both an adult and children’s trained general nurse as well as being a very proud District Nurse. Steph was the Chief Nurse at Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust. She also spent 3 years working at the CQC as the National Professional Adviser for Community Services.


Steph led the national trailblazer group for the District Nurse Apprenticeship standard which is now being delivered in many English universities. She also co-chaired the Clinical Reference Group for the National Community Nursing plan for several years.


She was recognised in the Queen’s 2022 Jubilee Birthday Honours and received an MBE for services to District Nursing.


Steph is also a Queen’s Nurse and Fellow of the QICN.

What does person-centred care look like in practice? and how can we ensure every voice is heard?

In this engaging and thought provoking session, George Webster shares his personal experiences of healthcare, reflecting on his journey from childhood to adulthood. Joined by his father, Rob Webster CBE, the conversation will explore both lived and parental perspectives of navigating health services. 

Facilitated by Steph Lawrence MBE, Chief Executive of the QICN, the session will draw out key insights through a guided conversation, followed by audience Q&A. 

11:15

Refreshments and Networking

11:45

Inclusive Leadership in the Community

Blerta Ilazi

QN, RGN, Health Inclusion Specialist Nurse, South Yorkshire Primary Care Workforce and Training Hub

Blerta Ilazi is a multi award winning nurse and Queen’s Nurse practising at an advanced level across the four pillars of Advanced Clinical Practice: clinical care, leadership, education and research. She is committed to tackling health inequalities and improving access to services for marginalised communities. Working in primary care, she delivers advanced, person-centred care for health inclusion populations whilst contributing to workforce development, education and system leadership to address structural barriers. Shaped by her lived experience of forced migration, she founded and leads the ReSTORE programme, supporting refugee nurses and allied health professionals to achieve registration and sustainable careers within the NHS, championing more equitable care for all.

Tachien Francis 

QN, RN, DN, NMP, Clinical Lead Manager, Care Cover 24/7 Ltd

Tachien Francis is a Queen’s Nurse and Clinical Lead Manager at Care Cover 24/7 Ltd, specialising in nurse-led community and complex care services. With advanced qualifications in district nursing and primary health care, she brings strong expertise in clinical governance, early intervention, and service transformation. Tachien is focused on redesigning community pathways to reduce avoidable admissions and strengthen integration between health and social care. As an Ambition to Lead scholar, she is developing innovative, prevention-focused models that elevate workforce capability and system resilience. Her leadership combines frontline insight with strategic vision to deliver safe, effective, and sustainable community care.

12:30

Lunch, Exhibition and Networking

13:30

Breakout Session 1 - Research in Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust

Hannah Brady Sawant

QN, Clinical Research Advisor, District Nurse, Independent and Supplementary Prescriber, Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust

Hannah is a Clinical Research Advisor, Specialist Practitioner District Nurse, Independent and Supplementary Prescriber at Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust. She has over a decade of experience in community nursing, combining clinical leadership, with an expanding portfolio in clinical research. Her work focuses on digital health innovations, community nursing research capacity building, and research delivery.


Hannah has co‑authored multiple peer‑reviewed publications—including evaluations of virtual rehabilitation, digital PROM platforms, and Long COVID services, and has presented her work at national conferences, QICN forums, and academic workshops. She is Principal Investigator for Leeds on the NIHR funded TIPTOE trial (Cardiff University) and sits on the editorial board of the Journal of Community Nursing.  


Recognised as a Queen’s Nurse in 2023, Hannah is committed to strengthening the research profile of community nursing.  Through NIHR-funded development programmes, mentorship roles, and leadership within national forums, she works to widen access to research opportunities for community‑based clinicians, and to integrate digital innovation into community nursing health practice.

Sarah Purchon

QN, RNA, NMP, MSc Specialist Healthcare Practitioner, Operational Manager - Integrated Research Programme, Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust

Sarah is a registered Adult Nurse and Head of the Leeds Integrated Research Programme, leading integrated research delivery across secondary, community, and general practice settings. She previously chaired the Chief Nursing Officer’s Shared Decision-Making Council for Primary Care and established the GPN Student and Nurse Network through NHSE funding. Sarah has worked with Smart Health Solutions on initiatives including Learn with Nurses and COVID-19 support. Earlier in her career, she held university representative roles and completed a PGCert in Advanced Nursing Practice. Awarded the title of Queen’s Nurse in 2023, she recently completed her MSc as a Specialist Healthcare Practitioner.

13:30

Breakout Session 2- Community Children’s Nursing: Implementing a Hospital Admission Protocol for Children with Continuing Care Packages and Beyond

Rebecca Daniels BEM

QN, Community Children's Matron, East London NHS Foundation Trust, Community Children’s Nursing Project Lead, The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing

Rebecca qualified as a paediatric nurse in 1999.


She has been working within Community Children’s Nursing (CCN) services in East London since 2006 in various CCN roles and is currently Community Children’s Matron. She is passionate about ensuring babies, children and young people (BCYP) with health needs can remain at home and integrated into their community alongside their peers, with the right community nursing support in place.


She is also passionate about teaching, leadership and quality improvement. She recently qualified as a professional nurse advocate (PNA), enabling her to provide essential restorative supervision within the workforce.


She became a Queen’s Nurse in 2020 and is a core founding member of the UK wide online CCN forum (@CareCCN) which is supporting CCNs across the UK to develop guidance, share knowledge and experiences, connecting via online platform.


In 2025, Rebecca received a British Empire Medal (BEM ) in HM The King’s New Year Honours List.

Danielle Taylor

RNC, QN, Children's Complex Needs Nurse Specialist, East London NHS Foundation Trust

Danielle has worked in East London as a community children’s nurse for 9 years, initially working in Children’s Continuing Care before transitioning into a Complex Needs Nurse Specialist role whilst undertaking the CCN Specialist Practitioner Qualification Course at City St Georges University.


Danielle and her colleagues hope to raise awareness of the importance of community children’s nursing in supporting babies, children and young people to achieve their full potential.


She has been a member of the Pan London LTV Network and the RCN CYP Continuing and Community Care Forum Steering Committee and hopes to be able to influence the development of policies, specialist guidance and standards as well as leading and participating in research.

Greta Barnard

RNC, QN, Children’s Continuing Care Nurse Specialist, East London NHS Foundation Trust

Greta’s nursing journey began in 2013 in neonatal care, where she first discovered how fulfilling and rewarding it could be to support families during their most fragile moments. Not long after, she found her true calling in Pediatric Palliative Care, a role that shaped her in ways that continue to guide her nursing practice today. It taught her the importance of presence, dignity, and the unspoken strength that children and their families show during the most difficult times.


In 2021, Greta joined the Continuing Care Team, where her passion for person and family centred care has continued to grow. She genuinely loves the work she does and feels privileged to support the families she works with, as well as the colleagues alongside whom she practices.


For Greta, nursing has never been “just a job”; it is a way of being in the world. The words of Florence Nightingale, who described nursing as “an art, perhaps the finest of the Fine Arts,” resonate deeply with her. They serve as a daily reminder that caring for others is both a skill and a calling, and Greta feels grateful to be part of a profession that embodies both so profoundly.


Carrie Walker

RN, Continuing Care Nurse Specialist, East London NHS Foundation Trust

Carrie qualified in 2003 as a RN Child.
Carrie now works as a continuing care nurse specialist in the London borough of Newham, The last 15 years of her career have been focused on caring for children with complex disabilities and Children with life limiting and/or life threatening conditions.
She focuses on working in conjunction with families to provide the best outcomes for their babies, children or young people. Carrie works to ensue that all families receive an equitable service regardless of the children's health need or disability.

13:30

Breakout Session 3- Innovation in Community Nursing: The role of Artificial Intelligence

Professor Natasha Phillips

Chief Executive Officer, Future Nurse

Natasha is the Founder of Future Nurse, a network that aims to bring nurses and tech closer together to help solve healthcare’s biggest problems.


As the first Chief Nursing Information Officer at NHS England, she led the development of What Good Looks Like for Nursing, the National Digital Clinical Safety Strategy and the Phillips-Ives Review on nursing skills needed for the digital age.


Natasha also led the successful enterprise wide EPR implementation at UCLH and is a Professor of Digital Health at the University of Salford leading work on education and research in digital health.

14:15

Refreshments and Networking

14:45

The same breakout sessions from 1.30pm will be repeated in the same rooms to allow delegates to attend an additional session

15:30

Refreshments and Networking

16:00

Panel Discussion- Reducing Health Inequalities: Insights from Diverse Services and Settings

Dr Barbara Stilwell (Chair)

Global Health and Nursing Consultant, Director of the International Community Nursing Observatory (ICNO), The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing

Barbara Stilwell is a nurse, health visitor, and primary care family nurse practitioner with a longstanding commitment to public health and strengthening the performance of health workers through education and practice development initiatives. Over the course of her career, she has served as a technical specialist in workforce development and professional education for the World Health Organisation and a range of non-profit organisations. Her international experience includes living and working in Switzerland, the United States, several countries in sub-Saharan Africa, and the Eastern Mediterranean region.


In 2018, Barbara returned to the UK and led the global advocacy campaign Nursing Now, guiding the initiative through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic until it concluded in 2021. She currently works as a consultant on an international research and implementation programme focused on nurse leadership. Barbara will also become the Director of the QICN's International Community Nursing Observatory (ICNO) in Spring 2026.


Katie Taylor

Director of Specialist Services, YMCA Together

Katie Taylor is a mental health nurse with over twenty years’ experience of working in the NHS and voluntary sector. Over the course of her career Katie has always worked with marginalised groups, specialising in working with people who use drugs, striving to widen access for people experiencing homelessness with co-occurring health needs.


Committed to advocating for the most vulnerable, Katie’s current role sees her leading the development of high quality residential care provision for people who are experiencing homelessness through Hestia House.

Emma Beniston

Regional Head of Operations (North West), Spectrum Community Health CIC

Dr Aziza Sesay

MD, MBChB, MRCGP, DRCOG, DFRSH, GP, Educator, Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer and Medical Broadcaster, Talks with Dr Sesay

Dr. Aziza Sesay is a GP, Educator, former Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer and medical broadcaster celebrated for her contributions to health education, awareness, and advocacy. As the founder of "Talks with Dr. Sesay," she empowers audiences with evidence-based health information, focusing on women’s health, cancer awareness, mental health, and health inequity. Dr. Sesay serves as Vice Chair and Creative Director of Black Female Doctors UK and is an Ambassador for leading health charities, including The Eve Appeal and Wellbeing of Women. Featured in major media outlets, she is a regular GP on BBC Breakfast. She has also collaborated with numerous organisations including NHS England, the Department of Health, YouTube Health, and WHO, contributing to national and global public health campaigns. Recognised with the prestigious Point of Light Award and others, Dr. Sesay is a trusted voice in healthcare, committed to improving outcomes and addressing health inequities.

Hannah Rahmani

RN, ANP, Head of Nursing, Primary Care 24

Hannah started her nursing journey 24 years ago as a HCA and recently gained her MSc in Advanced Practice. She is passionate about nursing and thrives to tackle and breakdown health inequalities across Liverpool, working with asylum seekers, homeless cohorts, vulnerable and deprived populations ensuring they receive both compassionate and excellent clinical care. In her current post as Head of Nursing, she has implemented sustainable health pathways and delivers education to the local nursing workforce to share her experiences, skills and knowledge to encourage and lead the future generation of nursing to continue her pledge in tackling health inequalities and ensure nurses are recognised for their trailblazing abilities and skills.


Hannah has been honoured with multiple awards for her clinical leadership and advocacy in health equity, including Nurse of the Year at the 2025 British Journal of Nursing (BJN) Awards and the National B.A.M.E Health & Care Awards. 

17:00

Reflection and Close

Steph Lawrence MBE

QN, Chief Executive, The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing

Steph Lawrence MBE joined the QICN as Director of Nursing and Deputy Chief Executive in October 2024. Steph was appointed Chief Executive Designate in March 2025 and became Chief Executive of the QICN on 1st July 2025.


Steph has been a nurse for more than 37 years with the last 22 years spent working in the community. She is both an adult and children’s trained general nurse as well as being a very proud District Nurse. Steph was the Chief Nurse at Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust. She also spent 3 years working at the CQC as the National Professional Adviser for Community Services.


Steph led the national trailblazer group for the District Nurse Apprenticeship standard which is now being delivered in many English universities. She also co-chaired the Clinical Reference Group for the National Community Nursing plan for several years.


She was recognised in the Queen’s 2022 Jubilee Birthday Honours and received an MBE for services to District Nursing.


Steph is also a Queen’s Nurse and Fellow of the QICN.

17:15

Close


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Speakers

George Webster

Television Presenter, Actor, Dancer and Writer, BBC/CBBC

READ BIO

George Webster

BBC/CBBC

George Webster is a British BAFTA-winning presenter, actor, and author, best known as the first CBeebies presenter with Down syndrome, joining the BBC channel in 2021. Born in 2000 in West Yorkshire, he is a dedicated advocate for disability representation, and a published children's author.

Rob Webster CBE

QICN Fellow, Chief Executive Officer, West Yorkshire Health & Care Partnership

READ BIO

Rob Webster CBE

West Yorkshire Health & Care Partnership

Rob has been the lead Chief Executive for the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, an integrated care system (ICS), since March 2016. He became the Chief Executive of NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) in July 2022. 


His focus is on collaboration across health, local government, the third sector and communities to improve outcomes for people in West Yorkshire.


He has worked in healthcare since 1990, taking on national leadership roles in the NHS Confederation as CEO; in the Department of Health as a director on policy, transformation and delivery. He was a director in the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit in the Cabinet Office and in a successful national public/private partnership.


He has also chaired the aspirant Community Foundation Trust Network, the Technical Advisory Group on NHS Allocations & the Foundation Trust Network Community Services Group. He also served as a trustee of Mencap for ten years.


Rob was awarded a CBE for services to healthcare leadership in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2020.

Hannah Rahmani

RN, ANP, Head of Nursing, Primary Care 24

READ BIO

Hannah Rahmani

Primary Care 24

Hannah started her nursing journey 24 years ago as a HCA and recently gained her MSc in Advanced Practice. She is passionate about nursing and thrives to tackle and breakdown health inequalities across Liverpool, working with asylum seekers, homeless cohorts, vulnerable and deprived populations ensuring they receive both compassionate and excellent clinical care. In her current post as Head of Nursing, she has implemented sustainable health pathways and delivers education to the local nursing workforce to share her experiences, skills and knowledge to encourage and lead the future generation of nursing to continue her pledge in tackling health inequalities and ensure nurses are recognised for their trailblazing abilities and skills.


Hannah has been honoured with multiple awards for her clinical leadership and advocacy in health equity, including Nurse of the Year at the 2025 British Journal of Nursing (BJN) Awards and the National B.A.M.E Health & Care Awards. 

Tachien Francis 

QN, RN, DN, NMP, Clinical Lead Manager, Care Cover 24/7 Ltd

READ BIO

Tachien Francis 

Care Cover 24/7 Ltd

Tachien Francis is a Queen’s Nurse and Clinical Lead Manager at Care Cover 24/7 Ltd, specialising in nurse-led community and complex care services. With advanced qualifications in district nursing and primary health care, she brings strong expertise in clinical governance, early intervention, and service transformation. Tachien is focused on redesigning community pathways to reduce avoidable admissions and strengthen integration between health and social care. As an Ambition to Lead scholar, she is developing innovative, prevention-focused models that elevate workforce capability and system resilience. Her leadership combines frontline insight with strategic vision to deliver safe, effective, and sustainable community care.

Blerta Ilazi

QN, RGN, Health Inclusion Specialist Nurse, South Yorkshire Primary Care Workforce and Training Hub

READ BIO

Blerta Ilazi

South Yorkshire Primary Care Workforce and Training Hub

Blerta Ilazi is a multi award winning nurse and Queen’s Nurse practising at an advanced level across the four pillars of Advanced Clinical Practice: clinical care, leadership, education and research. She is committed to tackling health inequalities and improving access to services for marginalised communities. Working in primary care, she delivers advanced, person-centred care for health inclusion populations whilst contributing to workforce development, education and system leadership to address structural barriers. Shaped by her lived experience of forced migration, she founded and leads the ReSTORE programme, supporting refugee nurses and allied health professionals to achieve registration and sustainable careers within the NHS, championing more equitable care for all.

Dr Aziza Sesay

MD, MBChB, MRCGP, DRCOG, DFRSH, GP, Educator, Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer and Medical Broadcaster, Talks with Dr Sesay

READ BIO

Dr Aziza Sesay

Talks with Dr Sesay

Dr. Aziza Sesay is a GP, Educator, former Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer and medical broadcaster celebrated for her contributions to health education, awareness, and advocacy. As the founder of "Talks with Dr. Sesay," she empowers audiences with evidence-based health information, focusing on women’s health, cancer awareness, mental health, and health inequity. Dr. Sesay serves as Vice Chair and Creative Director of Black Female Doctors UK and is an Ambassador for leading health charities, including The Eve Appeal and Wellbeing of Women. Featured in major media outlets, she is a regular GP on BBC Breakfast. She has also collaborated with numerous organisations including NHS England, the Department of Health, YouTube Health, and WHO, contributing to national and global public health campaigns. Recognised with the prestigious Point of Light Award and others, Dr. Sesay is a trusted voice in healthcare, committed to improving outcomes and addressing health inequities.

Emma Beniston

Regional Head of Operations (North West), Spectrum Community Health CIC

Katie Taylor

Director of Specialist Services, YMCA Together

READ BIO

Katie Taylor

YMCA Together

Katie Taylor is a mental health nurse with over twenty years’ experience of working in the NHS and voluntary sector. Over the course of her career Katie has always worked with marginalised groups, specialising in working with people who use drugs, striving to widen access for people experiencing homelessness with co-occurring health needs.


Committed to advocating for the most vulnerable, Katie’s current role sees her leading the development of high quality residential care provision for people who are experiencing homelessness through Hestia House.

Dr Barbara Stilwell (Chair)

Global Health and Nursing Consultant, Director of the International Community Nursing Observatory (ICNO), The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing

READ BIO

Dr Barbara Stilwell (Chair)

The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing

Barbara Stilwell is a nurse, health visitor, and primary care family nurse practitioner with a longstanding commitment to public health and strengthening the performance of health workers through education and practice development initiatives. Over the course of her career, she has served as a technical specialist in workforce development and professional education for the World Health Organisation and a range of non-profit organisations. Her international experience includes living and working in Switzerland, the United States, several countries in sub-Saharan Africa, and the Eastern Mediterranean region.


In 2018, Barbara returned to the UK and led the global advocacy campaign Nursing Now, guiding the initiative through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic until it concluded in 2021. She currently works as a consultant on an international research and implementation programme focused on nurse leadership. Barbara will also become the Director of the QICN's International Community Nursing Observatory (ICNO) in Spring 2026.


Professor Natasha Phillips

Chief Executive Officer, Future Nurse

READ BIO

Professor Natasha Phillips

Future Nurse

Natasha is the Founder of Future Nurse, a network that aims to bring nurses and tech closer together to help solve healthcare’s biggest problems.


As the first Chief Nursing Information Officer at NHS England, she led the development of What Good Looks Like for Nursing, the National Digital Clinical Safety Strategy and the Phillips-Ives Review on nursing skills needed for the digital age.


Natasha also led the successful enterprise wide EPR implementation at UCLH and is a Professor of Digital Health at the University of Salford leading work on education and research in digital health.

Carrie Walker

RN, Continuing Care Nurse Specialist, East London NHS Foundation Trust

READ BIO

Carrie Walker

East London NHS Foundation Trust

Carrie qualified in 2003 as a RN Child.
Carrie now works as a continuing care nurse specialist in the London borough of Newham, The last 15 years of her career have been focused on caring for children with complex disabilities and Children with life limiting and/or life threatening conditions.
She focuses on working in conjunction with families to provide the best outcomes for their babies, children or young people. Carrie works to ensue that all families receive an equitable service regardless of the children's health need or disability.

Greta Barnard

RNC, QN, Children’s Continuing Care Nurse Specialist, East London NHS Foundation Trust

READ BIO

Greta Barnard

East London NHS Foundation Trust

Greta’s nursing journey began in 2013 in neonatal care, where she first discovered how fulfilling and rewarding it could be to support families during their most fragile moments. Not long after, she found her true calling in Pediatric Palliative Care, a role that shaped her in ways that continue to guide her nursing practice today. It taught her the importance of presence, dignity, and the unspoken strength that children and their families show during the most difficult times.


In 2021, Greta joined the Continuing Care Team, where her passion for person and family centred care has continued to grow. She genuinely loves the work she does and feels privileged to support the families she works with, as well as the colleagues alongside whom she practices.


For Greta, nursing has never been “just a job”; it is a way of being in the world. The words of Florence Nightingale, who described nursing as “an art, perhaps the finest of the Fine Arts,” resonate deeply with her. They serve as a daily reminder that caring for others is both a skill and a calling, and Greta feels grateful to be part of a profession that embodies both so profoundly.


Danielle Taylor

RNC, QN, Children's Complex Needs Nurse Specialist, East London NHS Foundation Trust

READ BIO

Danielle Taylor

East London NHS Foundation Trust

Danielle has worked in East London as a community children’s nurse for 9 years, initially working in Children’s Continuing Care before transitioning into a Complex Needs Nurse Specialist role whilst undertaking the CCN Specialist Practitioner Qualification Course at City St Georges University.


Danielle and her colleagues hope to raise awareness of the importance of community children’s nursing in supporting babies, children and young people to achieve their full potential.


She has been a member of the Pan London LTV Network and the RCN CYP Continuing and Community Care Forum Steering Committee and hopes to be able to influence the development of policies, specialist guidance and standards as well as leading and participating in research.

Rebecca Daniels BEM

QN, Community Children's Matron, East London NHS Foundation Trust, Community Children’s Nursing Project Lead, The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing

READ BIO

Rebecca Daniels BEM

The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing

Rebecca qualified as a paediatric nurse in 1999.


She has been working within Community Children’s Nursing (CCN) services in East London since 2006 in various CCN roles and is currently Community Children’s Matron. She is passionate about ensuring babies, children and young people (BCYP) with health needs can remain at home and integrated into their community alongside their peers, with the right community nursing support in place.


She is also passionate about teaching, leadership and quality improvement. She recently qualified as a professional nurse advocate (PNA), enabling her to provide essential restorative supervision within the workforce.


She became a Queen’s Nurse in 2020 and is a core founding member of the UK wide online CCN forum (@CareCCN) which is supporting CCNs across the UK to develop guidance, share knowledge and experiences, connecting via online platform.


In 2025, Rebecca received a British Empire Medal (BEM ) in HM The King’s New Year Honours List.

Sarah Purchon

QN, RNA, NMP, MSc Specialist Healthcare Practitioner, Operational Manager - Integrated Research Programme, Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust

READ BIO

Sarah Purchon

Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust

Sarah is a registered Adult Nurse and Head of the Leeds Integrated Research Programme, leading integrated research delivery across secondary, community, and general practice settings. She previously chaired the Chief Nursing Officer’s Shared Decision-Making Council for Primary Care and established the GPN Student and Nurse Network through NHSE funding. Sarah has worked with Smart Health Solutions on initiatives including Learn with Nurses and COVID-19 support. Earlier in her career, she held university representative roles and completed a PGCert in Advanced Nursing Practice. Awarded the title of Queen’s Nurse in 2023, she recently completed her MSc as a Specialist Healthcare Practitioner.

Hannah Brady Sawant

QN, Clinical Research Advisor, District Nurse, Independent and Supplementary Prescriber, Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust

READ BIO

Hannah Brady Sawant

Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust

Hannah is a Clinical Research Advisor, Specialist Practitioner District Nurse, Independent and Supplementary Prescriber at Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust. She has over a decade of experience in community nursing, combining clinical leadership, with an expanding portfolio in clinical research. Her work focuses on digital health innovations, community nursing research capacity building, and research delivery.


Hannah has co‑authored multiple peer‑reviewed publications—including evaluations of virtual rehabilitation, digital PROM platforms, and Long COVID services, and has presented her work at national conferences, QICN forums, and academic workshops. She is Principal Investigator for Leeds on the NIHR funded TIPTOE trial (Cardiff University) and sits on the editorial board of the Journal of Community Nursing.  


Recognised as a Queen’s Nurse in 2023, Hannah is committed to strengthening the research profile of community nursing.  Through NIHR-funded development programmes, mentorship roles, and leadership within national forums, she works to widen access to research opportunities for community‑based clinicians, and to integrate digital innovation into community nursing health practice.

Samantha Jones OBE

Permanent Secretary, Department of Health and Social Care

READ BIO

Samantha Jones OBE

Department of Health and Social Care

Samantha started her career as a general and paediatric nurse. Having completed the NHS Management Training Scheme, she worked in a variety of operational management roles across the NHS including as a Chief Executive for 2 trusts. She has worked nationally at NHS England leading the New Models of Care Programme before moving to run primary care services as Chief Executive of the largest primary care provider in England. Throughout her career, Samantha has worked in both the public and private sector focused on delivering health services.


Samantha was appointed as expert adviser to the Prime Minister for NHS transformation and social care in 2021, where she led on all elements of health and social care policy before taking up post as the interim Permanent Secretary and Chief Operating Officer for 10 Downing Street. Samantha was also the expert adviser to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, and most recently became Permanent Secretary of the Department for Health and Social Care in June 2025. 

Steph Lawrence MBE

QN, Chief Executive, The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing

READ BIO

Steph Lawrence MBE

The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing

Steph Lawrence MBE joined the QICN as Director of Nursing and Deputy Chief Executive in October 2024. Steph was appointed Chief Executive Designate in March 2025 and became Chief Executive of the QICN on 1st July 2025.


Steph has been a nurse for more than 37 years with the last 22 years spent working in the community. She is both an adult and children’s trained general nurse as well as being a very proud District Nurse. Steph was the Chief Nurse at Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust. She also spent 3 years working at the CQC as the National Professional Adviser for Community Services.


Steph led the national trailblazer group for the District Nurse Apprenticeship standard which is now being delivered in many English universities. She also co-chaired the Clinical Reference Group for the National Community Nursing plan for several years.


She was recognised in the Queen’s 2022 Jubilee Birthday Honours and received an MBE for services to District Nursing.


Steph is also a Queen’s Nurse and Fellow of the QICN.

Have Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our virtual event platform, registration process, and more.


Yes, you’ll need to register for this online event. Simply follow the link at the top of the page and submit your information and make payment. Then you’ll receive an email confirming your registration for the event.

Delegate Category

Price

Members (in-person)

£170

QNs (in-person)

£170

Early Bird (until 1 July 2026)

£170

Standard (in-person)

£200

Students/Retired QN (in person)

£100

Virtual - Members

£0

Virtual - QN

£100

Virtual - Non member

£120

 Virtual- Academic Partners

£0 


If you are ordering a ticket as a member, Queen's Nurse, or Academic Partner, you will need to enter a code to obtain the discounted price. Click here for more information regarding the eligibility of these categories. Please email events@qicn.org.uk if you have any questions



We are a small charity dedicated to supporting community, primary care and adult social care nurses in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. Income generated from the conference will help us cover our costs and be reinvested in our work to assist and empower nurses in their vital roles.


If you are eligible for multiple categories, you can select any of these categories. In some cases, different categories have the same discounted rate (for example, Queen's Nurses and Organisational Members- in person tickets), so it will not affect the price you pay. The categories are primarily used for internal tracking.

If you are unsure, please email events@qicn.org.uk before booking.

Please click here to view our terms and conditions, which includes details of our refund policy. 

Please be aware that some employers block Zoom on work devices. You may wish to use a personal device to join the conference. We recommend using Google Chrome and ensuring you have the latest version of the Zoom app installed. If you plan to attend in person, we strongly recommend downloading the vFairs app. The app provides event-day information, a venue map, and networking features that allow you to exchange contact details with other delegates. 

You can log in by using the email address and password you have provided at registration. If you forgot your password, please click on the “Forgot my password” button after clicking on “Log in”.


The on-demand content will be available online for 30 days following the event. We ask all of our speakers for permission to publish their presentations online for you to rewatch post-event. Please be aware that not all our speakers will give us permission to do so. 

There are a number of hotels located near Millenium Point.

- Clayton Hotel Birmingham
- Aloft Birmingham Eastside
- Premier Inn Birmingham City Centre (Exchange Square)
- Premier Inn Birmingham City Centre (New St Station)


Click here for more information on where to stay, where to eat, and things to do in Birmingham 

Yes, you can use the Millennium Point multi-story car park. Onsite parking starts from £3.30 for up to 2 hours to £11.50 for up to 24 hours. A full list of prices can be found here.

If you need disabled parking, please display your Blue Badge. Parking will be free with no time limits. The venue has several entrance points, all of which have wheelchair access. There are also lifts and escalators inside the venue for those who need it. 

Attendees will be welcomed with light refreshments on arrival, a buffet lunch, and multiple tea/coffee breaks throughout the day. If you haven’t added your dietary requirements at registration, please ensure you email us at events@qicn.org.uk

If you have questions before or during the event, please email events@qicn.org.uk. If you are joining virtually, and have a technical question during the event, you can click on the “IT helpdesk” which is located in the lobby.

Still have questions about the conference?

Please click on the button below to contact us and our team will assist you.