The University of Cumbria recently hosted its Advanced Clinical Practice Conference, “30 Years of Advanced Practice: Celebrating Progress, Inspiring Change”, marking three decades of delivering ACP education and shaping advanced practice across the UK.
The online event featured leading voices in healthcare education and practice, including keynote speaker Professor Mark Radford CBE, National Director of Education and Long-Term Workforce Plan Delivery and Deputy Chief Nurse for England, who shared an optimistic outlook for the future of advanced practice.
Other distinguished contributors included:
Professor Shirley Reveley, who helped embed advanced practice education in the UK.
Professor Roger Neighbour, former President of the Royal College of General Practitioners and internationally recognised author.
The conference also showcased inspiring lightning talks from trainee ACPs, sharing their learning journeys and experiences on the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice programme.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, describing the event as “a true celebration of advanced practice and a valuable opportunity for shared learning.”
The Welsh Advanced Practice Educators Network (WAPEN) shares AAPE UK's concern regarding the sentiment, principles and language used in the recent BMA survey and does not consider these to reflect the values of respectful, collaborative and patient-centred healthcare practice.
Read MoreBritish Medical Association (BMA) (2026) Preventing doctor substitution. Available at: https://www.bma.org.uk/advice-and-support/nhs-delivery-and-workforce/workforce/preventing-doctor-substitution The characterisation of advanced practitioners as a form of “doctor substitution” is not supported by UK policy, regulation, or professional consensus. Advanced practice is clearly defined as a level of practice within existing regulated professions, achieved through additional education, training, and experience, and delivered […]
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