Sam Foster

Sam leads the Professional Practice team, who are responsible for the review of some of the NMC’s most important regulatory tools, including: The Code, which sets out the professional standards of practice and behaviour that the public can expect from nurses, midwives and nursing associates; and the revalidation process, which helps make sure professionals keep developing their knowledge and expertise throughout their careers, for the benefit of people in their care.

Sam will also lead a comprehensive review of advanced nursing and midwifery practice in 2023, plus a new and improved approach to the quality assurance of nursing and midwifery education programmes, and the continued development of the NMC’s Employer Link Service. 

Sam joined the NMC in March 2023 as Executive Nurse Director of Professional Practice from Oxford University Hospitals NHSFT where she held the role of Chief Nursing Officer for five years. Sam's portfolio included the professional leadership and education of over 5,000 Nurses, Midwives and AHPs. In addition to the executive leadership of the Trust Estates and Facilities services in addition to the delivery of the capital programme. Sam led the Urgent Care programme across the Oxfordshire system.

Sam’s previous roles include Chief Nursing Officer at the Heart of England NHSFT and the delivery of a number of clinical operational and educational roles. Sam’s clinical background is intensive care nursing, where she proudly undertook clinical practice during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Sam holds a MSc in Advancing Critical Care Practice.

Sam has a particular interest in education, research and advancing practice. Sam also has a drive to influence maternity and neonatal safety and held the role of Board Maternity and Neonatal safety champion in her role at Oxford.