Sam Foster appointed as NMC Executive Director of Professional Practice

Sam joins the NMC in April from Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, where she is currently the chief nurse. Sam was also the chief nurse for four of her eight years at Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust. 

Sam has worked at further trusts including Frimley Park. She has a strong focus on nursing and midwifery education, having spent time in both trust and university education roles in her earlier career.  

In her new role, Sam will lead reviews 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  
• 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 Foster, incoming NMC Executive Director of Professional Practice, said: 

“Nursing and midwifery are among the UK’s most trusted professions, and the NMC plays a key role in setting and upholding the high standards of care that the public has a right to expect in every setting across health and social care. That’s why I’m thrilled to be joining the NMC executive team and contributing my experience of education and practice over many years as a registered professional.  

“I’m committed to leading the NMC’s professional practice team to successfully deliver reviews of the Code, revalidation, advanced nursing and midwifery practice, and much more. And I’m really looking forward to working with colleagues and partners locally and nationally to help achieve the NMC’s vision of safe, effective and kind nursing and midwifery practice that improves everyone’s health and wellbeing.”  

Andrea Sutcliffe, NMC Chief Executive and Registrar, added:  

“We’re incredibly excited about the wealth of experience in practice and education that Sam will bring to her new role as our Executive Director of Professional Practice. Building on the firm foundations laid by Professor Geraldine Walters, Sam will have the opportunity to shape the practice of nursing and midwifery professionals for many years to come. 

“These are challenging times for health and care, and as our most senior registrant, Sam will make sure the voice of our professions continues to be heard clearly within the NMC. Sam will play a vital leadership role not only within our organisation, but also for nursing and midwifery as a whole. I’m so pleased to welcome Sam to the NMC team.”  

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