Willow Life-Presidents, Bob & Megs Wilson, are delighted that the Florence Nightingale Foundation and University of Hertfordshire have partnered for a nursing leadership scholarship to honour the legacy of their daughter, Anna. And applications for 2022 are now OPEN.

The Anna Carey Community Nurse Scholarship is a wonderful opportunity for community nurses working across Hertfordshire, and applications are now open for the year-long leadership programme.

Willow is the only national charity fulfilling uplifting and unforgettable Special Days for seriously ill young adults. Founded by former Arsenal goalkeeper and TV presenter Bob Wilson and his wife Megs, Willow is a lasting memorial to their daughter, Anna, who died of cancer aged 31. Anna’s love of life and the enriching experiences of her own Special Days were the charity’s inspiration.

Anna, whose nickname was ‘Willow’, married and lived in Knebworth. She worked as a community nursing sister, having studied and graduated at the University of Hertfordshire and trained at Lister Hospital in Stevenage.

Anna’s dad and Willow co-founder Bob Wilson says, “Anna loved her job and returned to it following her initial diagnosis and surgery. Creating this scholarship, recognising the hard work and dedication of other community nurses, is the ideal way to honour her memory. We couldn’t be more proud, and for it to happen in Willow’s 20th anniversary year means all the more to our family.”

Professor Greta Westwood, Florence Nightingale Foundation’s Chief Executive, was touched by Anna’s story and set about organising the scholarship, explaining: “Community nurses have an important and invaluable role in providing health care and support in the community away from hospitals. In her role, Anna will have helped and touched the lives of many patients, as well as nursing colleagues in Hertfordshire. We are proud to provide this new leadership scholarship as Anna’s legacy. We are also grateful for the match funding sponsorship from the University of Hertfordshire.”

Both Bob and Megs hold Honorary Doctorates at the University of Hertfordshire and the students and faculty have long supported Willow.

Jackie Kelly, Dean of the School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, said: “The University of Hertfordshire is delighted to jointly sponsor The Anna Carey Community Nurse Scholarship. As a registered nurse and former community nurse myself, I recognise the importance of leadership to all nurses, and in particular for community nurses who often work very autonomously. I would encourage all our local, talented community nurses who are keen to enhance their skills and develop their career to apply for this unique opportunity.”

The application page is now open

Apply here

Closing date is 4 January 2022

Programme structure

The core scholarship programme for all leadership scholarships includes:

  • Individual scholar assessment
  • Experienced mentor allocated
  • Welcome briefing day
  • Residential development programme (2 days)
  • Personal Presence and Impact (3 days) delivered by the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts
  • Bespoke Development Opportunities
  • The core programme for Digital Nurse/Midwife Leadership Scholars also includes a bespoke 3-day digital leadership residential programme as part of the CNO Sponsored Scholarship. All other Leaderships Scholars may undertake this as an optional extra.
  • Invite to the Florence Nightingale Commemorative Service at Westminster Abbey, London
  • High-profile celebration event to celebrate the success of our FNF Scholars

Eligibility criteria

Our scholarships are open to nurses and midwives who are seeking to advance their personal development as credible leaders. Nurses and midwives registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) are eligible to apply for our fully funded scholarships. However we welcome applicants outside the UK with an independent funding source.

Leadership Scholarship:

  • Registered Nurse or Midwife holding a valid registration
  • Band 7 and above (or equivalent)
  • Completed Senior Sponsor letter ensuring support to all scholarship activities
  • Confirmation of 10% employer contribution (£1,000)

    Benefits for employers

    • Improvement in patient and health outcomes
    • Retention of staff – scholars stay in healthcare
    • Positive impact on the team and beneficial for staff engagement
    • Recognition of employers commitment to leadership development and succession planning

      Benefits for you

  • Career development

    Approximately 80% of our of scholars are promoted into more senior roles within 2 years of the scholarship.

  • Impact policy and practice

    Scholars report the positive impact they have on leading teams and improving patient care and health outcomes. In a recent survey, 82.5% of leadership scholars identified that they made an impact to health and social care policy and practice.

  • Support from the Foundation

    The Foundation are on-hand to support you throughout the scholarship process. You will also have an experienced mentor and have access to your fellow scholars for support.

  • Network with like-minded nurses and midwives

    Scholars are now part of a growing Alumni network who provide on-going support and in some cases are now friends for life!

  • New knowledge through evidence-based approaches

    Like Florence, scholars will work on evidence-based approaches and use their new knowledge to impact patients and lead changes in policy and practice. Like Florence, scholars will generate new knowledge and use this to impact on improved patient care and health outcomes.

 

This news story was published on the Willow Foundation’s website and the University of Hertfordshire’s website.

 

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