Skip navigation

Workforce Education and Practice Development

Lead: Alison Steven

Part of the Workforce and Practice Development group, WEPD is multidisciplinary group which undertakes research focused on workforce and practice development for the enhancement of safety and quality in professional practice.

The group undertakes a range of research, evaluation, scholarship and innovation development, related to;  

• Workforce education (pre & post-registration, continuing professional development, formal & informal learning)  

• Practice innovation and development (roles & practices) 

• Patient safety and support for workforce wellbeing (tools, interventions & awareness) 

With expertise in a wide range of methodologies, professions and disciplines (including nursing and medical education, patient safety and human factors, practice development and quality improvement), the group works collaboratively with key health and social care stakeholders. 

Ultimately, the group aims to drive transformation in workforce education, training and practice development, to meet shifting societal needs, respond to the changing professional landscape and optimise workforce wellbeing in order to deliver safe, effective, person-centred care.

Staff

Amanda Clarke
Debbie Porteous
John Unsworth
Jane Greaves
Julie Derbyshire
Sue Jackson
Alan Platt
Debra Morgan
Claire Ford
Laura Park
Mel Fisher
Jaden Allan
Tony Conner
Marco Tomietto

To view research papers emanating from this group, see the Northumbria University research portal.  

Research and innovation highlights

Sharing LearnIng from Practice to improve Patient Safety (SLIPPS)   

Co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union (Prof A Steven, Lead). Award winning SLIPPS (2016–2019 & ongoing) draws on the real experiences of health and social care students in work placements across five European countries. 

Postgraduate Students

Prospective postgraduate research students are encouraged to enquire with the relevant member of staff. Find out more about postgraduate studies.

Further Information

For further information on research and consultancy interests, please contact Professor Alison Steven (alison.steven@northumbria.ac.uk) or individual staff members.

Continuing Workforce Development

Northumbria University has an excellent reputation of providing innovative, flexible and wide-reaching professional learning and development opportunities to those working in the caring professions.


ourcourses_healthcare
+

Healthcare Courses

With a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate and distance learning Healthcare courses, whatever you want to get out of university, let us show you why you want Northumbria University, Newcastle!

graphical user interface
+

Our Staff

Our students learn from the best – inspirational academic staff with a genuine passion for their subject. Our courses are at the forefront of current knowledge and practice and are shaped by world-leading and internationally excellent research.

NU World Virtual Tours
+

Virtual Tour

Get an insight into life at Northumbria at the click of a button! Come and explore our videos and 360 panoramas to immerse yourself in our campuses and get a feel for what it is like studying here using our interactive virtual tour.

Latest News and Features

From left to right: Natalie Winchester, Subject Lead Health and Social Care and Post-16 Raising Standard Leader at Bede Academy, Dr Julie Derbyshire – Director of Apprenticeships and Assistant Professor in Nursing at Northumbria University, Andrew Thelwell – Principal at Bede Academy, Professor Alison Machin, Head of Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Health at Northumbria University and pupils from Bede Academy.
British Military Uniform
Nursing Degree Apprenticeship shortlisted for national award
Simulated learning using virtual reality recognised as example of best practice in nursing education
Nursing scholar recognised for global impact at international conference
L-R: Awards host, broadcaster and comedian Sandi Toksvig; Barbara Davies, Barry Hill and Dianne Ford from Northumbria University and Isabelle Bristow of award sponsor Studiosity
Researchers secure funds for brain health study on military veterans
Norman Franklin and Dr Jane Greaves in the OSCE test centre at Northumbria University
More events

Upcoming events

Towards Relational Public Services Conference 2024
-
Advanced Clinical Practice: Addressing the challenges in Primary Care

Back to top