Director of Nursing, Health Professionals and Quality

Sam Donohue is a senior nurse leader with extensive experience in professional regulation, national policy, workforce development, and clinical leadership. Sam most recently served as Interim Executive Director at the Nursing and Midwifery Council, with responsibility for education quality assurance, safeguarding, and key professional programmes, working closely with UK Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officers and system regulators.

Sam has held executive and senior leadership roles across the NHS and Health Education England, including Deputy Chief Nurse at Milton Keynes University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and national leadership of the Nursing Associate role and nurse degree apprenticeships. Sam is recognised for leading complex programmes within politically sensitive environments and for developing sustainable workforce roles through system collaboration and partnership working.

Sam is a Visiting Professor at the University of Surrey, holds a Doctorate in Nursing from Oxford Brookes University, and is a published author and national speaker on workforce, regulation, and professional practice.