Senior Welsh workforce transformation leader joins prestigious Florence Nightingale Foundation Scholars programme
Published 19/05/2026
Jayne Goodwin, National Head of Workforce Transformation for Research at Health Education and Improvement Wales, has been selected as a Florence Nightingale Foundation (FNF) Scholar, joining one of the most prestigious leadership development programmes for nurses and midwives.
Currently on secondment from Health and Care Research Wales to the lead the delivery of the PRIORITY II project, Jayne was formally welcomed to the FNF Scholars Class of 2027 this week.
FNF Scholarships are awarded to exceptional nursing and midwifery leaders with the potential to shape the future of health and care at national and international levels. Widely regarded as a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity, the programme is designed to develop senior clinical and professional leaders capable of driving improvement across complex health systems.
Jayne joins a cohort of 56 nurses and midwives selected from across the UK and beyond, including colleagues from Ukraine and Australia. The diversity of the group reflects the breadth of modern health and care leadership, spanning acute and specialist services, community care, public health, workforce development and research.
Commenting on her selection, Jayne said:
“Being selected as a Florence Nightingale Foundation Scholar is a huge honour and a privilege. The programme offers a unique opportunity to develop and strengthen leadership capability. I’m looking forward to learning alongside an exceptional group of nurses and midwives while delivering improvement across health and care.”
In her role at Health Education and Improvement Wales, Jayne is leading the implementation of the strategic research action plan for nurses, midwives and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) through her current secondment to the PRIORITY II project. This strategic plan is integral to the Chief Nursing Officer’s vision for nurses, midwives and AHPs across Wales.
Jayne’s selection recognises her national leadership in research workforce development and places her among a growing network of FNF Scholars driving evidence‑based change across health and care.
Chief Nursing Officer for Wales, Professor Sue Tranka, said:
“I am delighted to recognise Jayne on being awarded a Florence Nightingale Foundation Scholar. This is a prestigious and highly competitive award and a well‑deserved recognition of her leadership aspirations, commitment to the profession and ambition to make a meaningful difference to care and outcomes. Jayne has led the development of the PRIORITY action plan for nurses, midwives and AHPs in Wales and is now driving its implementation, strengthening research, evidence and impact across the professions. I look forward to seeing the continued benefit of her leadership for patients, services and the wider system.”
Dr Sam Donohue, Director of Nursing, Health Professionals and Quality at Health Education and Improvement Wales, added:
“Jayne’s appointment as a Florence Nightingale Foundation Scholar is excellent recognition of her leadership in advancing research and workforce transformation in Wales. Through the PRIORITY II programme, Jayne is helping to embed research and evidence into professional practice, ensuring nurses, midwives and allied health professionals are supported to lead improvement and deliver better outcomes for people and communities.”
The Welcome Day was hosted by FNF Strategic Advisor and Scholar alumna Arlene Wellman, who highlighted the Foundation’s longstanding commitment to developing nursing and midwifery leaders who improve outcomes for patients, communities and the workforce. Arlene commented:
"It has been my absolute privilege to meet our new scholars as they begin this important journey. As a former scholar myself, I remember just how powerful that first step can be and the sense of possibility, responsibility and ambition it brings.
“This cohort represents the very best of nursing and midwifery, drawn from across the professions and united by a shared commitment to lead, innovate, and make a lasting difference. The depth of experience they bring, alongside their drive to improve outcomes for their teams, the people they care for, and their communities, is truly inspiring.
“I am excited to see the impact they will have, both during the programme and far beyond it.”
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