The model is based around two key interrelated components – Nursing & Midwifery Careers and the Learning and Development Framework.

The first outlines clear, competency-based career pathways, as well as detailing the knowledge, skills and experience required to progress within them. This is supported by a comprehensive learning and development framework to help individuals and organisations identify and plan meaningful education and development opportunities.

Health minister Mike Nesbitt said: ‘Earlier this year I launched my three-year strategic Reset Plan built on three pillars: stabilisation; reform and delivery. These are practical steps to restore confidence in our system and deliver care that is timely, safe, and equitable.

‘Nurses and midwives are at the heart of this. Yet we cannot deliver reform without investing in and supporting our workforce, encouraging career development and focusing on workforce retention. That is why the launch of the career development model for nursing and midwifery is so important.

‘This model provides clear pathways for progression and personal development, whether in clinical practice, leadership, education, or research. It sends a powerful message: we value your expertise, and we will support your growth.'

The model, which was commissioned by the Department of Health's chief nursing officer and produced by the Northern Ireland Practice & Education Council for Nursing & Midwifery (NIPEC), is intended for the wider nursing and midwifery family, including nursing or midwifery assistants and support workers working in a range of settings and sectors across Northern Ireland, as well as students.

It can help to benchmark knowledge and skills and support professional and personal development at every level across a career journey. It focuses on the essential knowledge, skills and behaviors needed to underpin the delivery of safe and effective care at all levels of practice.

Professor Maria McIlgorm, chief nursing officer, said: ‘The NI Career and Development model provides structured routes for advancement across three core career pathways - clinical practice, operational management, and education and research - each making professional development visible and achievable.

‘It offers a new approach to continuing professional development/education and commissioning. It will allow us to build and enable the workforce of tomorrow to more effectively meet the needs of the population.'

Professor Linda Kelly, NIPEC chief executive, added: ‘This new NI Career and Development Model for Nursing and Midwifery has been co-produced with extensive engagement from nurses and midwives across a wide range of roles, including students, nursing assistants, maternity support workers, and registered practitioners.'