What is the Florence Nightingale Foundation?

The Florence Nightingale Foundation (FNF) is a UK charity that develops nurse and midwife leaders, working across the UK and globally. It builds on Florence Nightingale's legacy to help nurses and midwives "stay, thrive, lead and transform health and care." If you are a nurse or midwife looking for leadership development, a member of the profession interested in policy influence, or someone wanting to support nursing and midwifery leadership, this organisation is relevant to you.

What FNF does

FNF describes its purpose as developing nurse and midwife leaders and enabling them to stay in the profession, thrive, lead, and transform health and care. Its work is organised around four areas:

Who it is for

FNF's stated focus is nurses and midwives. Its leadership programmes, scholarships, membership and support are aimed at people in those professions who want to develop as leaders. The charity also engages with the wider health and care sector through its policy and Think Tank work, and invites supporters and donors to contribute to its mission.

Leadership and support

The leadership strand is the core of FNF's offer: development opportunities plus membership and ongoing support. According to the site, the goal is to help nurses and midwives become "strong, influential and confident leaders." The charity frames this as supporting individuals to remain in and advance within their professions, rather than only recognising them retrospectively.

Policy and influence

FNF runs a Think Tank intended to connect the nursing and midwifery voice to health and care issues. This is the channel through which the charity engages with policy questions affecting the professions, distinct from its individual leadership programmes.

Impact and evidence

FNF publishes an impact report — the site references "Leadership in Action – FNF's Impact Report 2025-26" — as the place to see the difference its work is having on the professions and on health and care more broadly. If you want evidence of outcomes rather than descriptions of programmes, that report is the starting point.

How to stay informed or get involved

The site offers a newsletter sign-up: "We are supporting nurses and midwives to make a difference – keep informed of our progress and how you can become part of the transformation." The "Support us" section is the route for those who want to help FNF reach more nurses and midwives. The site also carries news and blogs, including first-person accounts such as "Finding My Voice Through the FNF Journey," which can give a sense of what participating in FNF programmes is like.

Things to check before applying or donating

The available site information does not state programme fees, eligibility criteria, application deadlines, or membership costs. Before committing time or money, check the specific programme or membership page for current requirements and any pricing. The site also does not indicate whether newsletter sign-up or other features require an account.