The Latest in Nursing CPD: Flexibility, Innovation, and Practical Support

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) remains an essential part of nursing, ensuring professionals stay up-to-date with current evidence, maintain safe practices, and grow their careers. Recent updates across the UK are making CPD more accessible, practical, and tailored to individual needs- especially as the profession adapts to evolving healthcare demands.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the latest developments in CPD for nurses and nursing associates, including funding, digital tools, and advanced practice frameworks.

Digital Learning and Flexible Training on the Rise

Digital learning continues to shape how nurses engage with CPD. With the growing need for on-demand access to quality education, platforms like Nursing in Practice 365 have relaunched with major improvements.

The updated platform now offers:

• Over 90 e-learning modules across a wide range of clinical topics
• 75+ on-demand webinars, covering areas such as bowel cancer, immunisation, osteoarthritis, and inhaler technique
• A personalised learning dashboard to help users track their progress
• Exportable CPD logs for revalidation or appraisal
• Regular expert-led online events to support real-time learning

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with over 90% of users reporting satisfaction with the platform’s usability and content. Nursing in Practice 365 is becoming a go-to resource for nurses seeking accessible, high-quality education that fits around their schedules.

Accreditation Partnership with Nursing Times

We’re pleased to announce an accreditation partnership with Nursing Times, one of the UK’s most respected nursing publications. Known for its high-quality journalism, peer-reviewed content, and professional development resources, Nursing Times is also a key organiser of national nursing events.

As partners, we’re proud to support their ongoing calendar of educational events, which play a vital role in advancing practice and connecting professionals from across the sector.

Advanced Practice Framework from NHS England

In a significant step forward, NHS England’s Centre for Advancing Practice has released a refreshed version of the Advanced Practice Framework. This national framework outlines expectations for practitioners working at an advanced level, structured around the four key pillars:

1. Clinical Practice
2. Education
3. Research
4. Leadership and Management

The updated version provides practical tools and clearer guidance to help local organisations implement and support these roles effectively. It also places greater emphasis on equality, diversity, and cultural competence, ensuring advanced practice reflects the inclusive values of the NHS.

These improvements are designed to help advanced practitioners feel more supported in their development, while also standardising expectations across the UK healthcare system.

Statutory & Mandatory Training Now Transferable

Another important update from NHS England allows nurses and midwives- including bank and temporary staff- to transfer their Statutory and Mandatory (StatMand) training records between employers.

Over 260 NHS trusts have agreed to accept valid proof of completion of these essential training courses. The aim is to reduce unnecessary duplication, saving an estimated 200,000 staff days across the system. This is a practical change that directly improves efficiency and supports the retention and mobility of staff across NHS organisations.

Annual CPD Budgets Still Available

Nurses working within the NHS are still eligible for an annual CPD budget of £333, allocated via employer-supported funding mechanisms. These funds can be used for:

• Accredited courses and modules
• Conferences and professional events
• Other learning opportunities relevant to their roles

Funding is available through to March 2026, helping support the long-term development of the nursing workforce. As always, access to this funding must be arranged in partnership with the employer, often through workforce development leads or education teams.

Flexible CPD Pathways at Leading Universities

Several UK universities are expanding their CPD offerings to better fit around nurses’ working lives:

• The University of Reading now offers modular pathways that contribute toward PGDip or MSc qualifications, with flexible completion timelines ranging from 36 to 72 months. They also support Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), meaning previous academic or workplace learning can count towards the qualification- an especially helpful option for experienced practitioners.

• King’s College London has designed a suite of flexible CPD courses that allow nurses to study part-time, online, or in short blocks. These courses cover a wide array of clinical and professional development topics, enabling learners to upskill without stepping away from frontline roles.

To Takeaway From This

The nursing profession continues to evolve, and CPD is evolving with it. With improved digital tools, national policy changes, increased funding, and more accessible university routes, it's now easier than ever for nurses to shape their professional journey.

These developments reflect a shared goal across the sector: to create a skilled, supported, and future-ready nursing workforce. One that's equipped to meet today's challenges and tomorrow's demands.