Political Influencing Day
Build leadership skills to influence health policy with confidence
Have your voice heard where decisions are made
The Political Influencing Day gives senior Nurses and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) the opportunity to see how health policy is shaped, and to develop influencing decision makers skills.
This is a unique, member-only opportunity supported by the Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing (QICN), that we are able to offer fully funded for 2 colleagues per year, including reasonable travel expenses to London.
Led by an experienced former MP and/or previous Health Minister
Practical, interactive and grounded in real political processes
Designed specifically for Nurses / AHPs leading services and influencing change
You can submit an expression of interest (EOI) before end October 2026. Please discuss with your line-manager before applying.
What will you gain from the day?
Practical political influencing skills
You’ll take part in hands on exercises focused on:
Creating clear, evidence based messages
Using real data to influence health policy
Understanding how political decisions affect community nursing and primary care
These are skills you can take back into your role straight away.
Insight into how Parliament really works
The day includes a visit to Westminster, where you will:
Observe political processes in action
Witness a select committee session where scrutiny and decision making happen
Gain a clearer understanding of how policy is challenged and shaped
This helps turn “how politics works” into something real and accessible.
Professional development
Primary Care voices are essential in shaping future health policy. This day helps you:
Build confidence to engage with political discussions
Represent your service, patients and workforce more effectively
Strengthen leadership skills beyond your organisation
Understand how to influence change at a national level
An experience few Primary Care colleagues get access to
I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank the QICN for supporting and organising such a welcoming, thought provoking and inspiring day. It was so well organised and having a guided tour around the houses of parliament and house of lords was just amazing. Observing Rachel Reeves, the chancellor in action was just an opportunity I wouldn’t have wanted to miss.
Want more information?
My learning from the day has shown that political engagement is something we should actively consider as part of our approach. It’s a way to not only showcase the strengths and successes of our organisation, but also to share the real challenges and barriers we face on the ground that affect what we can deliver. By doing this, we can help others understand the full picture and influence decisions that support better care for our patients. Ultimately, it gives us an opportunity to help shape change, rather than just respond to it.
Sarah
Sarah's top tip for the day is, "Go with an open mind, make the most of the experience, and be ready to feel inspired by what you learn and who you meet."
I certainly feel more empowered to reach out on a regional and national level regarding making changes to policy or highlighting issues. I feel more connected to the political process and feel that if something comes up which I could influence I am more motivated to take action or seek assistance to do so. As leaders in healthcare it is vital to engage with policymakers in order to ensure that there is an awareness of the successes and challenges in the field.
Paul
Paul's top tip for the day is, "Talk to everyone. Everyone is from a different background and has a different story to tell and don’t be afraid to tell your story."
