Florence Nightingale Foundation appoints new Director of Academy
Dr Natasha North
A UK-based charity which supports nurses and midwives has announced a new key appointment.
The Florence Nightingale Foundation (FNF) has revealed that Dr Natasha North has been appointed as its new Director of Academy.
Natasha is a registered nurse with an established background in nursing leadership and health policy development, who is personally committed to advancing health and care through educational excellence and innovative leadership in nursing.
Natasha has led innovative and high-impact leadership and teaching programmes in the UK and Africa in the fields of healthcare quality improvement and evidence-based practice. She has worked in various senior leadership roles to build and sustain high impact programmes and partnerships, and to improve the quality of health and care at scale.
Natasha started her career as a student nurse at the Royal London Hospital, going on to practice in the hospital and community.
Her career spans significant roles at the University of Manchester, The Health Foundation, The King’s Fund, and the UK Department of Health. Her extensive experience is underpinned by a PhD in nursing workforce development, emphasising her deep commitment to enhancing personal and professional growth in nursing and midwifery.
As an Associate Professor at the University of Cape Town, Natasha has led a transformative programme that empowered nurse leaders across Africa to elevate their practice through implementation science and change leadership.
Since September 2023 she has been working as an FNF Global Faculty Associate to lead FNF’s work supporting nurse and midwife leaders in Kenya.
Professor Greta Westwood, CBE, Chief Executive Officer of FNF said: “We are very excited Natasha will be joining our team. She brings a wealth of clinical, academic, and operational experience to the Foundation in the pursuit of improving clinical excellence.
“The Academy has grown so much in its reach across the UK, and within the last year, the world. Together we will enter the next phase of the Academy’s work to do more for our professions, for more nurses and midwives.”
Natasha will be leading the FNF Academy to take forward FNF’s work to develop nursing and midwifery leaders through its leadership and scholarship programmes, its member opportunities and networks, and its policy influencing work.
Natasha said: “I am truly honoured to join the Florence Nightingale Foundation in this key role.
“My commitment is to drive forward initiatives that not only support but also celebrate the crucial role of nurses and midwives in healthcare. I have already met a number of the FNF team, as well as alumni and members, and it’s clear the passion and pride they all have for the nursing and midwifery professions and for the work of the Foundation. I can’t wait to be part of the team.”
Natasha will take up her position in August 2024.