UK Government Announces Funding to Support Nursing Career Progression

Nursing staff in England are set to benefit from a government-backed package designed to remove barriers to career progression, following sustained advocacy from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). The initiative promises fairer recognition, stronger support, and a clearer career path for nurses.

After months of discussions with the RCN, Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting MP announced a series of commitments to strengthen nursing careers in England. These include targeted funding to ensure nurses are fairly compensated and supported throughout their careers.

Graduate pay increases: The NHS Staff Council will prioritise pay for nursing graduates and all Agenda for Change graduates in upcoming structural reform negotiations.

Review of Band 5 roles: Every nurse paid at Band 5 will have their role reviewed by employers to ensure job descriptions and banding reflect their actual responsibilities. Additional funding is being provided to implement this review and associated salary adjustments, separate from the 2026/27 cost-of-living pay award.

National nursing preceptorship: A single, consistent preceptorship program will be established, improving quality and consistency across the country. This will ensure every nurse has the best possible start to their career.

Professor Nicola Ranger, RCN General Secretary, welcomed the announcement as significant progress, emphasizing that fair pay and career advancement are essential to valuing the skills and responsibilities of nurses.

“This is the first time nursing has been prioritised in this way. Today’s investment in career progression is a major step forward, but we now urgently need a fair pay deal that reflects the critical role nurses play in the health service,” said Ranger.

The government’s commitments are expected to strengthen NHS workforce infrastructure and provide a more sustainable career path for nursing staff across England.