Across Kent and Medway, learning disabilities nurses work in every part of the system, community, acute, mental health, forensic services, CAMHS, social care, and beyond. They are often the people who connect services, advocate for individuals, and make the system work for people with learning disabilities.

In February 2026, more than 35 professionals came together to share their experience. What they told us was clear:

Learning disability nursing is vital, but the workforce is under pressure, not always visible in decision-making, and at risk if we do not act together.

From that work, several recommendations were made to Chief Nurses across Kent and Medway. One of the strongest messages was the need for a shared, collective professional voice.

A new opportunity

We are now creating a Kent and Medway Learning Disability Nursing Shared Decision Making Council.
This will be a space where learning disability nurses can come together across organisations and roles to:

• share insight and lived experience from practice
• influence local and system-level decision-making
• support Chief Nurses with advice and professional leadership
• strengthen collaboration and consistency across Kent and Medway

This approach aligns with the national Shared Decision Making Council model, which recognises that leadership should be collective and that every nurse has a valid voice.

Who can get involved?

We are inviting expressions of interest from:

• all registered learning disability nurses
• working in any role, band, or setting
• across any organisation in Kent and Medway

We particularly welcome interest from colleagues from underrepresented groups and different parts of the system to ensure the council reflects the full diversity of the profession.

What to expect

• voluntary role
• virtual meetings every 2 months
• around 1 to 1.5 hours per session
• opportunity to shape the future of the profession locally

Why this matters

The report highlighted that without learning disability nurses, there are clear risks, including missed diagnoses, poorer outcomes and widening inequality.
This council is a practical step to ensure that does not happen and that the voice of the profession is visible, heard and valued.

Get involved

If you are a learning disability nurse working in Kent and Medway and want to be part of this, we would really like to hear from you.
Please complete the Expression of Interest form here:

https://forms.office.com/e/3JVNTNQd2f

Launching during Learning Disability Week
Be part of something that will shape the future of our profession