Learning Disabilities Nurses: NMC Registration & future of the workforce. A presentation by Professor Vanessa Heaslip, University of Salford
KSS Learning Disability Community of Practice are delighted to host this important webinar on Wednesday 16 December 2026 12-1pm, via Zoom.
The webinar focuses on Learning Disabilities Nurses thoughts on NMC Registration, future of the workforce and impact they have on people with a learning disability.
The number of registered nurses in the UK is at an all-time high due to growth in the numbers of adult, children’s and mental health nurses, but there has been a decline in the number of Registered Nurses in Learning Disabilities (RNLD). There has also been a reduction of RNLDs employed in the NHS in England and Scotland as well as a reduction in learning disability filled posts in the independent sector. This workforce contraction is not due to a reduction in need; as the number of adults with a learning disability requiring long-term support has increased. This presentation will present findings from a research study that sought to explore RNLDs’ perceptions of professional registration with the NMC, their views on the impact of RNLDs on people living with a learning disability, and their perceptions regarding the future of the profession. It also explored perspectives from people with learning disabilities, family members/carers, and other stakeholders on the contribution RNLDs make to care and support.
