Malaika Eparh, community specialist practice programme lead and senior lecturer at University College Birmingham, describes the thinking behind two new MSc courses for community nurses, and comments on a recent announcement removing funding for level 7 apprenticeships.
The face of healthcare is changing. The NHS now needs more nurses to deliver more integrated, holistic care within the community – supporting individuals in their homes, addressing social determinants of health, and ultimately preventing hospital admissions. But are we yet, as a nursing sector, sufficiently equipped for this shift?
In 2022, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) introduced new standards of proficiency for community nursing specialist practice qualifications (SPQ), aiming to bring clarity to the evolving role of the community nurse. These standards reflect a necessary progression – a recognition that nursing in the community demands advanced skills.
Despite the Department for Education’s recent announcement that funding for Level 7 apprenticeships for those aged 22 and over is to be removed, these standards reflect a necessary progression – a recognition that nursing in the community demands advanced skills.
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At University College Birmingham, we have embraced this by launching one of the first programmes tailored to these new standards, focusing on two critical areas: homeless and inclusion health nursing and adult social care nursing.
Why these areas? Because they represent some of the most pressing challenges within community nursing today.
Nursing for homeless populations
The relationship between homelessness and health is undeniable. Rough sleeping, inadequate housing, and social exclusion contribute to high rates of chronic illness, infectious disease, and mental health disorders. Yet, nursing education has historically fallen short in preparing practitioners to meet the needs of these vulnerable populations.
A recent report by Crisis revealed a staggering 73% increase in households with additional support needs over just five years. If homelessness is not recognised as a public health priority, the cycle of poor health outcomes will continue. Our Community SPQ in Health and Social Care (Homeless and Inclusion Health Nursing) MSc equips nurses to navigate these complexities – whether it’s facilitating access to healthcare, advocating for harm reduction, or addressing barriers to immunisation. Here nursing provides compassionate, informed care where it is needed most.
Meeting a growing demand in adult social care
With an ageing population, the demand for specialist nurses in adult social care is set to increase. The government’s recent move to curb overseas recruitment will add further strain to an already struggling sector.
Nurses who undertake our new Community SPQ in Health and Social Care (Adult Social Care Nursing) MSc will develop the critical thinking and leadership skills needed to step beyond the role of caregiver. From managing long-term conditions to guiding strategic care improvements, these nurses will play a pivotal role in reshaping adult social care.
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My own experience as a Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) transformed the way I approached healthcare. It gave me the confidence to engage with policy, to challenge outdated systems, and to see nursing as more than just direct care – it is advocacy, leadership, and innovation.
Courses like these offer a unique opportunity for nurses to spearhead research, develop best practices, and drive change in the areas where they are most needed. Each course is delivered with one day of online learning with the remainder of the training completed in practice.
Professor Kathryn Riley, director of nurse education at University College Birmingham, says: ‘Our Community Specialist Practice Qualification courses mark an important step in strengthening the community nursing workforce’.
If we truly believe in a future where nursing is proactive rather than reactive, then specialist community qualifications are not just beneficial – they are essential. We are proud of our contribution.
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Malaika Eparh is community specialist practice programme lead and senior lecturer at University College Birmingham
