Sharing Best Practices in Pastoral Care 2025

Welcome to Sharing Best Practices in Pastoral Care!

Organised by Kinari CIC and BPP University. Co-hosted by ZIMNA-UK, Malawian Nurses Association UK, PNA-UK, and NELFT.

Building on the success of last year’s first conference, we are once again bringing together health and social care leaders, international nurses, midwives, Allied Health Professionals and diaspora organisations to share national best practices in workforce wellbeing, and reimagine the future of pastoral care & support for retention and professional growth of international and global majority health and care staff.

The aim of this conference is to bring together some of the most influential change-makers in the UK’s health and care workforce.

This year’s special guests and speakers include:

Kinari CIC - A non-profit Community Interest Company dedicated to supporting internationally educated health and care professionals in the UK. They provide career development, education and advocacy, while fostering equity and a transparent, inclusive community where professionals can thrive both personally and professionally. Read more about Kinari CIC here: https://www.kinariedu.com

Dr. Nichola Ashby – Former Deputy Head of Nursing at the Royal College of Nursing. Nichola is currently Co-founder of Axis Culture Group UK, Strategic Advisor at TruMerit, and a member of the ICN Council of the Global Nursing Workforce Centre.

Neomi Bennet BEM - Founder of EqualityforBlackNurses - a social justice initiative, also a nurse entrepreneur and advanced nurse practitioner.

NELFT (North East London NHS Foundation Trust) – Returning as a valued guest after sharing powerful insights at last year’s conference. NELFT has demonstrated outstanding practice in retention and pastoral care and was recognised at the Nursing Times Workforce Awards for Best International Recruitment Experience. Read more about NELFT here: https://www.nelft.nhs.uk

Other speakers – Esteemed representatives from BPP University, FutureNurse, the Royal College of Nursing, Skills for Care, the International Care Collective, NMCWatch-Registrant Care CIC and more.

Info: Informal networking with pastoral care champions, diaspora organisations, health and social care leaders, and international health and social care colleagues.

Info: Tina Jegede MBE brings a wealth of experience spanning health and social care, supporting international medical graduates, midwives, nurses, and allied health professionals. In this keynote, she will explore innovative approaches to pastoral care from different sectors/ roles, and how the right pastoral care can create truly inclusive and resilient environments. Tina will also introduce innovative resources including the Ask Aunty App and the Psychological Safety Toolkit, offering practical ways to strengthen support, belonging, and wellbeing across the workforce.

Info: A panel of newly registered and experienced international nurses/ midwives/ AHPs from Health and Social Care share their journeys, challenges, and what real support looks like.

Info: Exploring the critical role of support in retention, wellbeing, and workforce resilience - particularly in the context of global challenges in the health workforce.

Info: Lightning talks (5-10 mins each) featuring: Tech-enabled pastoral care - Kinari CIC; Peer-led community models (ZIMNA-UK, MUNA); Cross-sector lessons from education & humanitarian work (ZIMNA-UK) - space for other attendees to share updates!

Info: Breakout 1 - How can we ensure preceptorship truly meets the needs of international colleagues? This session explores practical strategies and innovative models to build confidence, competence, and belonging from day one.

Info: Breakout 3 - Pastoral care often takes place behind the scenes, with invisible burdens and tight budgets. Join this session to share common challenges and co-create practical, resource-sensitive approaches that still make a big impact.

Info: Breakout 4: Recognition and engagement are central to retention and wellbeing. This session explores how organisations can support international staff in moving beyond “fitting in” towards thriving careers with real progression opportunities. Avante Care & Support are finalists in this years Nursing Times Workforce Awards as Best Employer for Staff Recognition & Engagement.

Info: Breakout 5 - BAME nurses and midwives continue to face higher rates of fitness-to-practise referrals. This critical conversation asks why, and how pastoral care, advocacy, and organisational culture can contribute to a fairer and more supportive system.

Info: Breakout 2: Digital tools and AI are reshaping learning and support in health and social care. This session examines how technology can enhance pastoral care and professional growth, while addressing the ethical, equity, and wellbeing risks it brings.

Info: Reflective and collaborative session: delegates co-create recommendations and innovative solutions for organisations to adopt.

Info: Linking workforce wellbeing with equity, anti-racism, and sustainability.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

BPP London South (Waterloo), 137 Stamford Street, London, United Kingdom