Nursing in learning disabilities
Join us to share your vital insights on learning disabilities nursing
23 Oct 2025 - 30 Oct
Choose event information:
Since 2016, we’ve been campaigning on the workforce crisis facing Registered Nurses in Learning Disabilities (RNLDs).
Despite some action across the UK, the crisis has worsened – particularly in England, where a lack of funding for nurse education has led to course closures.
In the southeast, there’s no provision of learning disability nursing studies other than the Open University. Other regions are at risk of being in a similar situation. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are also facing workforce challenges, but the challenges differ in these countries due to stronger nurse education funding models.
In response to these concerns, we’ve launched a UK-wide review of learning disabilities nursing. We’re looking to celebrate and promote the identity of learning disability nurses, and hear from experts from across the UK about what they think are the strengths and challenges in their areas.
We’re hosting a series of online workshops to collect insights from Registered Nurses in Learning Disabilities, those undertaking learning disability nursing studies, and other important stakeholders.
The events will be led by Jonathan Beebee, RCN Professional Lead, Learning Disability Nursing, and Ben Thomas, RCN Wales Mental Health & Learning Disability Adviser.
Why attend?
Join us for one of the sessions to understand more about the review and share your insights, experiences and views on what could be improved. We want to hear from you, the experts, and these interactive workshops are a great way of being part of the discussion.
If you can’t make it, you can still contribute your views by taking our survey, which will be available soon. You can also use the survey to add more detail than you were able to in the workshop. We’ll read and analyse all survey responses to identify key themes and inform our review and recommendations.
Who should attend?
The events are open to both RCN members and non-members in all UK countries and crown territories.
Choose the session that is relevant for you – each session aims to collect views from a specific group.
Book a session
Registered Nurses in Learning Disabilities working in NHS settings
Date: 23 October 2025
Time: 10am – 12pm
Learning Disability Nursing Students
Date: 23 October 2025
Time: 2pm – 4pm
Registered Nurses in Learning Disabilities working in social care settings
Date: 30 October 2025
Time: 2pm – 4pm
For any queries about the events, please contact vitina.marsala@rcn.org.uk or jonathan.beebee@rcn.org.uk.
Online
Share on Facebook
Share on LinkedIn
Page last updated - 19/09/2025
