The award aims to recognise those who provide effective supervision and assessment, create high-quality learning environments, act as a role model and who build and maintain relationships to enable and support learning and development in the workplace.

Laura has led an innovative, partnership-based approach to engage young people—particularly from deprived communities in Grampian—with careers in healthcare, helping address long-term nursing workforce challenges. She has embedded health care learning across primary and secondary education in the area, through simulation, meta-skills development, mentoring, and a purpose-built Healthcare+ environment. Collaboration with schools, third sector partners, and teacher externships has created a sustainable model aligned with national workforce priorities. The impact is evident in the rapid growth in clinical apprenticeships and progression into healthcare and nursing education. 

The judges praised Laura’s work to establish foundation apprentices for those people interested in health care but not able academically to progress straight into university. Head Judge, Margaux Lobban, said: “The judges were impressed by her work in encouraging young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds to think of a career in healthcare. Laura’s efforts are paying dividends with opportunities now consistently over-subscribed.”

Celebrating Laura’s win, Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland Executive Director said: "Now more than ever, we need young people to see what a fulfilling and rewarding a career nursing can be. The exposure of children and young people in schools to the opportunities a career in nursing opens up is having a real impact, and Laura is trailblazing new pathways into health care. A very worthy winner”

Congratulations also go to runner up, Vicky Burnett, Practice Educator also from NHS Grampian, and our highly commended finalist Karen Bacon, Clinical Nurse Educator and Charge Nurse at the Intensive Care Unit in NHS Borders.

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