13 November 2025
A new Learning Needs Analysis Guide and Tool to support nursing and midwifery development is soon to go live.
NIPEC, at the request of the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), has been working closely with key partners to develop a regional Learning Needs Analysis (LNA) Guide and Tool. These new resources are designed to help managers across Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts, Primary Care, and the Independent Sector make informed, evidence-based decisions about learning and development.
The LNA Guide and Tool will help ensure that education and training opportunities are targeted, purposeful, and aligned with strategic priorities, workforce planning, and most importantly the delivery of safe, effective, and person-centred care.
This important work has been led by Fiona Bradley, Senior Professional Officer at NIPEC, and Roisin Devlin, Assistant Director, SET who chaired the Task and Finish Group. Through collaboration and shared expertise, the group has shaped practical, easy-to-use resources that will support professional growth across the nursing and midwifery workforce.
NHSCT staff
SHSCT staff
WHSCT staff
BHSCT staff
SHSCT staff
Sharon Burnside, Dept of health, Roisin Devlin, Assistant Director, SET; Fiona Bradley, Senior Professional Officer and Frances McNicholl, Project Support Officer, NIPEC.
Sharon Burnside, Dept of Health, Roisin Devlin, Assistant Director, SET; Fiona Bradley, Senior Professional Officer and Frances McNicholl, Project Support Officer, NIPEC and Sheila Kinoulty, PHA
A stakeholder workshop held on 7 November 2025 at Antrim Civic Centre brought together representatives from the Department of Health, Public Health Agency and Secondary Care to review, test, and finalise the Guide and Tool.
NIPEC would like to thank everyone involved especially the members of the Task and Finish Group for their time, expertise, and commitment to developing these valuable resources.
The Learning Needs Analysis Guide and Tool will be presented at an upcoming CNO Business Meeting for formal approval. Once launched, these resources will provide a clear and practical way to identify learning needs, helping nurses, midwives, and their support staff plan their development, strengthen their skills, and progress their careers.