12th January 2026

iHV launches new bespoke Programme to support the professional development and equip current and future Health Visiting Practice Assessors and Supervisors.

The Institute of Health Visiting (iHV) is thrilled to announce the launch of its brand-new Practice Assessor and Practice Supervisor Development Programme. This three-day training programme has been developed by the iHV in response to growing demand for bespoke education preparation for those who support the professional development of SCPHN student health visitors in practice.

Practice assessors and practice supervisors play a vital role within a shared team approach, creating a positive learning environment for SCPHN student health visitors and providing high‑quality, practice‑based learning. A high level of knowledge and skills are needed to facilitate learning, provide supervision and evidence-informed assessments to ensure that students are fully prepared and equipped to meet the NMC 2022 Standards of Proficiency for Specialist Community Public Health Nurses (SCPHN), and enter the workforce ready to begin safe, effective professional practice.

This exciting new programme recognises health visiting as a unique field of practice with distinct education and practice standards. The programme has been designed to equip SCPHN practice assessors and supervisors with bespoke knowledge, educational leadership, and practical skills to tailor learning opportunities and support the professional development of the next generation of SCPHN health visitors. Whether practitioners are stepping into the role for the first time or seeking to further their professional development and educational impact, the programme provides the tools and insights to elevate their practice.

Amanda Holland, Education, Learning and Development Lead at iHV, said:

“In my various roles, I’ve spent many years supporting the professional development of student health visitors and the practitioners who support their learning – working with colleagues across the UK. When the NMC introduced the Standards for Student Supervision and Assessment (SSSA) in 2019, the long‑established practice teacher role disappeared overnight – replaced by practice assessors and supervisors. What had once required a rigorous academic qualification was suddenly reduced to the requirement for ‘appropriate preparation’ – a term open to wide interpretation.

“Organisations have worked hard to make sense of this shift, but the result has been significant variation in how practice assessors and supervisors are prepared for their crucial role in shaping the next generation of SCPHN health visitors.

“I’m excited and privileged to be leading the development of and facilitating this new programme that gives health visitors access to consistent, high‑quality education that prepares them for their vital roles of facilitating practice learning, and supervising and assessing student health visitors – ensuring students successfully complete their academic programmes, register as NMC SCPHN health visitors, and progress confidently along their career pathways within our wonderful profession.”

Amanda Holland, Education, Learning and Development Lead at iHV

Elaine Robinson and Wendy Fowler, Nursing Education Advisors at the Nursing and Midwifery Council, commented:

“As Education Advisers at the NMC we are fully committed to supporting supervisors and assessors of SCPHN students. We understand that post-registration education and training brings new, often diverse, challenges and are very excited to see this new opportunity for learning that the iHV has developed.

“We look forward to meeting you at these sessions and will continue to offer any support and guidance that may help you understand, interpret and apply the standards in your role – empowering the future workforce of SCPHNs.”

Jen Kirman, Associate Professor, and SCPHN Health Visiting and School Nursing Lead, Oxford Brookes University, Chair of the United Kingdom Standing Committee for Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) Education, said:

“I am delighted that the iHV has led the work on a recognised programme specifically tailored to the learning and preparation requirements of SCPHN Practice Assessors and Practice Supervisors. The profession recognises the unique skills and learning challenges of SCPHN students, and welcomes this advancement in supporting the workforce to support, supervise and assess SCPHN students. As I step down as the Chair of the United Kingdom Standing Conference for SCPHN Education and hand over to my colleague Angela Davy, we embrace a new phase of SCPHN Practice Educator preparation as we face unprecedented workforce challenges.”

For more information about the programme see below or contact [email protected]

Aim of the iHV Practice Assessor and Practice Supervisor Development Programme  

To prepare health visitors with knowledge, skills, and confidence to effectively supervise, assess, and support the learning and professional development of SCPHN student health visitors, ensuring students meet the required proficiencies to safely and effectively begin their professional practice.

Learning outcomes 

By the end of the programme, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate leadership in SCPHN health visiting practice by fostering a positive learning culture and advocating for excellence in student education and professional development.
• Apply effective supervision and assessment strategies to support the professional development of SCPHN health visitor students – ensuring safe, evidence-based, and compassionate practice.
• Facilitate meaningful learning experiences that promote reflective practice, critical thinking, and the development of professional identity in SCPHN health visitor students.
• Integrate educational theory into practice to enhance the quality of SCPHN health visiting education and contribute to the sustainability of the health visiting workforce.

This programme is delivered over three days  

The curriculum is divided into three units delivered over three days. All units must be completed to complete the programme:

• Unit 1 – Education Leadership in SCPHN Health Visiting Practice
• Unit 2 – Assessment and Supervision in SCPHN Health Visiting Practice
• Unit 3 – SCPHN Health Visitor Education, Learning and Development in Action

Dates of training – 3, 4 and 12 March 2026