7th February 2025
On Wednesday 5 February 2025, the iHV hosted its national hybrid Health Visiting Advisory Forum (HVAF) event which brought together passionate health visitors, leaders and health visiting team members from across all four corners of the UK. Our HVAF group meets regularly throughout the year with an overarching purpose to improve outcomes for babies, children, and families and strengthen health visiting services across the UK. The day was a vibrant example of co-production, with HVAF members shaping the future strategic priorities of the iHV and sharing best practice from across the UK.
During the event, we shared the recent findings from the State of Health Visiting, UK Survey Report. We discussed the findings together, focussing on the health, safety and development of babies and young children and the health visiting workforce which supports them. There was unanimous agreement that the survey report truly reflects the realities and experiences on the ground – with increased levels of need and stark variations in health visiting practice.
HVAF is focused on solutions and sharing excellence in practice – it aims to provide a forum for HVAF members to influence local and national policy and the work of the iHV. HVAF members get involved in iHV research and projects and also support the quality assurance of iHV resources. We are extremely grateful for their partnership and valuable input into our work at the iHV.
How do HVAF members feel about being in the iHV HVAF?
Sarah Cartner (HVAF Co-chair) and Emma Cushnan (HVAF member) shared the findings of their evaluation of the HVAF, following a recent survey of HVAF members. The overarching themes were:
- HVAF members feel valued
- Being a member of the HVAF improves job satisfaction
- HVAF members enjoy their role
Here is a sample of their feedback:
“Love the involvement and feeling of inclusion/belonging to a great profession this offers, appreciate the leadership opportunity, great career development, learning from others and sharing the knowledge/networking” [HVAF Member]
“Being a member of the HVAF has been so insightful and I now view challenges we face as a profession in a whole new light and with an optimistic and more proactive mindset” [HVAF Member]
“Participating in research activities and peer reviewing provides me with great role satisfaction” [HVAF Member]
Learning together:
We then had an inspiring session of HVAF member-led presentations:
- Amanda Hall, Bank Health Visitor/Family nurse partnership, Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust, speaking about the Rainbow Baby Health Pilot
- Robert Nettleton, NMC QA visitor, Mott MacDonald/NMC speaking about The Health Creation Alliance
- Maria Somers, Health Visitor, Western Health and Social Care Trust, Northern Ireland, Sharing best practice from Northern Ireland, including community initiatives.
The energy remained high after lunch during a thought-provoking wellbeing session led by Hazel Anderson Turner, Business psychologist and mindset coach. Hazel provided valuable insights and tools based on her recently published book “Coaching through burnout – A burnout prevention toolkit for busy leaders and their teams”.
Our State of Health Visiting, UK Survey Report showed 58% of health visiting practitioners were experiencing work related stress. Hazel’s session focussed on guiding HVAF members to equip themselves with the skills and strategies needed to navigate the growing epidemic of chronic workplace stress. The HVAF members really valued this session:
“The wellbeing session was a timely reminder that looking after ourselves is key to sustaining the support we provide” [HVAF Member]
“Realising that you are not alone and that there is a community to support in the roles and posts we are doing – Hazel’s session was great” [HVAF Member]
The final session focused on discussions to help inform the iHV’s future strategic priorities which included: influencing policy, quality improvement and innovation in health visiting, continuous professional development and iHV membership. One HVAF member said the most enjoyable part of the day was “the strategic vision” and another HVAF member said: “I felt like our suggestions are listened to”.
Thank you – we go further when we go together:
Our HVAF members are the driving force behind the success of our HVAF group. Georgina Mayes (HVAF Chair and iHV Professional Lead for Health Visiting) said:
“I would like to extend a huge heartfelt thank you to our HVAF members for all of their valuable contributions and support over the last year. Without their incredible passion, drive, and unwavering dedication we would not be able to achieve the impactful work we do”
Our HVAF members said:
“This event showcased the power of collaboration and the incredible impact of a united HV community. Together, we continue driving forward essential changes to improve the lives of babies, children, and families nationwide”.
“It’s so valuable to hear from colleagues across the country—there’s a real sense of shared purpose.”
“I’m leaving with practical ideas and renewed motivation to push forward improvements locally.”
