NHS Professionals wins NHS England Return to Practice Test of Competence Preparation Programme contract
NHS Professionals (NHSP) is delighted to announce that the NHS Professionals Academy has been awarded a new contract with NHS England to deliver a Return to Practice programme.
This initiative will support up to 800 nurses and midwives back onto the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register over the next four years, creating a pathway for these valued healthcare professionals to return to the profession and contribute their skills and experience to patient care, once again.
Under the new contract, NHS Professionals will support 200 nurses each year, beginning with Adult and Mental Health Nurses, before expanding to include Paediatric Nurses, Midwives and Learning and Disability Nurses.
The innovative programme includes:
- A three-week immersive learning experience, including Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) preparation
- Travel and accommodation options
- Personalised pastoral and career support
The NHSP Academy team is already preparing to welcome the first cohorts before the end of 2026, with regular programme delivery planned throughout 2027 and beyond.
Alongside candidate registration and training delivery, the team are working closely with NHS organisations and regional colleagues to develop employment opportunities and preceptorship pathways that are also part of this programme.
Speaking about the success, Barry Porter, Service Design and Education Director for the NHSP Academy said:
“This contract is a significant achievement for NHS Professionals and our Academy service. The competitive win reflects the expertise, dedication and collaboration of colleagues across the organisation. Delivering an effective Return to Practice programme is a crucial component for providing a highly skilled and experienced workforce to come back to the NHS, supporting patient care. We are proud to play our part in helping committed healthcare professionals return to the NHS, ensuring their valuable expertise continues to benefit patients and services across the country.”
Feedback from NHS England praised the strength of the submission. It highlighted NHSP's extensive experience, proven delivery outcomes, strong NHS partnerships and robust support model. Assessors also noted the alignment with NHS workforce priorities and potential to support workforce growth, improve retention and contribute to long-term service improvement across the NHS.
Commenting on the award, NHSP’s current Enterprise Chief Operations Officer and incoming Chief Executive Officer, Hoa Ngo, said:
“I am incredibly proud that NHSP has been selected to deliver this important programme by NHS England. Securing this contract reflects our commitment to supporting the NHS workforce at every stage of the career journey. By helping experienced nurses and midwives return to practice, we are not only creating opportunities for individuals to reconnect with rewarding careers, but also contributing to the wider workforce strategy of the NHS as laid out in the 10-Year Health Plan and forthcoming Workforce Plan. I want to thank everyone across NHSP who was involved in delivering this success. Programmes like this are crucial to building a skilled, flexible and sustainable workforce, ensuring healthcare providers have access to the talent they need to deliver high-quality patient care for years to come.”