CNO expands her top team to deliver new nursing research strategy

Chief nursing officer Ruth May (pictured above) has recruited Jo Cooper as her new head of nursing research, research transformation, and Professor Alison Richardson as head of nursing research, academic leadership and strategy.

“These new posts flag the very significant work that goes on in nursing research"

Ruth May

The pair will help Ms May bring to life her ambitions for a new nursing research strategy for England, which will seek to ensure that nursing research underpins policy and system transformation.

Dr Cooper is joining the national team on a two-year secondment for three days a week alongside her current role as assistant director of nursing (research, innovation and professional regulation) at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.

Meanwhile, Professor Richardson’s new post is for two days a week. She is also clinical professor of cancer nursing and end-of-life care at the University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, and executive director of the Southampton Academy of Research, helping healthcare staff build and sustain research-based careers.

“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to work with the national team in advancing research transformation for nurses"

Jo Cooper

On the appointments, Ms May said: “I am very pleased to welcome Jo and Alison to the team.

“Within our professions we have specialists in research, data and science, as well as clinical specialists.

“These new posts flag the very significant work that goes on in nursing research – some of this highlighted during the first wave of the pandemic this year – and much more it can yet deliver.”

In their new roles, Dr Cooper and Professor Richardson will work closely with deputy chief nursing officer, Susan Aitkenhead, who supports Ms May on matters related to education and research.

Jo Cooper

Reflecting on her appointment, Dr Cooper said: “I am thrilled to have this opportunity to work with the national team in advancing research transformation for nurses, and ultimately best care for patients and families.

“I have the privilege of existing working relationships and networks with colleagues across the country, and believe that this is a pivotal time for us to embed a culture of evidence based practice, research leadership, including clinical academic career opportunities as core business for our profession.”

It will be the job of the two new leads to take the development of Ms May’s new research strategy forward.

Dr Cooper and Professor Richardson are inviting those with an interest in getting involved in the strategy work to contact england.researchcno@nhs.net.