This is the second ebook in a series of three publications that form part of a larger programme that was conducted in October 2023 – April 2024.  The programme aimed to develop a framework for advanced or enhanced practice in nursing in social care settings in the United Kingdom. To this end, there is a need to understand the competencies required for enhanced and advanced nursing practice in social care, and to articulate the training that is currently on offer for nursing staff working in social care settings. The overall programme hypothesis is that the evolving social care system requires the deployment of both enhanced and advanced nursing competencies and the creation of career grade opportunities; such competencies require further description and definition to demonstrate the benefits of employing enhanced and/or advanced social care nurses. The research of the overall programme is structured around three phases. Phase 1 involved comprehensive desk-based research to establish a baseline for subsequent investigations. Phase 2 is concluded with this ebook, which is based on original fieldwork that was carried out between December 2023 – February 2024. This involved 13 in-depth, semi-structured interviews and 2 semi-structured focus groups. The first focus group (nurses/nursing background) had 6 participants while the second one (employers/training providers) consisted of 8 participants.
 
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“This second e-book in the series represents a significant stride forward in the exploration of Advanced or Enhanced levels of practice for registered nurses within social care settings. I was relieved to see that this original piece of qualitative research gathered top-tier practitioners, including frontline nurses, employers, and educational providers, who could accurately paint the picture. The e-book delves deep into existing gaps and analyses with a profound understanding of the needs around infrastructure, education, funding, and regulation in social care nursing. Finally, the research team not only provides clear guidance and recommendations but also outlines the necessary stakeholders and priorities. It builds upon the groundwork laid in the first e-book of the series, advancing the practice of social care nursing.”
 
Juliet Anderson, Director, Buckinghamshire Health and Social Care Academy