Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) annual conferences and updates
This page contains information relating to the annual CNO conference and news and updates from the CNO
The Chief Nursing Officer Conference (CNO) is one of the most significant events in Northern Ireland’s health and social care calendar, and this year’s conference took place on 10 September 2025.
The theme, ‘Empowering Nurses and Midwives to Provide Kind and Inclusive Care’, celebrated the incredible dedication of our nursing and midwifery workforce and advocated for a future where care is compassionate, inclusive, and accessible to all.
The conference brought together over 250 professionals for a day of inspiration and collaboration. Highlights included:
- Keynote addresses from the Minister of Health and Chief Nursing Officer, reaffirming the Department’s commitment to supporting nurses and midwives.
- Expert sessions on civility, compassionate leadership, and professional practice, featuring renowned speakers such as Dr Chris Turner (Civility Saves Lives).
- Interactive breakout sessions exploring workforce wellbeing, research and innovation, and quality excellence – showcasing best practice and driving improvement across the system.
- Poster displays and networking opportunities, giving attendees the chance to share achievements and connect with peers.
This annual event reinforces the Department’s commitment to supporting nurses and midwives and is a celebration of the vital role nurses and midwives play in shaping safe, high-quality care for everyone in Northern Ireland.
CNO Conference 2025 Agenda