Steph Lawrence

Steph has been a nurse for more than 37 years with the last 23 years spent working in the community. She is both an adult and children’s trained general nurse, as well as being a very proud District Nurse. She was until her retirement at the end of August 2024 the Chief Nurse at Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust. She also spent 3 years working at the CQC as the National Professional Adviser for Community Services.

Steph led the national trailblazer group for the District Nurse Apprenticeship standard which is now being delivered in many English universities. She also co-chaired the Clinical Reference Group for the National Community Nursing plan for several years.

Steph was appointed Deputy Chief Executive of the QICN in October 2024 and became Chief Executive of the charity in July 2025. This high-profile role brings with it the opportunity to shape community nursing policy and ensure the community nursing voice is heard at all levels.

Steph was recognised in the late Queen’s 2022 Jubilee Birthday Honours, receiving an MBE for services to District Nursing. She continues to practice clinically as a District Nurse. She is also a Queen’s Nurse and Fellow of the QICN.