Debbie Cubitt
Sawbridgeworth,Hertfordshire
Summary
IncIusive and compassionate senior nurse leader with 39 years’ experience, shaping the strategic direction of multi-professional pre-registration education and preceptorship across secondary, primary and social care settings, in line with national nursing policy. An effective communicator and inclusive leader, with a proven track record to lead regional, multi-professional initiatives, influence policy, and drive quality improvement across complex healthcare systems through collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, including Higher Education Institutes, Further Education Colleges, primary care and social care partners.
Passionate about developing the future nursing workforce through evidence-based, person-centred, and co-produced approaches aligned to the Nursing and Midwifery Council Code. Proud to be a Florence Nightingale Foundation Established Scholar (2024–2025), and Windsor Leadership Scholar (2025). Dedicated to advancing multi-professional education to enhance patient care experiences, underpinned by leadership values of integrity, curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to listening to understand and represent the voice of nursing. Constantly seeking to embed the student and educator voice to inform and shape nursing practice and patient outcomes.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Clinical Manager
NHS England
Cambridge
11.2021 - Current
- Regional lead for preceptorship; led the implementation of the National Preceptorship Interim Quality Mark for Nursing across 24 organisations, in the regional footprint, co-ordinating multiple stakeholders and organisations to achieving 84% regional uptake and improving early career experiences, aligned to workforce stategy and policy; currently supporting the regional implementation of the National Multi-professional Preceptorship Quality Mark, driving strategic alignment and consistency of preceptorship practice across the region. Aligned to national workforce and education policy priorities.
- Influenced and shaped the strategic direction of preceptorship and education quality improvement at regional and national level, working in collaboration with senior NHS leaders to support the integration of the Professional Nurse Advocate (PNA) role within preceptorship programmes.
- Active participant in the Regional Educational Quality Panel, contributing to the evaluation of clinical learning environments to support high-quality, proactive learning, informing regional quality strategy and decision-making.
- Advocate for inclusion, reasonable adjustments, and equity. Contributing to two reasonable adjustments committees and organising bespoke webinars to translate national policy into regional practice; including support for internationally educated learners, and the promotion of initiatives to eradicate racism in practice.
- Working across systems I developed, led and faciliate multiple regional communities of practice, enabling the sharing of best practice in preceptorship and practice education; facilitating discussion to maximise shared learning, and supporting the adaptation and implementation of actions to improve educator and learner experience. Informing policy development and continuous improvement across organisations to improve learner, educator and ultimately patient experience.
- Led a preceptorship co-design event to develop supportive initiatives for multi-professional pre-registration learners in practice, resulting in the introduction of preceptorship within interprofessional learning sessions at a higher education institution, the development of Scope for Growth career conversations within a community NHS Trust, and ongoing work to embed the Professional Advocate role within preceptorship programmes across the region. Bringing together HEIs, NHS organisations, charities and system partners.
- Played a key role in supporting learners’ transition into employment through the collaborative development, design, and delivery of a series of webinars, securing engagement from the NMC and RCN
- Led financial oversight of Nursing Associate funding streams, ensuring effective allocation, governance, and alignment with regional workforce strategy and education priorities.
- Built strong working relationships with RCN colleagues, engaging regularly to support learners and educators and to influence and align regional initiatives with national priorities.
- Led and influenced multi-professional teams across organisational boundaries, combining matrix leadership with line management responsibility to support development, build capability, and deliver system-wide priorities.
Student and Practice Education Facilitator
The Princess Alexandra NHS Trust
Essex
03.2015 - 11.2021
- Implemented the NMC Education Standards (2018) across an NHS organisation, embedding requirements into practice learning environments.
- Designed and delivered practice assessor and practice supervisor training programmes to build capability and support high-quality learner supervision and assessment in practice.
- Developed and implemented structured induction programmes to support first-year learners' transition into practice.
- Led the COVID-19 response for multi-professional learners, ensuring student safety, continuity, and completion of education programmes within practice settings.
- Developed rotational placement pathways to increase placement capacity and enhance learner experience across the Trust.
- Provided pastoral care and wellbeing support to learners in practice, promoting resilience, and positive learning environments.
- Supported both apprentices and direct-entry learners in practice, ensuring equitable learning opportunities and tailored support, as well as oversight of their placements in conjunction with Higher Education Institutes.
- Led International Nurses Day celebrations across the Trust for three consecutive years, promoting professional pride and engagement.
Practice Education Facilitator
Essex Strategic Health Authority
Essex
04.2007 - 03.2015
- Led regional initiatives to improve student placement quality and mentor development.
- Completed MA in Teaching and Learning and applied outcomes in practice, collaborating with subject matter experts at a Higher Education Institution to develop a support tool for learners with dyslexia in practice.
- Facilitated the development of a learner newsletter providing up-to-date information on teaching sessions to support the development of knowledge, skills, and competence in practice.
- Established and facilitated a student forum, “Hear the Voice of the Learner,” enabling a responsive “You said, we did” approach to continuous improvement.
- Supported students and practice assessors in challenging situations, including managing concerns around student performance and disengagement, practice assessor disinterest to promote positive learning outcomes.
Student Facilitator
Essex Workforce Development Confederation
Essex
01.2000 - 04.2007
- Supported the development and expansion of student nurse placements across the West Essex locality, including primary care, mental health, learning disability, and social care settings.
- Provided support to student nurses in practice to enhance learning, progression, and experience.
- Strengthened mentor capability through ongoing support in supervision and assessment roles.
- Collaborated with three higher education institutions to expand placement capacity and increase access to diverse learning environments.
- Introduced student induction programmes
Nursing Audit Co-Ordinator
The Princess Alexandra NHS Trust
Essex
03.1998 - 01.2000
- Developed quality initiatives to enhance patient care, including a training programme for Trust staff on dementia, in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Society and Mental Health Liaison Lead Nurse.
- Collaborated with a colleague to establish a flexible 'Return to Nursing Programme' delivered on-site, facilitating placement opportunities and providing pastoral support to encourage nurses' return to practice.
- Supported Breast Care nurses in creating a patient survey to gather service feedback, with results presented at a professional conference.
Ward Sister / Staff Nurse
The Princess Alexandra NHS Trust & Ipswich Hospital
Essex
01.1991 - 01.1998
- Delivered patient care in an elective and trauma ward. Led teams, supported staff, and performed appraisals.
Education
Florence Nightingale Scholar
2025
Windsor Leadership Scholar
2025
CHIME Scholar
2025
MA Learning and Teaching - Health and Social Care
Anglia Ruskin University
01-2012
BSc Nursing Studies -
Royal College of Nursing
London01-1997
ENB 219 Orthopaedic Nursing -
Ipswich Hospital
01-1991
Nursing
West Essex School Of Nursing
Epping, Essex01-1990
Skills
- Inclusive and compassionate nurse leader with a genuine interest in people, committed to listening, understanding, and supporting others
- Demonstrates strong stakeholder engagement, collaboration, and communication skills, influencing at senior level to build partnerships and shape the strategic direction of nursing
- Drives integration and connectivity across programmes, people, and projects, shaping the strategic direction of initiatives and ensuring cohesive system wide delivery
- Passionate about developing others, fostering growth, confidence, and a culture where everyone’s contribution is valued
- Empowers teams to deliver strategic priorities and achieve measurable improvements in practice and outcomes
- Committed and visible advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion, promoting a
- Provides leadership through the facilitation of communities of practice, enabling collaboration, innovation, and continuous system-wide improvement
- Strong commitment to interprofessional collaboration across health and care systems
- Demonstrates extensive experience in quality improvement, with evidence of measurable and sustained outcomes
- Demonstrates a courteous, respectful, and compassionate approach, promoting positive interactions and an inclusive working environment
- Curious, reflective, and committed to continuous learning and improvement
- Kind, caring, and uses intuitive knowledge
- Listens to hear
- Communicates with clarity, empathy, and authenticity, fostering trust, collaboration, and inclusive engagement
- Demonstrates a positive and proactive mindset, enabling teams to deliver measurable and sustainable outcomes and adapt effectively to change
- Passionate about sustainability and future-focused system development
- Flexible, adaptable, and resilient, maintaining a calm, compassionate approach in complex and changing environments
Awards
Florence Nightingale Foundation Scholarship (2024–2025), Project: Pre-Preceptorship to support learners in practice prior to qualification
Publications
Cubit, D. & Smith, S. (2025). Investment in the preceptor role is fundamental in supporting early career nurses. Nursing Times, 31 January.
Affiliations
- Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
- Royal College of Nursing (RCN)
Volunteering
Extensive voluntary experience within the charity and community sector over many years, contributing to both operational delivery and governance.
Initially I supported the Scouting movement, attending regular meetings and assisting group leaders with activities as my son progressed through Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts. Subsequently served on the Civilian Committee for a local Air Cadets unit for approximately three years, contributing to governance, decision-making, and operational support.
Currently an active member of the local Parochial Church Council (PCC), a role held for six years, contributing to governance, accountability, and collective decision-making within a voluntary setting. This experience has strengthened understanding of organisational governance, stewardship, and community leadership.
Also an active bell ringer and member of the Women’s Institute, supporting local engagement, community cohesion, and participation in community-based initiatives.
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Clinical Manager
NHS England
11.2021 - Current
Student and Practice Education Facilitator
The Princess Alexandra NHS Trust
03.2015 - 11.2021
Practice Education Facilitator
Essex Strategic Health Authority
04.2007 - 03.2015
Student Facilitator
Essex Workforce Development Confederation
01.2000 - 04.2007
Nursing Audit Co-Ordinator
The Princess Alexandra NHS Trust
03.1998 - 01.2000
Ward Sister / Staff Nurse
The Princess Alexandra NHS Trust & Ipswich Hospital
01.1991 - 01.1998
Florence Nightingale Scholar
Windsor Leadership Scholar
CHIME Scholar
MA Learning and Teaching - Health and Social Care
Anglia Ruskin University
BSc Nursing Studies -
Royal College of Nursing
ENB 219 Orthopaedic Nursing -
Ipswich Hospital
Nursing
West Essex School Of Nursing