Sharon Smith is the Academic and Development Lead for NHS Professionals, with specific responsibility for the Health Care Support Worker Development Programme. She is Registered Nurse and Health visitor, and a highly experienced academic with over 20 years in Higher Education healthcare education. Sharon is committed to providing high quality professional education and pastoral care for all learners to ensure the delivery of safe, high quality and compassionate care. Sharon contributes to wider educational and research projects within the NHSP Academy, HEE and HEIs. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and a member and author for the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Children and Family Health.