Keele nursing graduate co-chairs National Digital & Technology Working Group
Keele University nursing graduate, Lincoln Gombedza (Learning Disability Nursing, Class of 2022), has been appointed by Chief Nursing Officer for England, Duncan Burton, to serve as Co-Chair of the Digital and Technology Working Group for the new Professional Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery in England.
Alongside this prestigious national role, Lincoln continues his role as a Registered Learning Disability Nurse and Practice Education Facilitator at North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust.
As Co-Chair for the new Professional Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery in England, Lincoln is at the forefront of one of the three radical shifts set out in the NHS 10-Year Health Plan: moving the NHS from analogue to digital. His appointment ensures that the voices of early-career professionals are central to shaping the future of nursing and midwifery.
Lincoln's career has been defined by a commitment to person-centred care, workforce development, and harnessing innovation to improve health outcomes. He began his professional journey in the Assessment and Treatment Unit before moving to the Community Learning Disability Team at Broom Street.
While at Keele, Lincoln was awarded the Nina and Gina Smith Student of the Year Award (2022) and featured in the 75 Faces of Keele exhibition for his contributions to nursing, education, and leadership.
Reflecting on his journey, Lincoln said: "This achievement would not have been possible without the incredible support I received from Keele University – especially my lecturers and mentors, who continually encouraged me to believe in myself and push the boundaries of what nursing can achieve. I'm proud to carry forward the values and lessons I learned at Keele into this national role."
In 2025, Lincoln represented the UK at the World Health Organisation Symposium on Workforce Optimisation, sharing his vision for AI-enabled nursing teams and citizen-led innovation. That same year, he addressed the House of Lords at the launch of the State of the World’s Nursing Report 2025, calling for bold action to strengthen and elevate the profession globally.
Alongside this prestigious national role, Lincoln continues his role as a Registered Learning Disability Nurse and Practice Education Facilitator at North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust.
As Co-Chair for the new Professional Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery in England, Lincoln is at the forefront of one of the three radical shifts set out in the NHS 10-Year Health Plan: moving the NHS from analogue to digital. His appointment ensures that the voices of early-career professionals are central to shaping the future of nursing and midwifery.
Lincoln's career has been defined by a commitment to person-centred care, workforce development, and harnessing innovation to improve health outcomes. He began his professional journey in the Assessment and Treatment Unit before moving to the Community Learning Disability Team at Broom Street.
While at Keele, Lincoln was awarded the Nina and Gina Smith Student of the Year Award (2022) and featured in the 75 Faces of Keele exhibition for his contributions to nursing, education, and leadership.
Reflecting on his journey, Lincoln said: "This achievement would not have been possible without the incredible support I received from Keele University – especially my lecturers and mentors, who continually encouraged me to believe in myself and push the boundaries of what nursing can achieve. I'm proud to carry forward the values and lessons I learned at Keele into this national role."
In 2025, Lincoln represented the UK at the World Health Organisation Symposium on Workforce Optimisation, sharing his vision for AI-enabled nursing teams and citizen-led innovation. That same year, he addressed the House of Lords at the launch of the State of the World’s Nursing Report 2025, calling for bold action to strengthen and elevate the profession globally.
