🧬 Celebrating Forensic Healthcare Practitioner Week 2025
Where Two Worlds Collide: HCPs at the Crossroads of Law and Clinical Practice
Forensic Healthcare Practitioner Week (#FHPWeek2025) returns from 3rd to 9th November, celebrating the vital work of Forensic Healthcare Practitioners (FHPs) across the United Kingdom.
Each year, UKAFNP proudly recognises the diverse and essential contributions of nurses, paramedics, midwives, and doctors who deliver care within police custody suites and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs). These practitioners stand at the unique intersection of health and justice, safeguarding the well-being and rights of some of society’s most vulnerable individuals.
This year’s theme, “Where Two Worlds Collide: HCPs at the Crossroads of Law and Clinical Practice,” builds upon the success of the 2025 UKAFNP Conference. It invites reflection on how forensic healthcare professionals navigate complex environments where clinical ethics, legal frameworks, and public service meet.
Throughout the week, UKAFNP will:
- Celebrate the expertise, compassion, and dedication of FHPs across the UK.
- Raise awareness of the specialised skills required in forensic healthcare, including documentation, evidence collection, safeguarding, and trauma-informed care.
- Promote recognition of the value FHPs bring to both the NHS and the justice system, particularly in ensuring fairness through the giving of evidence and expert clinical opinion.
A series of daily messages will be shared across UKAFNP’s social media platforms — featuring reflections, gratitude, and insights from across the forensic healthcare community. Each day will focus on a different aspect of practice, including collaboration, professionalism, well-being, and the critical role of FHPs in delivering justice through care.
UKAFNP President Jennie Smith said:
“Forensic healthcare is where compassion meets accountability. Our practitioners work tirelessly in demanding environments, providing care that upholds both health and justice. Forensic Healthcare Practitioner Week is an opportunity to celebrate their impact and raise awareness of this vital profession.”
Join the conversation throughout the week by following UKAFNP on:
- 🧬 X (formerly Twitter) — @UKAFNP
- 💼 LinkedIn — UK Association of Forensic Nurses and Paramedics
- 📘 Facebook — UKAFNP Facebook Page
- 📸 Instagram — @ukafnp
Visit www.ukafnp.org to explore resources, watch the daily videos, and learn more about the essential work of Forensic Healthcare Practitioners.
🌟 Take the Next Step in Your Forensic Healthcare Journey
Forensic Healthcare Practitioner Week celebrates those already making a difference at the crossroads of health and justice — but it’s also about inspiring the next generation of forensic practitioners.
If you’re ready to deepen your knowledge and advance your practice, explore the UKAFNP ASET-awarded Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Forensic Practice — delivered by:
🎓 University of
Greenwich
🎓 Queen Margaret University,
Edinburgh
These UKAFNP-accredited programmes equip healthcare professionals with the specialist knowledge, skills and ethical foundations required to practise safely and effectively within forensic healthcare — whether in police custody, SARCs, or other health and justice settings.
💷 Funding and Support
Developing your forensic practice is an investment in your future — and several funding options are available:
- RCN Foundation Leathersellers’ Foundation Grant – up to £1,600 for nurses supporting children and young people’s mental health.
- RCN Foundation Needlemakers Grant – up to £1,600 for nurses and midwives who use needles in their work.
- RCN Foundation Olufunke Adeyeye Education Grant – £1,600 for nurses, midwives, and support workers from the Global Majority.
- RCN Foundation Professional Bursary Scheme (PBS) – up to £1,600 for CPD in adult, child, learning disability or mental health nursing.
- RCN Bursaries – for study tours, projects, research and conference attendance (check the RCN website for updates).
- UKAFNP Funding – UKAFNP also provides support and guidance for members pursuing postgraduate forensic education.
📩 Learn more about UKAFNP’s education standards and ASET accreditation at www.ukafnp.org, or contact us at info@ukafnp.org for advice on your professional development pathway.
