The University of Edinburgh: IGNITE Programme

The Burdett Trust for Nursing’s IGNITE Programme, delivered in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, is a powerful example of global nursing policy in action. By equipping nurses and midwives with advanced clinical skills, leadership development and recognised qualifications, IGNITE strengthens the influence of the nursing workforce on health systems, equity and patient outcomes. 

In Liberia, the programme supported the training of advanced obstetric and neonatal clinicians midwives and nurses now confidently performing lifesaving procedures, including Caesarean sections and neonatal resuscitation. Their expanded scope of practice reflects a core principle of global nursing policy: empowering nurses to lead in areas traditionally beyond their remit to address critical workforce shortages and improve access to essential care. Their work is now helping to reduce preventable deaths in some of the most underserved regions. 

In Uganda, IGNITE built national capacity in children’s palliative care, focusing on nurses serving rural and refugee communities. Through specialist training in clinical leadership, compassionate care and safe morphine prescribing, these nurses are transforming hospital practices and helping families navigate life‑limiting illness with dignity. Their reach extends across thousands of children and families, reinforcing global policy goals that prioritise equitable, culturally appropriate palliative care. 

Across both countries, IGNITE demonstrates how targeted investment in nursing leadership shapes stronger health systems and advances global health priorities. By embedding nursing expertise into national strategies and frontline practice, the programme showcases the essential role of nurses in driving global nursing policy and delivering sustainable, community‑centred change.