Canterbury Christ Church University has appointed Jo Haworth, Chief Nurse at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, as Visiting Professor in the School of Nursing, Midwifery, Allied and Public Health.
In her role as Visiting Professor, Jo will support strategic academic development, contribute to teaching and curriculum innovation, and offer expert insight into contemporary clinical leadership and workforce priorities. She will also act as a role model for students, helping them to understand professional pathways and the realities of senior leadership in today’s healthcare system.
The appointment will enhance the student experience by ensuring teaching remains practice-informed, relevant and aligned with current NHS priorities, while supporting continued collaboration to improve health outcomes across Kent and beyond.
Jo joined Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust as Chief Nurse in 2021. Qualified as a Registered General Nurse for over 20 years, she has held senior nursing leadership positions in acute, community and mental health services. She has previously worked at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, where she was Deputy Chief Nurse, and at The Royal London Hospital where she specialised in emergency nursing.
“It’s an honour to have the opportunity to work more closely with the University; not only to inspire the future nursing workforce but to be involved with an organisation whose research and innovation is helping transform care for patients in the future.”
She added: “It’s important we do everything we can to grow the next generation of healthcare professionals and give them the skills and knowledge to deliver outstanding care. I look forward to supporting the talented students who will become tomorrow’s nurses, midwives and allied health professionals, and see them make a positive difference to the people and families they care for, in Kent and Medway and beyond.”
Dr Paul Driscoll-Evans, Dean of the School of Nursing, Midwifery, Allied and Public Health, said: “We’re really pleased to welcome Jo as Visiting Professor. Her expertise and leadership within the NHS are hugely valued, and she brings important insight that strengthens both our teaching and our wider work with partners.
“This appointment also reflects the strength of our relationship with practice partners across the region, and our shared commitment to developing a skilled and sustainable healthcare workforce for the future.”
Jo has already played a key role in supporting the University, contributing to the redesign of nursing programmes and the development of a new midwifery course. She continues to work closely with academic colleagues to strengthen the student experience and support high standards of quality assurance.
She has also been instrumental in building partnerships with Further Education colleges, including MidKent College and North Kent College, working alongside the University and Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust to support sustainable workforce development. This includes creating clearer local pathways into healthcare careers, helping to widen participation and address regional workforce needs.