NIHR Manchester CRF Nurse Manager completes Windrush Leadership Programme

Congratulations to Oluwakemi Normansell on her successful completion of the Windrush Nurses and Midwives Leadership Programme.

Stella, as she is known, is a Nurse Manager at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Manchester Clinical Research Facility (CRF) at Wythenshawe Hospital, part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT).

After beginning her nursing training in India, Stella completed her adult nursing qualification in the UK and joined MFT in 2016 as a staff nurse on a surgical ward at Wythenshawe Hospital. Two years later, she joined Research and Innovation (R&I) and shortly after in 2019, Stella accepted the role of Senior Research Nurse at the NIHR Manchester CRF at Wythenshawe Hospital. This opportunity allowed her to grow and develop professionally, which then led her to securing her current role of Nurse Manager in November 2021.

In 2023, Stella applied for the Windrush Leadership Programme and was accepted into the initiative, led by the Florence Nightingale Foundation (FNF). She began her participation in February 2024 and completed the programme in January 2025.

The Windrush Nurses and Midwives Leadership Programme provides an opportunity for nurses and midwives who are descendants of the Windrush generation or from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds to embark on a tailored leadership development programme to become Florence Nightingale Foundation Nurses and Midwives. The aim of the programme is to provide equity of access to leadership roles and to close the gap in career opportunities across health and social care settings.

Discussing her experience on the programme, Stella said:

The Windrush Leadership Programme was truly insightful and provided me with valuable reflections on my strengths, weaknesses and the importance of continuous improvement. I found the sessions on identifying areas for growth and developing my skills particularly helpful.

“I also appreciated the emphasis on the value of networking and being present in professional settings, as these skills are essential for future success. I believe the programme will have a lasting impact on my approach to my work and I look forward to applying the knowledge and insights gained to my daily responsibilities.”

At the Florence Nightingale Foundation’s 2025 Celebration Day in London earlier this year, Stella submitted a poster on her Quality Improvement project, which looked at promoting overnight facilities for patient care within the Manchester CRF at Wythenshawe Hospital. She was also presented with a badge and certificate for successfully completing the programme.

Janette Dunkerley, Assistant Chief Nurse for Research and Innovation, said:

“In Research and Innovation at MFT we are committed to providing and supporting access to leadership opportunities for nurses and midwives from minority ethnic backgrounds. It is imperative for us within R&I that we empower all our colleagues to develop and define their leadership style.

The Windrush Leadership Programme has offered Stella the opportunity to focus on her personal growth and development. I am exceptionally proud of Stella for completing this programme and her chosen Quality Improvement Project is fundamental in supporting the growth of research being delivered at Wythenshawe Hospital.

Professor Alex Horsley, Medical Director of the NIHR Manchester CRF at Wythenshawe Hospital, added: “Huge congratulations to Stella on completing this Leadership Programme and I am delighted she has found this so beneficial.

“I know the experience, insight and skills she has gained from this leadership opportunity will be of tremendous value to the Manchester CRF at Wythenshawe Hospital as well as Stella’s own personal development.”

NHS England has partnered with the FNF to offer this unique and exciting career development opportunity. Find out more about the programme here.