Abstract
Encouraging care closer to home has long been a priority for the government and NHS (Department of Health [DH], 2019). The workforce needs to be trained and equipped to deliver this health care in a variety of community settings (Queen’s Nursing Institute [QNI], 2021). The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) have consulted and responded to these societal changes, i.e. care closer to home, within their review of professional standards which will shape community nursing roles for years ahead (NMC, 2022). The specialist practice qualification (SPQ) provides the education and training to prepare community nurses for their future professional careers as clinicians and leaders and will be at the forefront of implementing these standards.