2026 Phi Mu Chapter Conference 

We're pleased to invite you to join us for the 2026 Conference on the theme 'Celebrating diversity in health and social care: heart, mind, and body'. Please see the attached flyer and details below for more information about the conference and abstract submission.

We are honoured to welcome two outstanding keynote speakers:
1. Howard Catton, CEO of the International Council of Nurses (ICN), to speak on “Nursing power to change the world”.
2. Joanne Paula Bosanquet, CEO of the Foundation of Nursing Studies, to speak on “Working with individuals with lived experience of mental health services”.

Date: Friday, 5th June, 2026
Time: 09.00 to 16.00 BST
Venue: Brunel University of London, Hamilton Building, Uxbridge, London, UB8 3PH

Registration: Please register here.  

Please note: You do not need to be a Sigma member to present at this Conference, but there will be a £30 registration fee for non-members and £20 for student non-members to attend the Conference. Registration will be free for staff and students from Brunel University of London.

Programme outline: Here is the Sigma Phi Mu Chapter 2026 Conference Programme

This conference is a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate the profound impact of diversity and inclusive practice in shaping the future of care. We look forward to welcoming many of you there!

A few photos from the 2025 Conference 

 

To join the Sigma Phi Mu Chapter, click and scroll to the Sigma Phi Mu Chapter Membership Application Guidance for the membership application form.

PHILOS Online Event

Our Promoting Health, Innovation, Leadership and Outstanding Scholarship (PHILOS) online event (3rd and 5th of November, 2026) is a great opportunity to showcase your work, connect with colleagues, and contribute to our growing culture of scholarship and leadership. You can present any initiatives you are undertaking in practice, education, or research. Also, student submissions and first-time presenters are particularly welcome.

There are two types of sessions:

  1. A 5-minute oral presentation (max 3 PPT slides)
  2. A 10-minute oral presentation (max 5 PPT slides)

Do submit your 300-word abstract to the PHILOS 2026 online conference abstract submission . The closing date for submissions is 26th August 2026.

Little Women webinar

We are pleased to invite you to join this thought‑provoking webinar, Little Women. This is not a fictional narrative, but a reflection on the lived realities within the nursing profession.

This session will explore a critical question: in a profession predominantly made up of women, why are so few visible in leadership positions? It will challenge assumptions, highlight inequities, and create space for meaningful dialogue on representation, recognition, and change within nursing.

We are honoured to welcome Dr Marion Lynch BEM RN RMN, the CEO of Art of Nursing, who doubles as a Vice President of Sigma Phi Mu Chapter, as our speaker.

Date: 10th June 2026
Time: 5:00 - 6:00 PM BST

NB: Members will receive the joining link via email before the session.

This webinar promises to be a powerful and reflective session, encouraging critical thinking and inspiring action towards a more inclusive and equitable future for nursing leadership. We look forward to welcoming you.

Current Sigma Phi Mu Chapter Board

Board Roles

Names

President

Professor Vanessa Heaslip

Vice Presidents 

Dr. Marion Lynch

Dr Janet Scammell

President-Elect

Precious Adade Duodu

Secretary

Dr. Bernice Law

Counsellor

Dr. Leslie Gelling

Treasurer

Professor Bridie Kent

Chair, Governance Committee

Adrian Jugdoyal (Acting)

Dr. Leslie Gelling

Chair, Leadership Succession Committee

Dr Joy Shao

Chair, Finance Committee

Viv Bennett

Chair, Recognition and Engagement Committee

Danni Collins

Chair, Research Committee

Dr. Heidi Singleton

Events Co-ordinators

Dan Bradshaw

Tiago Horta Reis Da Silva 

Chapter Archivist

Dr. Allison Wiseman

Student Presidents

Gabby Archer

Rachel Dewhirst 

Co-opted Members

Past Presidents

Dr. Leslie Gelling

Dr. Liz Westcott

Dr. Janet Scammell

Professor Elizabeth Rosser

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International Events