Dr Jane Howarth

I am an NMC Registered Nurse, Health Visitor, and NMC registered teacher, and I have also practiced as a registered midwife in the past.

Before my university employment, I had extensive experience in senior roles within the NHS. My passion for teaching and supporting students in practice was enhanced when I had the opportunity to develop an access to nursing programme for my local further education college.

I completed a teaching qualification and began to study for an MSc in health professional education. This study and the insights gained enabled me to progress to a career in health professional education at The University of Bolton in 2004. My research dissertation focused on continuing professional development and lifelong learning for health professionals in practice.

I have held many roles since joining the University, having enjoyed each challenge as a senior lecturer, principal lecturer, Head of school and now as Dean of Faculty (Health) and Assistant Vice Chancellor. I continue to contribute to the work on the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a registrant reviewer.

Lifelong learning is one of the hallmarks of a successful career in the health profession. In 2016 I successfully completed a leadership programme that enabled me to lead the schools efficiently and effectively (Certification Senior Leadership Fellowship in Higher Education). Sound leadership facilitates high-quality education provision throughout all aspects of the academic process, from recruitment of students to their successful graduation.

During my time at the University, I have established meaningful collaborative relationships with many colleagues in the public and private sectors. This has enabled us at the University to be responsive and innovative in shaping education to meet the population's needs locally, regionally, and nationally. This contributes to and enables our practice partners to develop the workforce that provides care and treatment for their communities.

I was awarded a PHD in 2017 - Making a Difference: to professional health education through leadership and collaborative working.
The PhD was awarded for the original and innovative contribution to the body of knowledge that charts the achievements in my practice; the knowledge and skills I have developed and used in my practice; how the evidence of my practice was generated and the theoretical perspectives underpinning my practice.