Supporting recognition, professional development and excellence in occupational health nursing practice.
Hello and welcome. My name is Diane Romano-Woodward and I am the FOHN Lead on Accreditation. We hope you will find the information you need on the website and associated links, but please feel free to contact us at nurseaccreditation@som.org.uk
If you would like help in deciding which level of accreditation to go for please see these links. The Decision Tree is more visual, the Decision Guide asks step-by -step questions
The FOHN accreditation scheme is a way of getting your knowledge, skills and experience in OH nursing recognised. It supports your NMC revalidation and provides a framework for development throughout your career in occupational health.
It enables the occupational health nursing profession to be better recognised for good practice, create a development route for those nurses aspiring to or presently working at an advance level and endorse exceptional practice.
It is characterised by the following principles:
It is intended for those who aspire to join the FOHN Specialist Register as Specialists in Occupational Health Nursing in the UK and will be awarded to those applicants who can demonstrate that they meet our eligibility requirements and show the attributes expected of an occupational health nurse specialist.
The eligibility requirements are a mixture of educational attainment, experience, competence and other attributes. The initial accreditation period is three years.
Practitioner for nurses without specialist OH qualifications but with at least 2 years’ experience
Specialist for those with an NMC approved Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (Occupational Health) qualification, or a post graduate specialist qualification approved by FOHN and at least 2 years’ post qualification experience; or those without an approved qualification but who have 6 years or more experience and submit a portfolio.
Advanced Specialist for those with enhanced competency and commitment, and a minimum of 4 years’ post qualification experience.
Fellows are Advanced Specialists who have made an exceptional contribution to OH and are nominated by a FOHN committee member.
Go to the Decision Tree and Decision Assistant (buttons above) to see where you might fit on the four levels of accreditation, and from there follow the links for more specific guidance on each level.
You need to assess yourself against a checklist of the competencies needed to practice at each level, and submit evidence of your experience and learning. You will need to show competence in:
All the information you need is at https://www.som.org.uk/fohnigt/welcome.php, or contact nurseaccreditation@som.org.uk for further discussion or support
For all levels of accreditation the cost of the application and 3 years of your individual details in the directory is £60.
In 2026 we are offering free application plus additional mentoring and support for the first 15 applicants in each of the three accreditation levels.
If you are committed to having your professional knowledge, skills and experience in OH nursing recognised, and have the time to complete the requirements of the level, apply for a free place. Please ensure you have completed the Professional Competency Checklist and are applying at the correct level If you are ready to go email Diane Romano-Woodward at nurseaccreditation@som.org.uk.
Please include your full name as it appears on the NMC register, with your contact details and, in the subject line put your name and the level of accreditation you would like to apply for funding.
Explore the accreditation levels and review the pathway that best matches your occupational health experience and professional development.
Explore Accreditation Levels