Carli Whittaker, UK Head of Nursing Practice Children and Young People

Carli is the UK Head of Nursing Practice for Children and Young People at the Royal College of Nursing and the Immediate Past President of PCCS. Originally from Sydney, Australia, she qualified and practised as a registered nurse before relocating to the UK with the intention of travelling for two years- more than 20 years ago.

Carli is dual‑qualified as both an adult and paediatric nurse, with a specialist focus on Paediatric Critical Care. Her extensive professional experience is underpinned by a PhD exploring children’s nursing and the challenges associated with nurse retention.

In addition to her expertise in paediatric critical care, Carli has strong professional interests in education, simulation, children and young people’s leadership, and addressing health inequalities affecting children and young people. She is passionate about raising the profile and broadening the scope of children’s nursing both in the UK and internationally.

Carli works collaboratively with the NHS, the private and independent sectors, and professional, statutory, and regulatory bodies to advance nursing practice and improve outcomes for children and young people.