Association of Nephrology Nurses UK to join with the UK Kidney Association

The UK Kidney Association (UKKA) and the Association of Nephrology Nurses UK (ANN UK) have agreed the next step in their long-standing partnership, with ANN UK joining the UKKA as a recognised professional group.

Nurses are central to the delivery of kidney care across the UK. This transition strengthens multi-professional collaboration and ensures that nursing continues to have a clear, supported voice within a single professional home for the UK kidney workforce.

What this means

• ANN UK will retain its professional identity and role within UKKA governance structures
• ANN UK members will transfer to UKKA membership, with consent, and retain their existing membership duration
• Nursing representation will continue within committees and educational activities through an inclusive, multidisciplinary approach
• Existing ANN UK communities of practice, networks and specialist activity will continue and be supported within UKKA structures

This agreement formalises what has already been a strong working relationship. It creates greater stability, clearer infrastructure and improved access to education, events, policy engagement and professional development opportunities.

For nursing colleagues, this means continuity of benefits, stronger integration into national conversations on kidney policy and quality improvement, and access to the full range of UKKA activity, networks and working with other professional groups.

For the wider membership, it reinforces the UKKA’s commitment to being a truly multi-professional association - supporting doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, scientists, trainees and the wider kidney team.

Further updates will be shared over the coming months as this collaboration progresses, including practical information for members where relevant.

As ANN UK President, I am really excited about the prospect of developing a closer relationship with UKKA.  I am really proud to be part of such a multi-disciplinary kidney community and am committed to the nursing voice being strong within that.  I firmly believe that working collaboratively across professional groups is the best way to ensure that nursing contributes to and influences key conversations within kidney care.  I also believe that the UKKA is the vehicle through which that aspiration can become a reality.  I look forward to seeing how the more formal relationship between ANN UK and UKKA develops for the benefit of both organisations.

Sarah Brand, ANN UK President & Executive Committee Chair

“The UK Kidney Association exists to provide a professional home for the whole kidney workforce. Strengthening our relationship with the Association of Nephrology Nurses UK reflects a shared ambition to support nephrology nurses at every stage of their careers and ensure that nursing expertise is embedded in the conversations that shape kidney care. This closer alignment creates a stronger platform for collaboration, influence and impact across the UK kidney community.”

Katie Vinen & Clare Morlidge, UKKA Presidents