Hannah Barnard

With extensive experience as a nurse specialising in Head & Neck and Accident & Emergency care, Hannah brings a wealth of knowledge to healthcare education. She has a broad background in teaching undergraduate and newly qualified nurses, internationally recruited staff, and postgraduate professionals across nursing, allied health professions (AHPs), and medical roles. Her focus lies in clinical skills development, simulation-based learning, and debriefing, with a strong emphasis on fostering psychological safety.  

Hannah has led training programmes on human factors and non-technical skills through simulation, consistently creating a psychologically safe environment that encourages open communication, active learning, and collaboration. She believes psychological safety is critical for healthcare teams, as it allows individuals to express concerns, learn from mistakes, and innovate without fear of negative consequences. By prioritising this safe learning environment, Hannah has empowered healthcare professionals to develop confidence and improve patient care outcomes.  

An experienced debriefer, Hannah uses evidence-based frameworks to facilitate reflective practice, ensuring that teams learn from both successes and challenges in a constructive manner. Additionally, she has been instrumental in developing simulation communities of practice, contributing to the growth of collaborative learning networks.  

In 2023, Hannah transitioned to a Senior Lecturer role at Leeds Trinity University, where she leads clinical skills and simulation teaching. She has played a key role in designing and implementing simulated practice learning placements, enhancing hands-on learning opportunities for nursing students.  

Hannah’s personal and professional values are rooted in compassion, empathy, and authenticity. She believes in leading with kindness, fostering a culture of psychological safety, and embracing feedback to drive meaningful culture change in healthcare, creating a more supportive and inclusive working environment. 

Key qualifications:

• Adult Nursing (ADNS) 

• NHS Leadership Academy – Mary Seacole Leadership Program  

• Supporting Learners in Practice Certification  

• SAGE & THYME Communication Skills Training  

• Leeds Excellence in Practice  

• Postgraduate Certificate in Health Professional Education (PGCert)  

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)  

• Certified Mental Health First Aider