The Forum was established in 2004. Its membership comprises senior nurse leaders in practice, managerial, research and higher education roles. It aims to positively influence the strategic vision for the future delivery of mental health nursing in Scotland and contribute to the shaping of future national policy.

The Forum is committed to helping ensure that the profession is appropriately equipped in terms of value-base, knowledge, skills and competencies to meet the needs of mental health service users, their families and carers.

Central aspects of the Forum’s agenda are the identification of challenging issues facing mental health nursing and consideration of developing health and social care policy and its impact on the role and function of the profession. The Forum acted as the Expert Reference Group for the National Review of Mental Health Nursing in Scotland.