Recent updates to the 2026/27 Network Contract DES mean that Advanced Nurse Practitioners are no longer required to hold a digital badge to be recruited through the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS).

What’s changed?

Previously, ANPs needed to either hold or be working towards a Centre for Advancing Practice digital badge to be eligible for ARRS-funded roles.

Under the latest guidance:

• The digital badge is no longer a mandatory requirement
• Primary Care Networks (PCNs) can use local discretion when recruiting
• Clinicians must still demonstrate they meet advanced practice capabilities in line with NHS England guidance

Why this matters

The digital badge requirement has been a point of contention across the sector:

• Many experienced ANPs were unable to access ARRS roles due to delays or barriers in the accreditation process
• Concerns were raised that the system did not fully reflect existing workforce competence
• Employers often faced reduced candidate pools, despite high service demand

The removal of the digital badge requirement should help ease some of the recruitment pressures facing primary care, while still maintaining expectations around safe and effective advanced practice.

Useful Links:

Nursing In Practice – Digital badge no longer mandatory for advanced practice nurses under ARRS

RCN – Advanced Level of Nursing