Context, convergence and contingency: political leadership for nursing.

AIM: This paper attempts to illuminate some of the factors necessary to influence policy, using recent changes in the UK research policy as a case study. BACKGROUND: Changes in the UK research policy have shown how the profession can successfully influence a government agenda. METHODS: The paper critically reviews recent UK research policy with relevance for nursing. RESULTS: Successful policy change in nursing requires a contingent alignment of professional and governmental agendas. CONCLUSIONS: Although nursing research has made significant gains over the last 10 years, there is need for the continued development of politically minded research leadership, lest these gains be lost.