The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) is the most senior adviser on nursing matters in a government. The CNOs in the United Kingdom are appointed to advise their respective governments: His Majesty's Government, the Northern Ireland Executive, the Scottish Government and the Welsh Government. Each CNO is assisted by one or more Deputy Chief Nursing Officers, and is complemented by a Chief Medical Officer.
The Chief Nursing Officer is based at the Department of Health (and its predecessors).
The Chief Nursing Officers for Scotland is based at the Scottish Government and previously at the Scottish Office.
The Chief Nursing Officer for Northern Ireland is based at the Department of Health (and its predecessors).