<p>The government’s modernisation agenda is challenging traditional practice by introducing new roles and concepts to meet the increasing healthcare needs of the older population and those with long-term conditions. Over the past two years several national pilots have been trialled to examine different models of managing care for these groups. One is the Evercare™ model, a case management approach to the delivery of care in the community for older people. This article focuses on a cohort of 12 nurses from three local primary care trusts who participated in the national Evercare™ pilot project from July 2003-April 2005. It examines the context for change, explores and appraises the development of a new role, and evaluates the educational partnership developed with a local university.</p>