NMC appeals for ‘broader range of voices’ on practice learning consultation

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has urged more people – especially midwives, nursing associates and people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds – to complete its consultation on practice learning as it reaches the halfway mark.

While more than 3,000 people have shared their views on how the regulator can strengthen practice learning and modernise nursing and midwifery education, it has today appealed for ‘an even broader range of voices’ before the consultation closes on 23 July.

Proposals include a change to nursing programme hours, extending midwifery programmes, strengthening anti-racism and cultural competence in education, and requiring nursing students to complete at least one community practice learning experience.

Related Article: New mothers turning to health visitors and midwives for feeding help, major survey shows

The regulator said it was important that it received feedback from across the nursing and midwifery professions, as well as those receiving care.

In particular, it is encouraging more responses from midwives, nursing associates and people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, to ensure the final standards ‘reflect the breadth and diversity of the professions, and the people they care for’.

It is also seeking greater participation from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland so any changes are ‘shaped by UK-wide perspectives’, it said.

The proposals were put together following research by the NMC between 2024 and 2025. According to the regulator, it found that while many students have positive practice placements, the quality of practice learning can vary.

Alongside the consultation, the NMC has been engaging with stakeholders and has been promoting the consultation at events such as the Royal College of Nursing Congress (RCN), held last month in Liverpool, and NHS ConfedExpo being held in Manchester this week.

Related Article: New QICN faculty and network for health and justice nursing

It has also held discussions with its independent steering group, student advisory group and public advisory group, and representatives have taken part in a series of webinars and engagement events across the UK.

NMC’s acting executive director of professional practice Professor Donna O’Boyle said: ‘These proposals are about making sure that nursing and midwifery education keeps pace with the realities of modern health and care, and that students are able to access the high-quality practice learning they need to become confident, capable professionals.

‘They include important and thought-provoking proposals to support more consistent and inclusive student experiences – all shaped by what we have heard from students, professionals, educators, stakeholders and the public.

Related Article: Updated anti-racism and ‘cultural competence’ training to be mandatory for all NHS staff

‘It’s important that we hear from the full breadth and depth of our professions, as well as those receiving care, to ensure our standards support high-quality, person-centred care for everyone.’

To help people understand the proposals further, the NMC will host a public webinar on 2 July, where attendees will be able to learn more about potential changes and ask questions.