NMC appoints chair for Code and revalidation steering group

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has appointed a chair to the independent steering group for its ongoing reviews of the Code and revalidation.

The NMC is currently working to ‘modernise’ its Code and revalidation guidance, with a new focus on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), behaviour outside of professional practice, and registrant’s use of social media.

Professor Sharon Arkell has been appointed chair of the group, having previously worked as a registered nurse in the NHS and in higher education for the past 20 years.

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Most recently, Professor Arkell was Dean of the Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing at the University of Wolverhampton.

She has a particular interest in healthcare regulation and has acted as co-chair of the Council of Deans of Health Regulation Strategic Policy Group for three years. She is also a leader in healthcare education policy and was recently awarded an MBE for her services to higher education.

Professor Arkell said that the reviews of the Code and revalidation were a ‘tremendous opportunity’ to inform nursing and midwifery practice and meet the future health needs of the UK’s four nations.

‘It’s vital that we work together with professionals, the public and other partners to deliver an updated Code and revalidation that support the best possible care.

‘I’m honoured to take on this role and look forward to working with NMC colleagues and our stakeholders as the reviews progress,’ she said.

Professor Arkell will lead a stakeholder steering group consisting of professionals, employers and public representatives from across the UK.

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The group will guide the NMC’s research and engagement and help review any proposals before they are submitted to the governing Council for consideration.

The NMC has said it plans to consult on the changes to its Code and revalidation process between July and October 2026.

Professor Donna O’Boyle, NMC acting executive director of professional practice, said the reviews will ensure the NMC’s standards ‘keep pace with changes’ in health and care and ‘meet the expectations’ of both patients and the public.

‘Professor Arkell’s wealth of experience and expertise make her the right person for this crucial role chairing the independent steering group.

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‘I look forward to working with her and our stakeholders across the four countries of the UK, who we will invite to join the steering group over the course of these landmark reviews,’ Professor O’Boyle said.

The NMC is currently inviting professionals, students, employers and the public to inform its Code and revalidation process via a survey that will close at the end of this month.