NMC appoints ‘key addition’ to reformed executive board

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has appointed Chris Kinsella as interim executive director of resources and technology services.

He takes over from Tom Moore, who had been acting in the role.

A chartered accountant and fellow of the Association of International Accountants, Mr Kinsella has held senior finance roles across the public, private and third sectors.

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These include positions at Ofcom, Greater Manchester Police, Homes England and the British Council. He has also served as interim chief executive at the Chartered Management Institute.

Commenting on the appointment, Paul Rees, chief executive and registrar, said: ‘Ensuring the NMC is financially sustainable is crucial to our being able to carry out our key functions of protecting the public, maintaining confidence in the nursing and midwifery professions and upholding standards.

‘I believe that Chris will be a key addition to our reformed executive board, as we work hard to build a new NMC and ensure that we are the strong and independent regulator that everyone wants to see.’

If the NMC’s proposed new structure – which is currently out to consultation with staff – goes ahead, Mr Kinsella will become interim executive director of finance, leading a directorate covering finance, facilities and procurement.

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Mr Kinsella said: ‘I am delighted to be joining the reformed executive board of the NMC at this critical time and I recognise the importance of the work of this organisation.

‘I look forward to meeting as many colleagues as possible during the next few weeks.’

The NMC is also currently proposing a registration fee increase – the first in a decade. The proposal for a 17% fee hike would see nurses, midwives and nursing associates pay an extra £1.92 per month, equivalent to £23 a year. Those paying quarterly would part with an additional £5.75 every three months.

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The NMC said the fee increase will support faster and fairer fitness to practise (FtP) processes, quality assurance of nursing and midwifery education, a positive and anti-racist culture, and technology upgrades.

The regulator is also consulting on a series of proposed operational changes to its FtP processes and has separately announced plans to cut almost 150 jobs at the regulator amid a projected ‘financial gap’ of £24m this year.