NMC Code feedback sees AI, anti-racism and wellbeing among key themes

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has received over 12,500 responses to its ongoing Code and revalidation review survey, with early feedback calling for greater focus on digital technology, staff wellbeing and tackling discrimination.

The survey remains open until the end of 2025, with consultation planned for September 2026.

Respondents so far have signalled they want clearer standards on the safe use of artificial intelligence (AI) in practice and stronger guidance on professional boundaries when using social media and digital tools.

Many also want greater emphasis on challenging racism and other forms of discrimination – from both colleagues and those using services – with equity, diversity and inclusion seen as essential to addressing health inequalities.

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Others have called for a Code that recognises the importance of self-care and supports decision-making when services are under pressure.

The NMC emphasised that it has signed the Unison Anti-Racism Charter and committed to removing ethnicity-based disparities in regulatory processes by 2030, including disproportionate Fitness to Practise (FtP) referrals.

The regulator also highlighted its intention to increase ethnic diversity among panel members.

On revalidation, professionals have expressed a desire for more guidance on continuing professional development and the confirmation process, as well as more flexibility to suit individual circumstances.

Professor Donna O’Boyle, acting executive director of professional practice at the NMC, said: ‘It’s clear from the initial findings of our survey that nurses, midwives and nursing associates want us to invest in a modernised Code and revalidation guidance to account for the rapidly evolving world of digital technology, including artificial intelligence.

‘People also want to see our standards play a greater role in helping them to challenge discrimination.’

Professor O’Boyle emphasised that the NMC ‘stands firmly against’ racism and other forms of discrimination. ‘So it’s vital that our new Code supports nurses, midwives and nursing associates to challenge these behaviours,’ she added.

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The review forms a push for wider changes funded by a proposed registration fee increase – the first in a decade – announced earlier this month.

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.

The NMC said the fee increase will support faster and fairer 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.

Among the proposals are powers to appoint ‘legally qualified’ chairs to its FtP committee panels as well as several technical changes to how the FtP process is run, including giving shorter notice of hearings and the ability to send information to registrants online.

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The regulator said the proposed changes are intended to help ‘improve our processes to be faster and fairer for everyone involved’.

The NMC has also announced a pilot initiative to test ‘a more human approach’ to its FtP communication process in the hope of improving its initial interactions with people.