NMC review suggests revalidation could be ‘more robust’

Early findings of the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC’s) review into revalidation suggest the process could be made ‘more robust and valuable’ for nurses and midwives.

Professor Donna O’Boyle, acting executive director of professional practice, presented the initial findings of the NMC’s reviews into its Code and revalidation processes to council members this week.

Feedback has found that several key areas should be added, strengthened or clarified in the Code, including patient safety, professional boundaries, digital communications, and staff wellbeing.

The review has also seen calls to ensure the Code supports professionals to challenge racism and discrimination in all forms, as well as how the Code can future proof the use of technological change and AI.

Related Article: Nursing in Practice takes general practice nurse pay concerns to Parliament

In terms of revalidation, Professor O’Boyle said findings suggested the process could be strengthened.

Introducing the initial findings to the council, Professor O’Boyle said: ‘Our overall initial findings are that revalidation has been successfully implemented and is well-established.

‘We are not proposing wholesale and radical changes to the requirements or processes due to stakeholder feedback and the constraints of our current legislation.

‘However, our findings indicate that we could strengthen revalidation to support public protection and make it more robust and valuable for professionals.’

Seven key lines of enquiry have been established following early feedback. Those are: the purpose of the revalidation, making it more robust, enabling access, strengthening links with Code and Standards, scope of practice, digital technology and artificial intelligence, and process, support and communications.

The initial findings of the review were well received by the NMC council, with many stating the report was ‘interesting’.

Related Article: NHSE sets out instructions for trusts on Band 5 nurse role review

However, one council member said she was ‘struck’ that the Code and revalidation had not been reviewed for over a decade.

Lay council member Anna Walker, the chair of Health Innovation South West and St George’s Hospital Charity in South London, said: ‘[The Code and Revalidation] is incredibly important and I was struck it was over 10 years since we reviewed the Code and I think there’s a message for the council going forward that we don’t leave it so long.’

Following the council noting the initial findings this week, any suggested amendments will return to the council on 21 July to consult on a new Code and associated guidance and a refreshed revalidation process.

There will then be a 12-week public consultation from the end of September running until December 2026 before a full report and consultation findings are brought back to the council in May next year.

It is hoped the updated Code and revalidation process will be approved by October 2027 with it starting to go live from April 2028, ensuring the first cohort of professionals have sufficient time to meet any new requirements.

Related Article: NMC unveils ‘anti-racism’ principles for nursing practice and education

Earlier this month, the NMC announced that its advisory groups, established to get professional and public input, will be prioritising equity, diversity and inclusion as part of its Code and revalidation process reviews.

Discussions will include the role of the Code and revalidation in raising awareness of EDI issues, how to make the process more accessible, and how the NMC can support professionals to uphold EDI and tackle inequalities.