NMC seeks nursing leader to oversee Code and revalidation reviews

A senior nursing or midwifery leader is being sought by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to oversee its upcoming reviews of the Code and revalidation.

The NMC said it was searching for an independent chair to lead a stakeholder steering group consisting of professionals, employers and public representatives from across the UK to help ‘shape recommendations’ for a revised Code and revalidation.

The steering group has been tasked with reviewing the NMC’s professional Code and revalidation as part of a programme of work to ‘modernise future practice and support professionals on its register to deliver the best possible care for people’.

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It will guide the NMC’s research and engagement, and review any proposals before they are submitted to the regulator’s governing council for consideration.

The NMC said the reviews would ensure that both the Code and revalidation ‘reflect today’s health and social care landscape – from the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion to high profile inquiries and the progress of artificial intelligence’.

A revised Code and revalidation would also ‘reflect the evolving roles’ of those on the nursing register and ensure standards are in line with expectations of the public, professionals and employers.

Once possible changes have been explored, the NMC will carry out a public consultation between July and October 2026.

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The independent chair role is open to those with current registration or who have retired from the register in the past two years and applications close on 22 July 2025.

Donna O’Boyle, NMC acting executive director of professional practice, said: ‘The Code and revalidation support every professional on our register to deliver high-quality care and meet the evolving needs of the people they care for.

‘That’s why it’s vital we work closely with our partners, professionals and the public across the UK before making any changes.’

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She added: ‘These reviews will help ensure our standards keep pace with modern practice and public expectations.

‘The independent chair will bring a broad range of stakeholders together from all four countries of the UK, build consensus on the evidence, and shape recommendations that will define nursing and midwifery for years to come.’