Whistleblowers have a vital part to play in highlighting concerns. It is important that when disclosures are made, they are taken seriously, handled sensitively and looked into properly to identify where action is needed.
We are aware of a whistleblowing concern and the serious issues raised. The NMC is investigating these, and we are unable to comment on an open investigation. We will be monitoring this as part of our oversight of the NMC and will review how it handles the issues raised. We will also be talking to the Charity Commission.
We have offered to meet with the whistleblower to discuss their concerns.
At the PSA our role in overseeing the 10 statutory health and social care regulators includes conducting performance reviews to check how well the regulators are protecting the public and promoting confidence in health and social care professions. We consider a range of information, including that shared with us by individuals, as we undertake our regular reviews of the regulators’ performance. We also check regulators’ final fitness to practise decisions to make sure that they are sufficient to protect the public.
ENDS
Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care
Contact: media@professionalstandards.org.uk
Notes to the Editor
- The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care oversees 10 statutory bodies that regulate health and social care professionals in the UK.
- We assess their performance and report to Parliament. We also conduct audits and investigations and can appeal fitness to practise cases to the courts if we consider that sanctions are insufficient to protect the public and it is in the public interest.
- We also set standards for organisations holding voluntary registers for health and social care occupations and accredit those that meet them.
- We share good practice and knowledge, conduct research and introduce new ideas to our sector. We monitor policy developments in the UK and internationally and provide advice on issues relating to professional standards in health and social care.
- We do this to promote the health, safety and wellbeing of users of health and social care services and the public. We are an independent body, accountable to the UK Parliament.
- Our values are – integrity, transparency, respect, fairness and teamwork – and we strive to ensure that they are at the core of our work.
- You can read our latest performance review of the NMC here.
- More information about our work and the approach we take is available at www.professionalstandards.org.uk