On 9 July, we published an initial statement in response to the independent culture review of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) which found that people working in the organisation have experienced racism, discrimination and bullying, and evidence of safeguarding failures.
The NMC has accepted the review’s recommendations in full and committed to implementing a change programme. We have now been asked by the Government to establish an oversight and support group. This group will:
- receive regular updates on the NMC’s progress;
- scrutinise the impact of measures introduced by the NMC to improve its culture and performance; and
- provide insight and advice on further actions required.
The group will include Chief Nursing Officers from the four UK nations, representatives from trade unions, policy officials from the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Devolved Administrations, and relevant experts. The work to set up this group is underway.
In the meantime, we continue to closely monitor the NMC and have met with its Chair and Acting Chief Executive to discuss the initial actions the organisation is taking in response to the findings, and the development of its longer-term action plan.
We will consider the findings of the culture review as part of our assessment of the NMC’s performance for 2023/24. Alongside the culture review, Ijeoma Omambala KC had been commissioned by the NMC to conduct a review of some of its fitness to practise cases and its handling of whistleblowing concerns. That review is due to be published later this year and we will wait for its findings before we make a final decision about NMC’s performance for 2023/24.
We have discussed the culture review with the Chairs of the other regulators we oversee. We have asked the regulators to tell us about actions they are taking within their own organisations to assure themselves there are no similar concerns. We have also asked for details of the arrangements they have in place to support staff who speak up and to act on concerns. We will take further actions if we do not think their arrangements are effective.
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.
- More information about our work and the approach we take is available at www.professionalstandards.org.uk