Why is the Group needed?
In July 2024, the findings of an independent culture review into the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) were published. The review was conducted by Nazir Afzal OBE and Rise Associates, who were commissioned by the NMC after serious concerns about its culture were raised by a whistleblower in 2023. The review found evidence of safeguarding failures and that people working in the organisation have experienced racism and other forms of discrimination and bullying.
The NMC has accepted all the review’s recommendations for improvement and has committed to a programme of culture change. The NMC Independent Oversight Group will receive regular updates on the NMC’s progress, scrutinise the impact of measures it introduces to improve its culture and performance, and provide insight and advice on any further actions required.
The NMC has also commissioned two additional independent investigations into the whistleblowing concerns. Led by Ijeoma Omambala KC, the first of these is looking into the organisation’s handling of the fitness to practise cases raised through whistleblowing concerns and other routes. The second is looking into the organisation’s handling of the disclosures, including whether the whistleblower was treated fairly. The NMC has published the Terms of Reference for these investigations.
The Group will consider the findings of the Omambala KC investigations once published, expected to be later this year.
How will the Group work?
The NMC Independent Oversight Group currently includes the following members:
- Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (Chair & Secretariat)
- Chief Midwifery Officer, England
- Chief Midwifery Officer, Northern Ireland
- Chief Midwifery Officer, Scotland
- Chief Midwifery Officer, Wales
- Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care
- Chief Nursing Officer, England
- Chief Nursing Officer, Northern Ireland
- Chief Nursing Officer, Scotland
- Chief Nursing Officer, Wales
- Department for Health and Social Care, England
- Department of Health, Northern Ireland
- Nursing & Midwifery Council (Chair, Acting Chief Executive, and Employee Forum Co-Chair)
- Royal College of Midwives
- Royal College of Nursing
- Scottish Government
- UNISON (recognised trade union for NMC staff and representative body for NMC registrants)
- Unite the union
- Welsh Government
The Group had its first meeting on 9 September 2024. The main item of discussion was the Terms of Reference for this work, which will be finalised and published here soon. Additional members with expertise relevant to the Terms of Reference, including groups representing patient interests, will also be joining the Group shortly.
The second meeting took place on 2 October 2024 (you can see notes of meetings opposite). The Group will continue to meet regularly to scrutinise the NMC’s progress.
Further information
You can read more about how we are responding to the findings of the independent culture review of the NMC in our latest statement.
We will provide updates as further information becomes available. If you have any questions about the NMC Independent Oversight Group or related work, please contact NMCIOG@professionalstandards.org.uk.