Independent historical reviews

We have published two independent historical reviews looking at:

• Our handling of 20 fitness to practise (FtP) cases from 2018–2023 raised by a whistleblower.
• Our treatment of the whistleblower who raised those concerns.

Both reviews provide reassurance and valuable learning to inform our ongoing improvement.

Summary findings

Fitness to practise cases review

We reached the right regulatory outcome in 19 of the cases reviewed. There was a poor outcome in one case but the individual in that case left the register, so there was no remaining public protection concern.

In some cases we took an overly restrictive approach to what may constitute misconduct, particularly where the behaviours in question occurred in registrants’ private lives. This was due to inadequate decision-making guidance on ‘private life’ cases in use at the time.

In February 2024, we strengthened our guidance for FtP decision makers on the importance of taking into account concerns arising in registrants’ private lives, as well as in their professional roles. This includes concerns about sexual misconduct, domestic abuse and discrimination.

Our updated guidance makes clear that we treat concerns of this nature extremely seriously, whether they occur within or outside a professional setting.

Whistleblower handling review

We responded appropriately to the whistleblower, in line with our policy in use at the time, and there was no evidence of detriment being suffered by them.

The policy in use at the time was fit for purpose. However, it gave an unrealistic assurance about the extent to which we could maintain a whistleblower’s confidentiality internally.

While our whistleblowing policy, in place at the time, was fit for purpose – our new Raising Concerns Policy, introduced this summer, strengthens the protections for whistleblowers even further. It clarifies where confidentiality can and cannot be fully maintained, and provides additional clarity on how we will handle concerns.

Read the reports

Independent review of the NMC’s regulatory handling of fitness to practise cases raised by a whistleblower, by NMC colleagues, and in the media (Cymraeg)

Report into Nursing and Midwifery Councils handling of concerns raised by a whistleblower and treatment of the whistleblower (Cymraeg)

Easy read versions of these documents will be published soon. Easy reads are designed to support people with learning disabilities and anyone who finds reading difficult.