NMC improving timeliness of Fitness to Practise hearings

New audio recording, camera and microphone technology will be used at the regulator’s hearings centres in London and Edinburgh. The improvements will minimise delays caused by technical issues and will create a more seamless experience for hybrid hearings.

The NMC has also made further investments in its Hearings team. A new training and engagement plan has been introduced to support a positive working culture with improved collaboration – enabling hearings to be prepared for, and delivered, more effectively.

Meanwhile, a new induction programme has sped up the training pathway for Hearings Coordinators – while continuing to equip them with the skills to manage all types of hearings efficiently.

All these changes are helping the regulator to run hearings more effectively – improving the experience for registrants and other case parties. This is reflected in positive feedback from panel members, with many highlighting the professionalism and capability of the Hearings team.

Lesley Maslen, Executive Director of Professional Regulation, said:

“While we’ve made great strides in the timeliness of our casework at Screening, we’re also investing in improvements to our Adjudications service – an important step in strengthening the fairness, consistency and efficiency of our Fitness to Practise processes.

“By enhancing our technology and investing in our people, we’re ensuring that hearings are a better experience for everyone involved – which will also translate into more timely resolution of cases.”

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