NMC reduces screening caseload to lowest level in five years

The number of fitness to practise (FtP) referrals at screening – the initial assessment stage of the fitness to practise process – has fallen below 2,000 for the first time in five years.

New data from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) show that the screening caseload stood at 1,983 referrals at the end of July – the lowest level since July 2020.

This was achieved despite 633 new concerns being referred to the NMC in the same month. Through careful prioritisation and teamwork, we kept pace and resolved 724 screening cases in July, continuing to reduce the overall caseload.

Lesley Maslen, NMC Executive Director of Professional Regulation, said:

"The news that our caseload at screening has fallen to its lowest level in five years illustrates the ongoing momentum of our plan for fitness to practise. It shows our commitment to making more timely decisions so that people spend less time in our processes, either because we resolve the concern early or progress it to a full investigation more rapidly.

"We will build on this progress, working not only to improve timeliness but also people's experience of fitness to practise. We are working to make our processes more compassionate, supportive and straightforward. This is a cornerstone of wider efforts to build a new NMC that is a fair, effective and trusted regulator."

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