NMC seeking four new Council members on journey towards becoming stronger regulator

The Council sets the NMC’s strategic direction, takes key decisions and makes sure the regulator fulfils its duty to protect the public.

It is made up of twelve members: six lay people (those who have never been on the Register) and six nurses or midwives, from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, all appointed by the Privy Council.

The NMC is looking for:

• Two registrants – including at least one midwife – who have extensive experience of operating at Board level, and are professionally capable with the required experience, knowledge, skills and independence to enable them to perform the duties effectively
• Two lay people, who have extensive experience of operating at Board level, bringing about transformational change, and who can demonstrate a mix of governance expertise, strategic vision, and specialised competencies for undertaking a Trustee role.

One registrant and one lay member would join the Council from 1 February 2027, before one registrant and one lay member joins from 1 April 2027.

To reflect the diversity of the professionals that the NMC regulates and the public it is here to protect, the regulator is particularly keen to hear from people with the right skills and expertise from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds.

Applications are open to people from across the four countries of the UK.

Ron Barclay-Smith, Chair of the Council, said:

“The Council is united in its commitment to improve how we protect the public, maintain standards in the nursing and midwifery professions and, indeed, to improve the way the NMC delivers its responsibilities.

“As part of that renewal process, we are looking for four highly-committed individuals to join the Council of the NMC.

“Our Council membership must be of the highest quality both to oversee the complex changes in professional regulation and to ensure that the NMC’s executive delivers the right standard of services in order to protect the public. I look forward to receiving applications from those with the experience, knowledge and skills to come with us on this journey.”

Further information

• To learn more about the roles and to apply, visit the following microsite.
• Applications should be received by 12:00 noon on Friday 2 October 2026.
• Prospective applicants can watch our latest webinar - hosted by our Chair of Council, Chief Executive and Registrar, and a current Council member, to hear more about the NMC, the role of the Council and what it's like to be a Council member.

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