NMC sets out programme of work to support nursing and midwifery practice

• We will start work to modernise the Code and revalidation in 2025–2026. We will aim to consult between July and October 2026. The modernised Code and revalidation process will come into effect in October 2027.
• We will consult on changes to our practice learning requirements between February and March 2026. If the outcome of our review indicates the need to update our standards, we would look to transition to new standards from September 2026.
• We are rephasing our work on advanced practice:
  • We will take Principles for Advanced Practice to the next Council meeting on 26 March.
  • We will develop standards for advanced practice for consultation later than planned, in the 2027–2028 financial year (April to March).
  • We will consider requirements for Advanced Practitioners as part of the Code and revalidation reviews.

A modernised Code will set clearer standards in areas where practice has changed over the past decade. This is likely to include areas such as equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), artificial intelligence, behaviour outside of professional practice and use of social media.

We will review our revalidation requirements to ensure they continue to support professionals to develop their practice in line with our Code and standards. Our review will draw on our learning from nine years of the current revalidation model, from independent inquiries and from whistleblowing investigations.

We will consider requirements for advanced practitioners as part of the Code and revalidation reviews. Meanwhile, we will continue into the next phase of our practice learning review, progressing the five key lines of enquiry that our Council recently approved.

Paul Rees, NMC Interim Chief Executive and Registrar, said:

“All four areas of work – the Code, revalidation, practice learning and advanced practice – are fundamental to nursing and midwifery professional practice, and will ensure we protect the public through modernised standards. We are sequencing the work to make sure we can collaborate widely and effectively with our stakeholders and the public.

“Our standards must reflect the significant changes that have impacted on health and care delivery in recent years, from EDI to the Covid-19 pandemic, high profile inquiries and the progress of artificial intelligence. The core regulatory work we are delivering will support the professionals on our register to continue delivering safe and effective care in this changing context.”

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