NMC spotlights EDI in Code and revalidation reviews

The NMC’s three advisory groups are designed to help the regulator get the right professional and public input as it seeks to modernise these key regulatory tools.

This week, the Student and Recently Registered Advisory Group, and the Breadth of Practice Advisory Group, will consider how stronger, clearer language on EDI could be embedded in the Code.

They will also discuss the role of the Code and revalidation in promoting cultural competency, anti-racism and unconscious bias awareness, and inclusivity through clear expectations of professional behaviours in nursing and midwifery.

Additionally, the groups will consider how to make the revalidation process as accessible as possible, including for internationally educated professionals and professionals with disabilities.

Members of the Public Advisory Group have previously explored how the Code and revalidation process can support professionals to uphold EDI and tackle persistent health inequalities.

These latest discussions come after 40% of respondents to the NMC’s widest survey of nursing and midwifery professionals said they had experienced discrimination in the past year.

Meanwhile, respondents to the NMC’s recent Code and revalidation survey last year stressed the importance of challenging racism and other forms of discrimination.

Prof Donna O’Boyle MBE, Acting Executive Director of Professional Practice, said:

“There is a clear call for more to be done to root out racism and other forms of discrimination in health and social care. As an anti-racist regulator, we have a duty to ensure our regulatory tools can help professionals to challenge these unacceptable behaviours and foster equity, diversity and inclusion in practice.

“The feedback we from receive from our surveys, engagement and wider research are a vital part of our Code and revalidation reviews, all of which will be considered before we propose any changes, so we are grateful to our key advisory groups and other partners for their ongoing support.

“The health and social care landscape is rapidly evolving. We must future-proof our standards to ensure professionals can continue to deliver the safe, high quality and compassionate care that people and communities will expect.”

The NMC will continue extensive engagement with professionals, the public and stakeholders before consulting in September 2026.

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