NMC takes next step towards faster and fairer Fitness to Practise hearings

A new campaign to recruit 140 Legally Qualified Chairs marks a significant milestone in the regulator’s wider programme of reform, helping complex cases progress more efficiently while maintaining robust, independent decision-making that protects the public and upholds confidence in nursing and midwifery.

The change follows the Council’s approval in April of new rules governing how FtP cases proceed and decisions are reached, ahead of wider reforms to the NMC’s legislation.

The rules, which come into force from 1 October, give the NMC the power to appoint Legally Qualified Chairs – qualified lawyers who can be solicitors, barristers or advocates.

Legally Qualified Chairs combine the roles of Panel Chair and Legal Assessor. Their legal expertise and case management experience mean they are well placed to manage complex legal issues, keep hearings focused and reduce unnecessary duplication by removing the need for a separate Legal Assessor under the current rules.

This approach is already used successfully by other healthcare regulators and supports timely, proportionate hearings while maintaining fairness and robust decision-making.

Ben Wesson, Chief of Staff at the NMC, said:

“Introducing Legally Qualified Chairs is part of our wider programme of reform to deliver a more efficient, effective and robust Fitness to Practise process.

“Appointing Legally Qualified Chairs removes unnecessary duplication, supports more consistent chairing of hearings and will enable the NMC to conduct proceedings more efficiently while maintaining the required legal standards.

“This is an exciting opportunity for people to use their legal expertise in public service and make an important contribution to protecting the public, maintaining confidence in the professions we regulate, and ensuring decisions are fair, proportionate, evidence-based and free from bias.”

Further information

• Applicants must have at least 10 years' post-qualification experience (PQE) as a solicitor, barrister or advocate.
• We also welcome applications from legal professionals who have at least nine years' PQE at the time this campaign closes and who will have attained 10 years' PQE by the time appointments are made.
• We particularly encourage interest from people whose backgrounds and perspectives are underrepresented at senior levels.
• Find out more and apply: Nursing and Midwifery Council: Legally Qualified Chairs - Inclusive Boards
• Applications close at 11:30am on Monday 5 October 2026.

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