NMC to present potential changes for new Code and Revalidation process next month

The NMC has been taking an evidence-based approach to reviewing these key regulatory tools since summer 2025, to ensure they reflect today’s health and social care landscape, the evolution of professional practice, and the ongoing expectations of the public, professionals and employers.

On 21 July, the regulator will seek approval from the Council to consult on the new Code and Revalidation process for three months, starting in September 2026.  

Ahead of this, the NMC is continuing engagement with professionals and partners in health and social care, as well as the public.

The regulator is hosting a series of roundtable events to gauge people’s views on which areas of the Code and Revalidation it could strengthen – including hearing from members of the public with lived experience of nursing and midwifery care.

This follows events with prescribers, midwives and social care nurses, with a further roundtable planned next week for nursing associates (register here).

Prominent themes being discussed include expectations around anti-discrimination and anti-racism – and the need to tackle racism and discrimination in all their forms in order to address health inequalities.

Discussions have also focused on the use of technology – including artificial intelligence – and the importance of the NMC’s standards being future-proofed for the rapid changes occurring in health and care, the public health agenda and wider societal changes.

Other topics for discussion have included behaviours outside of practice, including on social media, and what it means to live by the Code instead of being solely guided by it at work; as well as delegation and the duty of candour.

For Revalidation, the NMC has recently presented early ideas to key stakeholders – such as employers and professionals – including greater emphasis on professionals’ wellbeing, and considering how professionals should more strongly embed the Code and standards into their practice.

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

“As we form recommendations to reshape our Code and Revalidation process, it’s crucial that we continue to hear from a diverse range of voices and perspectives in all four countries of the UK.

“These regulatory tools fundamentally underpin safe and effective nursing and midwifery practice across the UK, and we’re strengthening them to help professionals provide the best possible care for the people and communities we’re here to serve – now and long into the future.

“We have received valuable feedback on elements such as the use of artificial intelligence, the embedding of equity, diversity and inclusion, and people’s behaviour outside of practice. It’s vital that the Code and Revalidation process reflect contemporary practice and meet the expectations of both professionals and the public.”

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