NMC welcomes Duncan Burton as new Chief Nursing Officer for England
Published on 25 July 2024
Duncan Burton has been named as the next Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for England, as Dame Ruth May steps down after five years.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Helen Herniman, NMC Acting Chief Executive and Registrar, said:
“On behalf of the NMC, I want to congratulate Duncan on being appointed the new Chief Nursing Officer for England and wish him every success in the role. With more than 25 years of dedicated service, Duncan has been an exemplary nurse leader, committed to improving people’s health and wellbeing.
“We’ve greatly appreciated his collaboration with us on key issues, including addressing concerns about computer based testing and supporting the workforce. We look forward to continuing this collaboration as we work urgently to deliver a step change in our culture and performance, for the benefit of the nursing and midwifery professions and the public we serve.
“I’d also like to thank Dame Ruth May for all that she achieved during her tenure, and for 40 years of unwavering commitment to the NHS. Ruth has displayed outstanding leadership for the professions, particularly through the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Sir David Warren, Chair of the Council, said:
“I congratulate Duncan on this well-deserved appointment. Duncan’s wealth of experience and drive to deliver positive change for people’s care will be invaluable. I am grateful for his support of the NMC in the past and am sure we will only benefit from this going forward.
“On behalf of the Council, I would like to express our deep thanks to Dame Ruth for 40 years of exceptional service. She has left an enduring legacy that will be remembered for years to come.”
Other recent news…
NMC consults on raising registration fee for first time in 10 years
Published on 03 November 2025
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has today (3 November) launched a 12-week public consultation on proposals to raise the annual registration fee for nurs
NMC pilots new approach to first contact with registrants referred to fitness to practise
Published on 28 October 2025
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is piloting more individualised, empathetic communication and support to improve the experience of registrants referred
NMC condemns racism against nurses on ITV’s Good Morning Britain
Published on 27 October 2025
Paul Rees MBE, NMC Chief Executive and Registrar, appeared on ITV’s Good Morning Britain (GMB) this morning, giving his reaction to shocking data from the Royal
