NMC welcomes two new Council Associates

Our Council Associate scheme helps talented individuals to develop the knowledge and skills they need to become future non-executive directors. It’s an opportunity to gain first-hand experience of our Council’s role in setting the NMC’s strategic direction and holding its executive to account. 

Jabu has been the lead mental health nurse at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust since October 2020. His earlier roles include Head of Nursing and Interim Assistant Clinical Director at Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust, where he also chaired the Black and minority ethnic network. 

Navjot is currently working as the Head of Discipline for Midwifery, Children and Professional Practice at the University of Derby – a position she’s held since February 2021. She has previously held several academic nursing roles at the university, including Programme Leader and Admission Lead, and Senior Lecturer.  

Jabu and Navjot succeed Tracey MacCormack and Dr Gloria Rowland MBE, who had held the Associate roles since 2020, and completed their terms of office at the end of 2022.  

Sir David Warren, Chair of the Council, said: 

“I’m delighted to welcome Jabu and Navjot as our new Council Associates. Their knowledge, experience and perspectives will support our discussions and decisions as we work to uphold the safe, effective and kind care that people have a right to expect.      

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Tracey and Gloria for their contribution as Council Associates over the past two years. I know they have valued their time with us just as we have with them, and I hope our new Council Associates find the role every bit as rewarding.” 

Jabu Chikore, Council Associate, said: 

“I am truly honoured to be appointed as an Associate. I’m sure I will benefit from the experience and use it as an opportunity to help make our professions even better, for the benefit of people who use health and social care services. It is the culmination of all the hard work I have put in and shows you should dream big, then dream bigger.” 

Navjot Kaur Virk, Council Associate, said: 

“I am humbled and honoured for this exciting opportunity to engage with the Council to understand its full scope as a regulator. My personal values resonate well with the NMC's ambitious and forward-thinking attitude whilst being fair, kind and collaborative to serve the public and support the professionals on its register.” 

Further information 

• Council member appointments are made by the Privy Council, following an open, competitive selection process. The Associate appointments were made by the Council, following a similar open and competitive selection process. 
• More information about our Council is available on our website.  
• Jabu Chikore and Navjot Kaur Virk’s biographies are available to view on our website.  

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