Positive feedback from employers as NMC calls for more to use its employer advice line

Employers and managers can discuss a potential concern about a professional’s fitness to practise with a Regulation Adviser from our specialist Employer Link Service (ELS) team. Advisers provide tailored advice, based on the specific circumstances, to support employers to manage a concern in the most appropriate way.

Most concerns can be resolved locally. Early intervention through our advice line helps employers manage concerns fairly and proportionately – avoiding referrals (new concern raised) that are not necessary and could be best managed by the employer.

At the NMC, we want to continue working with all health and social care employers – including independent providers and agencies – to make sure referrals are made fairly and only when necessary.

In 2024-2025, we received 1,152 requests for advice about potential fitness to practise concerns. Only 60% of those required a fitness to practise referral. Of the 248 employers who completed an evaluation form following a call, 100% said they would call again for support.

• 95% of callers said they were ‘very satisfied’ that the support they received met their needs.
• 94% of callers said the advice would help them manage professional concerns in the future.

Employers who completed our evaluation forms have also spoken highly about the service by the ELS team. One describing the advice line as an “Excellent service and very informative, compassionate and caring staff”.

Another commented: “[The RA] was extremely helpful, empathetic and informative – I couldn't have asked for more.”

ELS has been operating since 2016 to build effective regulatory relationships with employers and other stakeholders across the UK.

A key aim is to provide employers with advice on making the right referrals, at the right time with the right information, and to ensure that professionals are supported throughout the process.

High quality and appropriate referrals ensure we can take action swiftly and safely – helping us reach fairer, quicker outcomes for professionals and the public.

Kellie Green, Assistant Director for National and Regional Outreach at the NMC, said:

“Our outreach service provides vital, and valued, support for all employers.

“Working in partnership with employers across the UK, we can support them to make fair and appropriate referral decisions. We can also keep them updated on the progress of their referrals, and help to reduce unnecessary delays as the concern progresses through our fitness to practise process.

“I would encourage all employers and managers to call our advice line, before referring any midwife, nurse or nursing associate. We can help you make a fair and appropriate referral decision and support you in making any necessary referral.”

Further information

• Employer resource hub
• Employers can find out who their regional adviser is

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