Professor Sharon Arkell MBE to lead Code and revalidation steering group

After working as a registered nurse in the NHS, Professor Arkell moved into higher education in 1998. For the past 20 years she has worked at the University of Wolverhampton in a variety of roles, most recently serving as Dean of the Faculty of Education, Health & Wellbeing.

She has a particular interest in healthcare regulation and has acted as the co-chair of the Council of Deans of Health Regulation Strategic Policy Group for three years. She is a national leader in healthcare education and policy, and was recently awarded an MBE in recognition of her outstanding services to higher education.

The Code comprises the professional standards that nurses, midwives and nursing associates must uphold. The three-yearly revalidation process supports professionals to reflect on the role of the Code in their practice and demonstrate how they are living the standards it sets out.

Our reviews will ensure that the Code and revalidation reflect the evolving health and social care landscape – including advances in areas such as equality, diversity and inclusion, artificial intelligence and learning from high-profile inquiries.

Professor Arkell will lead a stakeholder steering group consisting of professionals, employers and public representatives from across the UK. The group will guide our research and engagement and review any proposals before they are submitted to our governing Council for consideration.

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

“The Code and revalidation guide every nurse, midwife and nursing associate in their practice. With practice constantly evolving, our reviews will ensure that our standards keep pace with changes in the way health and care are delivered, and continue to meet the expectations of patients and the public.

“Professor Arkell’s wealth of experience and expertise make her the right person for this crucial role chairing the independent steering group. I look forward to working with her and our stakeholders across the four countries of the UK, who we will invite to join the steering group over the course of these landmark reviews.”

Professor Sharon Arkell MBE, Chair of the independent steering group for the Code and revalidation, said:

“The NMC’s Code and revalidation reviews are a tremendous opportunity to shape nursing and midwifery practice, ensuring that professionals are equipped to meet the population’s future health and care needs in all four countries of the UK.

“It’s vital that we work together with professionals, the public and other partners to deliver an updated Code and revalidation that support the best possible care. I’m honoured to take on this role and look forward to working with NMC colleagues and our stakeholders as the reviews progress.”

Other recent news…