NMC tech upgrades to enable more timely Fitness to Practise hearings

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has completed a full upgrade of the technology used across all 18 of its hearing rooms in London and Edinburgh, introducing improvements designed to enhance accessibility and support more timely Fitness to Practise (FtP) adjudications.

The regulator has modernised its physical and virtual hearing infrastructure with a series of changes intended to improve audio quality, strengthen hybrid hearing capability and reduce delays. The upgrades include wired and wireless microphones to improve digital audio recording, integrated Microsoft Teams functionality to support hybrid hearings, larger screens to ensure remote participants can be clearly seen, and hearing loop systems to improve accessibility for people using hearing aids.

The NMC began rolling out the new technology in April and has since received positive feedback from panel members and hearing coordinators, who report smoother hybrid hearings and quicker setup and resumption of proceedings.

Glenn Mathieson, Deputy Director of Professional Regulation, said the upgrades form part of the organisation’s wider programme to build a “new NMC” with processes that are accessible, reliable and fit for the future. He emphasised that FtP adjudications can be distressing for those involved, and that the regulator aims to avoid additional stress caused by technical issues. Mathieson said the improvements will support continuity of proceedings and contribute to more timely outcomes, aligning with the NMC’s commitment to delivering a faster and fairer FtP process.

A Lay Panel Chair also welcomed the changes, noting that the upgraded systems have significantly improved communication and effectiveness during hearings involving virtual attendance, creating a more professional and comfortable environment for registrants, witnesses and legal representatives.

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