Safeguarding team supports more than 700 people involved in NMC fitness to practise cases

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) says more than 700 nurses, midwives, nursing associates, witnesses and referrers received wellbeing‑focused safeguarding support while involved in fitness to practise proceedings over the past year.

According to the regulator, its safeguarding team now reviews every fitness to practise referral to identify potential risks to people’s safety or wellbeing. Where concerns are identified, the team can intervene directly or coordinate support from emergency services, mental health professionals or social care teams. Staff can also access an internal emergency advice line for urgent guidance.

The NMC said the approach is designed to make the fitness to practise process safer and more person‑centred at a time when the organisation is managing historically high caseloads. More than 7,000 cases were open at the end of the last financial year, with the Professional Standards Authority previously warning that delays and procedural pressures can heighten distress for those involved.

The regulator reported that safeguarding interventions ranged from wellbeing checks to urgent referrals for external support, with the aim of preventing harm and ensuring vulnerable people are not left without assistance while navigating the regulatory process.

The NMC said it will continue expanding the safeguarding function as part of wider reforms to improve the experience of registrants and others engaged in fitness to practise proceedings.

Disclaimer: The accuracy and information of news stories published on this website is accurate on the date of publishing. We endeavour to update stories if information change. You can contact us with change and update requests. Where possible, we will link to sources. Content on this website is for guidance purposes only. We cannot accept any responsibility or liability whatsoever for any action taken, or not taken. You should seek the appropriate legal advice having regard to your own particular circumstances.