NMC reports major progress in building a positive, inclusive culture one year into transformation plan

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) says it is making “significant progress” in improving its organisational culture, one year after launching its three‑year Culture Transformation Plan. The programme aims to create a more connected, inclusive and anti‑racist regulator, with work focused on leadership, values‑based decision‑making, equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), psychological safety, enjoyment at work and regulatory fairness.

According to the NMC, the past year has seen meaningful improvements across these areas. The regulator has set new targets to eliminate disparities in regulatory outcomes linked to ethnicity and gender, developed with senior Black, Asian and minority ethnic registrants. Diversity among Fitness to Practise panel members has also increased, with 26% of Lay Panel Members and 24% of Registrant Panel Members now from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds.

The organisation has introduced new anti‑racism principles for nursing and midwifery education, due to take effect from September 2026, and launched updated organisational values — Integrity, Fairness, Respect, Equity and Effectiveness — supported by a behaviour framework for staff. Managers have taken part in one of the largest coaching programmes of its kind among UK healthcare regulators, focusing on EDI, psychological safety and values‑based leadership.

The NMC reports a stronger “speak up” culture, supported by 13 Empowered to Speak Up ambassadors and an external guardian. Clear behaviour guidance has been issued to staff, and the regulator says it has taken firm action where standards have not been met, with 18 staff members exited over the past 20 months for bullying, harassment or racism.

Chief Executive and Registrar Paul Rees MBE said the organisation is beginning to feel “very different” compared to a year ago, adding that while more work lies ahead, the NMC is “turning the corner” and becoming the strong, independent regulator the public and professions expect.

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