More than a third of the UK’s nursing and midwifery workforce is now Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME), according to new figures published by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). The regulator’s latest data show that 293,778 registrants – 33.8% of the total – identify as BAME, the highest proportion recorded since the register began.
The NMC reports that the shift is being driven by changes among UK‑educated joiners. Thirty‑five per cent of new domestic registrants identify as BAME, compared with 22.3% five years ago. The regulator says this growing diversity strengthens the workforce but warns that many professionals continue to report racism and discrimination in health and care settings.
To address this, the NMC is urging employers to adopt its new anti‑racism principles for nursing and midwifery education and practice. These principles will underpin forthcoming proposals to update the Code, including clearer expectations for nurses, midwives and nursing associates to recognise, challenge and disrupt racism.
The data also highlight a slowdown in overall workforce growth. The register increased by 1.7% in 2025–26, down from 3.3% the previous year. A total of 41,542 people joined the register for the first time – a 21.4% fall – while 30,323 left, with retirement, health concerns and burnout remaining the most common reasons.
International recruitment has declined sharply. Just 26.4% of new joiners were internationally educated, compared with a peak of 49.4% in 2023–24. India remains the largest source of international registrants, though numbers have more than halved. Nigeria and Ghana follow, both classified as ‘red list’ countries under UK Government recruitment rules, meaning active recruitment is prohibited.
Emma Westcott, Executive Director of Strategy and Insight at the NMC, said the rise in BAME representation reflects the changing profile of the workforce and is essential for delivering safe, person‑centred care. She emphasised the need for professionals to work free from racism and discrimination and called on employers to uphold ethical recruitment standards to avoid undermining health systems in countries facing workforce shortages.
The figures represent a snapshot of the register as of 31 March 2026 and cover nurses, midwives and nursing associates working across the NHS, social care, education and other sectors.
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.
Restoration Courses
Courses suitable for any health and social care practitioner who is considering making an application for restoration back onto the register.
Insight & Remediation
Courses that are suitable for any healthcare practitioner who is facing an investigation or hearing at work or before their regulatory body.
Probity, Ethics & Professionalism
Courses designed for those facing a complaint involving in part or in whole honesty, integrity and /or professionalism.
Recent Comments