With the UK’s exit from the EU, the NMC have the flexibility to change some of the requirements within its education programme standards for nursing and midwifery courses that were previously set by the EU. In doing this, the NMC said it wants to “ensure education programmes continue to support students to develop the knowledge and skills they need to provide safe, kind and effective care.”

It continued by saying:

“Last year, we carried out independent research to find out what the public, professionals, and our stakeholders thought of the current standards. Our survey received over 6,200 responses. Using this feedback, as well as the best current international evidence, we’ve proposed some changes to our education programme standards. We’re now seeking wider views from people and organisations on these changes.”

What the NMC is consulting on

On the NMC’s website, it wrote:

“Our proposals include increasing flexibility around simulated learning for nurses, and giving education providers more independence to allow them to set more inclusive entry requirements to nursing and midwifery programmes.

“We’re also consulting on whether to remove EU requirements for students to undertake placements in specific settings, and remove any knowledge and skills requirements that were previously included in the educational programme standards, where these are now already included in our standards of proficiency.

“The consultation also seeks views on including an additional requirement in our midwifery programme standards, to ensure students gain experience of different maternity providers during their pre-registration programme.”