NMC to launch consultation on key fitness to practise rule changes

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has confirmed it will launch a public consultation on proposed amendments to its fitness to practise (FtP) processes, aiming to streamline operations and “improve fairness across proceedings”. The move follows approval at an extraordinary Council meeting held on 21 October 2025.

The consultation will focus on proposed changes to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (Fitness to Practise) Rules 2004 and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (Practice Committees) (Constitution) Rules 2008, as outlined in official council papers.

Key proposed amendments

The NMC is seeking views on a package of technical and procedural reforms designed to enhance the efficiency, clarity, and person-centred nature of fitness to practise proceedings. These include:

• Introducing legally qualified chairs to Practice Committee panels, replacing the current requirement for a separate legal assessor in some cases
• Strengthening case management powers, allowing binding directions to be issued and enforced more effectively
• Permitting digital communication, enabling information to be sent via secure online accounts with registrant consent
• Increasing flexibility in how and when registrants are invited to make representations
• Allowing shorter notice periods for hearings and meetings in specific circumstances
• Updating provisions for vulnerable witnesses, broadening definitions and enabling more tailored support

These changes are intended to reduce delays, improve case progression, and align the NMC’s processes with those of other regulators such as the GMC and HCPC.

Strategic context and next steps

The proposed amendments are part of the NMC’s broader fitness to practise improvement plan and align with its 2025–2027 strategic priorities, which include tackling disparities in fitness to practise outcomes and embedding inclusive practices. The Department of Health and Social Care has agreed to support these limited rule changes ahead of wider legislative reform expected later this decade.

The consultation will run for 12 weeks during autumn 2025, with stakeholder engagement including surveys, focus groups, and targeted outreach to registrants, unions, and legal representatives. The NMC has partnered with an external research organisation to support this process and ensure inclusivity, particularly for underrepresented groups.

Subject to feedback and final Council approval in spring 2026, the amended rules are expected to be laid before Parliament and come into force in October 2026.

You can read the full consultation proposal in the NMC Council papers.

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