The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is seeking approval from its governing body to launch a landmark public consultation on a new draft Code – the professional standards of practice and behaviour for all nurses, midwives and nursing associates – and a refreshed Revalidation process which supports a culture of lifelong learning in nursing and midwifery.
The NMC has been taking an evidence-based approach to reviewing these key regulatory tools since summer 2025, to ensure they reflect today’s health and social care landscape, the evolution of professional practice, and the ongoing expectations of the public, professionals and employers. This included a survey with 13,757 responses.
On 21 July, the regulator will seek its Council’s approval to consult on proposed changes from September to December 2026.
These would include proposals to consult on strengthening requirements in the Code around equity, diversity and inclusion – expressly setting out the expectations of all nursing and midwifery professionals to recognise, challenge and disrupt all forms of bias, stigma and discrimination, including racism.
The regulator will also propose to consult on strengthening the wording in the Code around:
- Public protection and safety considerations including safeguarding – bearing in mind recommendations and learnings from public inquiries and reviews
- Safe and effective use of digital and other technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI)
- Working cultures, safety in working environments and the wellbeing of registrants
- Professional behaviours – including behaviour outside of professional practice
- Public health and tackling health inequalities.
The NMC also plans to consult on developing new guidance documents that support registrants to delegate, prescribe and use technology effectively. Alongside this, the regulator will propose developments of its existing Social Media Guidance, which will become part of new guidance on professionalism in public and private life, and its Raising Concerns Guidance.
Additionally, the NMC would propose changes to strengthen the Revalidation process – including an increased role for confirmers and reflective discussion partners, a closer link to the Code and Standards, and a refreshed approach to verification.
To improve access to Revalidation, the NMC would propose including 12-week extensions for professionals with a valid need – such as ill health, parental leave or bereavement. The NMC will also provide more tailored support and guidance to professionals with different roles and scopes of practice.
Chris Dzikiti, Executive Director of Professional Practice at the NMC, said: “Our extensive research and engagement with partners, professionals and service users over the last year have clearly demonstrated where we need to update the Code and Revalidation to reflect the changing world of health and care.
“With Council’s agreement, we will consult on a new draft Code that sets out stronger requirements to challenge racism, supports professionals to effectively and safely use technology in their work, and fosters positive working cultures where they can thrive.
“Our new Code would also have a stronger link with Revalidation, with professionals expected to consider the Code and Standards as part of an improved process that is more robust, purposeful and supportive.”
The proposals follow the NMC carrying out extensive research and engagement over the last year. This work, along with the NMC’s full proposals for consultation, is detailed in the Council paper.
