Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Nursing regulator apologises for racism, promises action

The review by Nazir Afzal and Rise Associates raised serious concerns about a toxic culture within the Nursing and Midwifery Council

Nursing regulator apologises for racism, promises action

NURSING regulator on Tuesday (9) apologised after an independent culture review raised alarm over safeguarding issues within the organisation and uncovered instances of racism, discrimination, and bullying experienced by its employees.

The review by former chief prosecutor Nazir Afzal and Rise Associates raised serious concerns about a toxic culture within the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), which oversees thousands of nurses and midwives.


According to the review, good nurses often face lengthy investigations for minor issues, while some under performing ones escape consequences. Many NMC staff feel stressed, frustrated, and unsupported. Dysfunction was found at nearly every level of the regulator, it said.

The review was commissioned after concerns were raised about the organisation’s culture, including racism and fear of speaking up. As part of the review, over 1,000 current and former colleagues of the NMC, along with more than 200 panel members involved in fitness to practise hearings, shared their personal experiences.

It heard distressing accounts of staff needing antidepressants, experiencing hair loss, and struggling to sleep due to bullying and bad  management. While some staff were content, a significant number were struggling severely.

"There was anger, frustration, and exhaustion among many," the report said. "Staff broke down in tears recounting frustrations over safeguarding decisions that endangered the public."

The review also highlighted cases where complaints were dismissed because incidents occurred outside of work.

One NMC lawyer said, "Racism cases are dismissed in screening because they happen outside of work and the view is, paraphrasing, that 'people are free to be racist in their own time' since patients aren't involved."

The review outlined several key recommendations to address the organisation's issues. To improve leadership and management, the review suggested transforming the NMC into a people-focused entity with significant investment in staff, implementing 360 feedback for leadership appraisals, and ensuring high completion rates for appraisals that include management and EDI objectives.

It also called for better communication and training on workplace dignity policies, and strengthening measures against bullying and harassment.

In terms of regulation, the NMC is urged to eliminate screening and investigation backlogs by 2025 and 2026, respectively, improve operational data transparency, and manage complex cases with a specialist team. The establishment of an Independent Oversight Board is recommended to enhance transparency and complaint management.

Additionally, the NMC should prioritise to invest in leadership development, and ensure consistent standards across its operations.

For equality, diversity, and inclusion, the NMC should develop an Anti-racist Action Plan, aim for greater diversity in senior positions, and continue public reporting on pay gaps.

The review also stressed the need for improved safeguarding measures, collaboration with other agencies, and clearer processes for managing fitness to practise cases during criminal investigations.

The NMC is also encouraged to adopt a data-driven approach for better regulatory process delivery and increase the diversity of its registrant panel members.

The regulator accepted all these recommendations and said that it has already started to address some of the regulatory issues raised in the report.

Sir David Warren, chair of the council, said, "This is a profoundly distressing report to read. First and foremost, I express my condolences to the family and friends of anybody who has died by suicide while under fitness to practise investigation.

"Nazir Afzal’s recommendations, together with our existing improvement plan, will make the step change in experience they expect and deserve."

He added, "We now have clear recommendations to take the organisation forward. I’m grateful to all our colleagues who have spoken up about these issues. I know that what matters to them now is action, not words.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care stressed the importance of ensuring that whistleblowers can voice their concerns freely, with the assurance of support and action. The spokesperson noted that the review provides clear recommendations for the NMC and expressed an expectation for the council to respond promptly and decisively.

More For You

Southport

Floral tributes left by members of the public are seen following the fatal knife attack on three young girls in July in Southport.

Reuters

Public inquiry begins into Southport girls' murders

A PUBLIC inquiry begins on Tuesday into the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport last year.

The inquiry will examine whether the attack could have been prevented and how future incidents might be avoided.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less