PSA update on NMC Independent reviews on the handling of whistleblowing disclosures and selected fitness to practise cases

The two recommissioned reports into the Nursing & Midwifery Council’s (NMC) handling of 20 fitness to practise cases from 2018-2023 and how the NMC dealt with concerns raised by a whistleblower and its treatment of the whistleblower were published on 30 September 2025. These reports complete the set of three reviews commissioned by the NMC in autumn 2023 to look into issues raised in whistleblowing disclosures.

We are grateful to the whistleblower for their bravery in bringing their concerns to light. We recognise how hard it can be for people to speak up and the courage this takes. We note that the report into how the NMC dealt with the whistleblower’s concerns states that aspects of how the NMC managed its interactions with the whistleblower could have been improved. Whistleblowers have a vital part to play in highlighting concerns which can impact on public protection.  It is important that when disclosures are made, they are taken seriously and handled sensitively.

The first of the three reviews, the Independent Culture Review was published in July 2024. The Independent Oversight Group (IOG), chaired by the PSA, was established in September 2024 with the role of overseeing and supporting the NMC to implement the recommendations of the ICR and these reports. Both of these recently published reports contain important information and a set of recommendations. The reports will be examined by the NMC Independent Oversight Group (IOG) as it continues to oversee the progress being made by the NMC. 

Every year, the PSA assesses the NMC’s performance against our Standards of Good Regulation. We will take the findings and recommendations from these reports into account as part of our assessment of the NMC’s performance for this year, alongside other evidence sources, including an audit of fitness to practise cases.

Our Standard 4 requires regulators to report on their performance and address concerns identified about them. Our assessment of the NMC against this Standard will consider how the NMC is taking steps to address the issues identified in these reports. The reports are also relevant to our assessment of the NMC’s performance against Standards 3, 15, 16 and 17. 

We expect to publish our performance report for the 2024/25 review period in Spring 2026.