Former chief prosecutor Nazir and Rise Associates today launch an independent culture review of the Nursing and Midwifery Council after engaging with over 85% of staff at the UK's largest health regulator.

The review was commissioned following disclosures from a whistleblower, which were reported in The Independent last year. The NMC was accused of failing to tackle serious sexual, physical and racial abuse because of a "culture of fear" within the organisation.

"We found that the whistleblower was right to speak up," explained Afzal. "In fact there could have been a hundred more whistleblowers, as many people we spoke to had very serious concerns. But they had no confidence that speaking out would lead to any change."

Afzal's review provides over 30 recommendations, which the NMC has accepted, including more investment in people, a faster screening process to tackle complaints, a new safeguarding hub and increased black and ethnic minority managers so they can better understand the communities they serve.

"We know there are a lot of good people working at the NMC," concluded Afzal, "and this report will be difficult reading for them. But they know the NMC is in the last chance saloon and the Chair has assured us that their priority is delivering urgent transformation to rebuild confidence, protect the public and ensure that all nurses and midwives are treated fairly."

The review is available for download here.

Published: 08-07-2024