Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council

The role of the Nursing and Midwifery Council

The role of the NMC is to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the public by providing effective regulation of the nursing and midwifery profession.

The NMC:

• register all nurses and midwives and ensure that they are properly qualified and competent to work in the UK,
• set standards in education, training and conduct that nurses and midwives need to deliver high quality healthcare consistently throughout their careers,
• ensure that nurses and midwives keep their skills and knowledge up to date and uphold the standards of their Professional Code,
• ensure that midwives are safe to practise by setting rules for their practice and supervision, and
• investigate allegations made against nurses and midwives who may not have followed the Code.

The Powers of the Nursing and Midwifery Council

The powers of the NMC are set out in the Nursing and Midwifery Order 2001. The work and functions of the NMC are governed by this and other associated legislation.

When applying for registration, prospective registrants must declare all criminal convictions, cautions and disciplinary proceedings on their registration, retention and/ or restoration form. This includes minor misdemeanors, but not road traffic offences dealt with by way of a fixed penalty notice.

All declarations are reviewed, in strict confidence, by the NMC. They are dealt with on a case-by-case basis. We are able to assist in the provision of information to the Registrar to demonstrate that you are fit to practise.

If a prospective registrant fails to declare any matter that subsequently comes to light, it could become a material consideration in fitness to practise proceedings.