The head of the NMC has pledged to stamp out racism at the regulator.
An external investigator has been appointed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) amid concerns about the organisation’s culture, and some regulatory decisions.
It comes following an exposé in The Independent newspaper which alleges the regulator shows “racial bias in how it treats conduct cases against Black and ethnic minority nurses”.
A whistleblower claimed the organisation has failed to address “institutional racism” in its ranks for 15 years, warning this has allowed NMC staff “to go unchecked” when “applying guidance inconsistently based on their own discriminatory views”.
An investigation into the regulator is also ongoing with the Charity Commission.
Stamp out racism.
They give examples such as a Black nurse being forced to face a fitness-to-practice hearing over her response to a patient who was racially abusive, and NMC staff claiming they’re forced to “act like an English rose” to fit in.
In 2021, now-former nurse Melanie Hayes was only handed a six-month suspension by the regulator for making several racist slurs against colleagues over a number of years.
A decision that was overturned by the High Court who ordered a striking-off order be handed out instead to Ms Hayes.
NMC Chief Executive and Registrar Andrea Sutcliffe pledged earlier this month to stamp out any signs of racism at the regulator.
Three investigations.
Ijeoma Omambala KC has been appointed by the regulator to undertake two investigations. One into the way the NMC responded to concerns raised, and another into the fitness to practise cases highlighted in those concerns.
Omambala is a Barrister who specialises in employment law, industrial action, professional regulation, and public law.
According to Chambers.com, her experience in discrimination covers the whole range of protected characteristics and causes of action at first instance and appellate levels.
A third external investigation into the culture at the regulator will be undertaken supported by an internal advisory group of “diverse colleagues”.
An apology.
In an extensive statement published on the NMC website today, Ms Sutcliffe reaffirmed her commitment “for the NMC to fully embed a safe and inclusive working environment”.
She wrote, “As Chief Executive and Registrar, I’m here to make a difference for people whose health and wellbeing rely on safe, kind and effective nursing and midwifery care. I want to support our professionals to provide that care, and to lead an inclusive, fair and values-driven employer.
There’s much more to do to instil full trust and confidence in us as we work toward this aim. We need to ask ourselves the hard questions, acting quickly and transparently where we need to improve.”
“I promise we’ll listen, learn and most importantly act, responding to the concerns with care, rigour and a commitment to keeping people safe. “
