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Fitness to Practise: NMC prevents 501 inappropriate referrals in past year

Employer Link Service works with organisations to explore other options to resolve concerns
NMC hearing room

Employer Link Service works with organisations to explore other options to resolve concerns

More than 500 fitness to practise (FtP) referrals have been prevented in the past year – sparing nurses and midwifes unnecessary stress – thanks to the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC) work with employers.

The regulator’s Employer Link Service was set up in 2016 to reduce inappropriate referrals. A report on the team’s work, which reveals that 501 referrals were prevented in 2020-21, will be presented at the NMC council meeting on 7 July.

Collaboration with employers reduces referrals

The team is made up of 12 regulation advisers who work with employers across the UK. In 2020-21 the team received 1,044 requests for advice about FtP referrals, around half of which were from NHS organisations.

In response to the requests for advice, nearly half – 501 (48%) – were told not to make a formal referral to the regulator, while 543 (52%) were advised that a referral would be appropriate.

The report states: ‘Despite not being able to carry out usual face-to-face meetings locally, the team maintained regular engagement virtually with employers across the UK.’

NMC guidance help employers explore options

Inappropriate referrals are an ongoing issue for the NMC, and can be distressing for the nurses involved. In February this year the NMC published new guidance on how to prevent unnecessary referrals.

This calls on employers to take a ‘fair and unbiased’ approach and ensure they have fully explored local options for resolving concerns, which can include coaching, mentoring, training, reflective practice sessions, performance management or moving someone to a different role.

Pandemic increases requests for Fitness to Practise advice

In April 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic meant all employers considering making a referral were first directed to the Employer Link Service, resulting in a dramatic increase in requests for advice. The 2020-21 report shows advisers dealt with 50% more requests compared with 2019-20.


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