A Practical Guide to Proceedings Before the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)

A Practical Guide to Proceedings Before the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is an accessible guide for legal and healthcare professionals navigating the complexities of Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) regulation. The text provides a clear and structured account of the legal framework, case preparation, hearing procedure, and strategic considerations that underpin NMC fitness to practise proceedings. From registration to restoration, each stage of the fitness to practise process is explained in such a way that a practitioner unfamiliar with the area should find it easy to navigate.

Combining black-letter law with tactical experience, the guide explores how practitioners can approach allegations ranging from clinical incompetence to sexual misconduct, explaining key procedural risks, evidential difficulties, and advocacy opportunities. It includes detailed commentary on the rules and guidance applicable to different hearings, key case law, and the evolving legal and ethical obligations demanded of healthcare professionals. It is an essential companion for barristers, solicitors, union representatives, and anyone involved in defending or presenting cases before the NMCs panels.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James Lloyd is a barrister at Mountford Chambers and Deputy Head of its Regulatory Practice Group. A specialist in professional discipline and healthcare regulation, he has represented practitioners and regulators in some of the most serious and complex fitness to practise cases before the NMC, GMC, HCPC and other healthcare regulators.

James is regularly instructed in cases involving clinical failings, dishonesty and sexual misconduct. His broader regulatory practice includes advisory work and providing training for NHS bodies and healthcare providers, both in the UK and internationally.

CONTENTS

Chapter 1 - An Introduction to the Nursing and Midwifery Council

Chapter 2 - NMC Standards

Chapter 3 - Registration and Appeal

Chapter 4 - The FTP Process (Overview)

Chapter 5 - The Chronology of a Concern

Chapter 6 - Interim Orders

Chapter 7 - The Substantive FTP Hearing

Chapter 8 - Common Procedural Issues

Chapter 9 - Common Evidential Disputes

Chapter 10 - Reviews

Chapter 11 - Restoration Hearings