NMC revalidation/Code briefing 06 February 2015

About the NMC The NMC is the largest professional healthcare regulator in the world – 680,000 on the register Its primary function is patient and public protection It sets standards of education, conduct and performance for nurses and midwives

Existing 3 yearly renewal requirements - Prep Nurses and midwives currently renew their registration every three years and declare that they’ve done: 450 hours of practice 35 hours continuing professional development

Revalidation Built on existing 3-year renewal (Prep) cycle Will improve public protection by making sure that you continue to be fit to practise throughout your career Encourages you to use the Code in your day to day practice and personal development. Encourages you to engage in professional networks and discussions, and reduce professional isolation. A positive affirmation – not about searching for ‘bad’ practice This is the first phase of revalidation and it is being introduced within the NMC’s existing legislative framework. Revalidation builds on your existing Prep cycle but adds new requirements for nurses and midwives to positively engage with the Code, seek feedback from patients and colleagues, reflect on this with their peers, and obtain confirmation that they have met these requirements from a third party Revalidation is not a point in time assessment or a test. It is about demonstrating that nurses and midwives are keeping up to date and fit to practice throughout your career. The Code is central to this. Revalidation should also encourage a range of positive behaviours, for example, it should challenge those who work in professional isolation to engage with peer networks and wider professional development initiatives. It should encourage employers and organisations to have a greater understanding of the standards set by the NMC. It should also encourage greater access to professional development and appraisals, especially those nurses and midwives who have traditionally struggled to access this kind of support. It is not an exercise to try and find bad practice. The NMC’s revalidation model is based on positive affirmations of good practice.

Developing revalidation February 2013 - reinstatement September 2013 – Council decision Jan to Aug 2014 – consultation January to June 2015 – pilots Autumn 2015 – finalised guidance

Key changes: post-consultation Role of the NMC registrant Reflection and discussion Confirmation model

The provisional revalidation model 3 years Meeting requirements and building a portfolio 12 months Confirmation from a third party 60 days Application for revalidation

Provisional revalidation requirements The Code Practice Hours CPD Feedback Reflection and discussion Professional indemnity arrangement Health and character Confirmation

Revalidation pilots Nurses and midwives are piloting revalidation now across the UK so we can fully test the system before it starts from end of 2015 Between January to June 2015 the NMC is working is working with a range of employers across the four countries Using the learning from the pilots, finalised guidance and forms will be published in autumn 2015

Introducing the new Code The NMC has updated its Code of professional standards. It sets out the revised universal standards expected of nurses and midwives, which they must uphold every day in order to be registered to practise in the UK. The new Code is effective from 31 March 2015.

One Code, four themes Together they signify good nursing and midwifery practice.

NMC professionals mirror organisational priorities of safety and care through the new Code Personalisation Access Involvement Rights Care Compassion Listening Dignity Clinical guidelines Learning Innovation Quality control Evidence-based practice CPD Technical skills Experimentation Safety behaviours Human factors Team orientation Reporting Safety systems Safety culture Monitoring Transparency Leadership Governance Honesty Probity Professionalism

The Code: What’s new? What’s changed?

What’s new in the Code? Duty of Candour Every healthcare professional must be open and honest with patients when something goes wrong with their treatment or care which causes, or has the potential to cause harm or distress. Fundamentals of care The Code sets standards of fundamental care and provides examples of what this includes e.g. nutrition, hydration and environmental cleanliness. Social media The Code recognises the changing nature of communications and sets standards for acting responsibly including the use of social media.

What’s new in the Code? Medicines management and prescribing Standards that clearly set the context for prescribing, supply, dispensing and administering medications. End of life care Specific reference is made to the needs of those in the last days and hours of life. Conscientious objection Nurses and midwives must act in the best interests of people at all times and can only make conscientious objections to a particular procedure in limited circumstances.

What changed in the Code? A greater focus on: Compassionate care – kindness, respect and compassion Teamwork – work co-operatively Record keeping – six clear standards to support all record keeping Delegation and accountability – delegate responsibly, be accountable Raising concerns – this aligns the Code with the re-launched Raising Concerns Guidance published in 2013 Cooperating with investigations and audits – includes those against individuals or organisations and acting as a witness at hearings.

The Code: Where next? Looking towards revalidation

What’s next? The Code is available on the NMC website from 29 January 2015. Each registered nurse and midwife will receive a printed copy of the Code before it becomes effective on 31 March 2015. A patient and public leaflet about the Code will be available 31 March 2015.

Revalidation of professional practice The purpose of revalidation is to improve public protection ensuring nurses and midwives remain fit to practise throughout their careers.

Revalidation of professional practice: The Code is the first step Find out when you need to revalidate. This happens every 3 years. Undertake CPD and reflective practice. Read and practise according to the Code from 31 March 2015.

What do nurses and midwives need to do next? Familiarise themselves with the Code for current practice and in preparation for revalidation requirements, which will apply from the end of 2015 Discuss the Code with peers, managers and students Learn more from the NMC website, Royal Colleges, representative organisations, professional journals Register with the NMC on-line

Thank you revalidation@nmc-uk.org Twitter #revalidation www.nmc-uk.org/revalidation Twitter #revalidation