Help for Nurses and Midwives Facing NMC Investigation

Understanding the NMC Investigation Process

Receiving a letter from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) can be distressing. Whether it relates to a patient complaint, workplace incident, or professional conduct concern, an NMC investigation can have a serious impact on your confidence and career.

The NMC’s fitness to practise process is designed to protect the public, but it can feel overwhelming for those being investigated. The process may include evidence gathering, written responses, and possible referral to a Fitness to Practise Committee hearing.

At this stage, how you respond is crucial. The NMC carefully considers a nurse or midwife’s insight, reflection, remediation, and honesty when deciding the outcome.

Why Reflection and Insight Matter

The NMC expects professionals to show that they understand what went wrong and how to prevent it from happening again. This is known as demonstrating insight.

Strong insight is shown through:

• Accepting responsibility rather than blaming others.
• Reflecting on how your actions affected patients and colleagues.
• Identifying lessons learned and changes made to your practice.
• Taking steps to evidence improvement and ongoing professional development.

Writing a reflective statement and completing targeted CPD early in the process can make a real difference to how your case is viewed.

Taking Proactive Steps to Remediate

Being proactive shows professionalism and accountability. The NMC looks favourably on nurses and midwives who take concrete steps to address any identified concerns before their hearing.

Examples include:

• Completing CPD-accredited courses in ethics, professionalism, and probity.
• Seeking supervision or mentorship from a senior colleague.
• Keeping a reflective log of learning and professional development.
• Demonstrating that you understand and uphold the NMC Code.

Even during an investigation, continuing to learn and reflect shows that you remain committed to safe, ethical, and compassionate care.

How Probity & Ethics Can Help

At Probity & Ethics, we specialise in supporting healthcare professionals who are under investigation or remediation. Our CPD-certified online courses are specifically designed for nurses, midwives, and other practitioners facing fitness to practise concerns.

Our most relevant courses include:

• Fitness to Practise for Healthcare Professionals – understand how the NMC assesses remediation and evidence of improvement.
• Professionalism for Healthcare Professionals – strengthen professional judgment, accountability, and respect for the Code.
• Ethics for Healthcare Professionals – explore ethical principles, reflection, and decision-making in nursing and midwifery.
• Probity and Honesty for Healthcare Professionals – rebuild trust through transparency and integrity in practice.

All courses are self-paced, confidential, and suitable for nurses and midwives preparing reflective portfolios, remediation evidence, or NMC submissions.

Seeking Support During the Process

It’s important to seek appropriate advice early. Many professionals benefit from speaking with their union representative, legal adviser, or a professional defence organisation.

Alongside formal support, structured CPD through Probity & Ethics can provide clear, verifiable evidence of your professionalism and ongoing learning — something the NMC values when reviewing a case.

Key Takeaways

• An NMC investigation is challenging, but proactive engagement can make a positive difference.
• Insight, reflection, and remediation are key to demonstrating safe and trustworthy practice.
• Structured CPD in ethics, professionalism, and probity is strong evidence of accountability.
• Early action and professional guidance help show your commitment to patient safety and public trust.

Take the Next Step

If you are currently facing an NMC investigation or fitness to practise process, don’t wait until your hearing to act. Begin your learning and reflection now.

Explore our Online Courses in Ethics, Professionalism, and Fitness to Practise — designed to help nurses and midwives evidence insight, remediation, and professional growth in line with NMC expectations.

Taking control today can help protect your registration and rebuild your professional confidence.