Statement In Response To Allegations By Jim Devine MP, Nursing And Midwifery Council, UK

The Nursing and Midwifery Council rejects allegations made by Jim Devine MP. There is an open invitation to Mr Devine and his colleagues to meet us to discuss their concerns and to give us an opportunity to respond. We are saddened that they felt unable to do so.

Read the rest of the statement

Background

On 18th February, Jim Devine MP (Labour, Livingston), made the following remarks to Ben Bradshaw MP, Minister of State for Health Services, during the course of the debate on amendments to the Health and Social Care Bill: "Will my Hon. friend meet me and members of the Nursing and Midwifery Council who are concerned about the structure of that body? It appears to be very racist and to employ a bullying strategy".

Similar allegations were subsequently made by John Smith MP (Labour, Vale of Glamorgan).

The NMC issued the following statement on 19 February in response to media enquiries regarding Mr Devine's remarks:

"The Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) in both its Council and workforce is a diverse organisation that has a good track record in promoting equality and diversity. The NMC has in place a specific equality and diversity unit to promote equality and diversity within the NMC. In addition, we have created an independent Appointments Board to monitor the membership of those who hear professional misconduct and health cases and to create greater opportunities for involvement and participation from diverse communities.

As a regulator, public body and employer, the NMC takes its statutory responsibilities very seriously. Any allegations of discrimination on whatever grounds are investigated fully and in accordance with the principles of good practice. The NMC also has legal responsibilities in relation to the confidentiality of current and former members of staff. It would be utterly inappropriate for the NMC to breach confidentiality by commenting on dealings relating to current or former employees. For these reasons the NMC will also not comment on any ongoing investigations.

The NMC is rigorous in ensuring that all decisions on payments made to individuals on redundancy or termination of employment strictly adhere to best practice in corporate governance. All such payments for senior staff are fully audited in accordance with the NMC's financial procedures. They are also referred to Council Members on the Remuneration and Appointments Committee. Their role is to advise on all issues relating to the termination of employment and termination payments to members of the senior management team".

The NMC does not recognise the organisation that Mr Devine and Mr Smith describe. The NMC has not been formally approached by either Mr Devine or Mr Smith with any evidence to support the allegations which have been made in Parliament and to the media. The NMC has written to both MPs requesting that they meet with the NMC and take the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the NMC, its staff and the important work that we do to safeguard the health and well being of patients and the public by meeting with us.

The NMC's response to the debate in Westminster Hall, 11 March 2008

On 11 March, Mr Devine held at debate on the NMC in Westminster Hall. View a full transcript of the debate [PDF]. The NMC then issued the following statement on 12 March:

The Nursing and Midwifery Council rejects allegations made by Jim Devine MP. There is an open invitation to Mr Devine and his colleagues to meet us to discuss their concerns and to give us an opportunity to respond. We are saddened that they felt unable to do so.

We very much welcome the Minister's assistance and the opportunity for independent scrutiny of our governance and operating processes by the Charity Commission and the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence.

We are confident that this will provide us with the opportunity - thus far denied - to put forward our case. Independent scrutiny will give us a chance to demonstrate that we are a fully accountable, open and transparent organisation which does not tolerate discrimination of any kind.

The NMC's workforce is extremely diverse, highly competent and committed to delivering excellence in regulation and public protection and will continue to do so.