Statement of Philosophy, Mission, and Purpose

NMCWatch supports UK registered nurses, midwives, and other healthcare professionals going through Fitness to Practice (FtP) investigations by their regulator. We know that those who dedicate their lives to caring for others also need care, understanding, and kindness when they face professional scrutiny, disciplinary processes, or regulatory investigations.

FtP proceedings with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) are designed to protect patients and uphold standards. But too often, they bring unintended harm. Investigations can last months or even years, leaving professionals isolated, traumatised, and financially strained, even when no sanctions are imposed. Many feel their confidence shattered, their reputation damaged, and their future ruined. In turn, their lack of safeguarding undermines the NMC’s remit to ‘protect the public’, leaving unsuitable practitioners in place to potentially do more harm than good to patients.

NMCWatch was born out of these realities. Our founders are healthcare professionals who lived through the FtP process themselves. They knew how lonely and overwhelming it felt, and they wanted to create a safe space where others could find comfort, advice, and solidarity. What began as an informal support group has grown into a formal CIC, which enables us to continue to support, to listen, and to remind healthcare professionals that they do not have to go through this alone.

We are not a legal service and we do not replace unions or professional representation. Instead, we provide something often missing from formal processes: human connection, empathy, and the reassurance of speaking with people who truly understand. Our support is non-judgemental, inclusive, and rooted in respect for both the professionals we help but also for the patients and families who may be part of their cases. We believe strongly that patient safety and professional support go hand in hand. When healthcare professionals are treated fairly and compassionately, the care they deliver is safer and stronger.

Membership of NMCWatch is open to any UK healthcare professional, registered or not, who needs support. We are independent from political or religious organisations so that our focus stays on what matters most: people. Our work is funded through fundraising and voluntary contributions, so no one is turned away because of financial hardship.

Our support takes many forms. We run a private online forum where members can share their experiences, seek advice, and lean on each other for strength. We offer mentorship to help with the writing and documentation often required in FtP cases. Many of our volunteers are trained in Mental Health First Aid, meaning we can offer emotional support and signpost members towards further help if needed. Above all, we provide understanding and reassurance, because sometimes, just knowing someone else has been through it makes all the difference.

While we are committed to supporting individuals, we also look to the bigger picture. We campaign for change so that FtP processes become faster, fairer, and less damaging. We speak out against vexatious or malicious referrals, highlight the human cost of lengthy investigations, and promote a system that learns and grows rather than one that simply blames. We also work to educate employers, regulators, and the public about what FtP really means for those caught up in it.

Our work is guided by a simple philosophy: unity of purpose. We believe in the shared goal of improving care for patients while supporting the professionals who deliver it. This balance between accountability and compassion, between safety and support, is at the heart of our mission. Where we cannot meet someone’s needs ourselves, we make sure to signpost them to other sources of help, because nobody should be left without support.

Ultimately, NMCWatch exists to make sure no healthcare professional faces these challenges alone. Our purpose is twofold: to provide individual support through FtP processes and to push for long-term reforms that reduce harm and encourage fairness.

Through kindness, solidarity, and shared experience, we help healthcare professionals not only survive FtP but emerge stronger, more resilient, and ready to continue the vital work of caring for others.