The FTP Process
Advocacy programme
NMCWatch provides an advocacy program for those who require support during Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) proceedings. Our role as advocates is to support and guide you throughout the process and prepare you for your case. Here’s a summary of how we do this.
Support: through our support group, buddy program and 1:1 mentorship we can help you feel more confident and able to speak up for yourself. We may need to be with you while you advocate for yourself in difficult meetings or conversations.
Information: we will help you access information and services.
Decision-making: we will help you reach the correct decision for you
Rights: we will help you understand your rights and make sure you are treated fairly.
NMCWatch does not provide any legal advice on your case. We can share our own experiences and the knowledge we have gained along the way about the FtP process but you need to seek legal representation in order to get direct advice on your case. You can represent yourself, in which case we can advise you how to do so.
One of our Directors, Simon Holborn, has provided representation services for over 30 years and does so via his company Humans Ltd. When we identify someone who needs representation we gather information with your consent and then introduce you to Humans Ltd who will take over the case management. We also have professional relationships with other providers who we can seek advice from or direct you to if you want to find out more.
NMCWatch is separate from Humans Ltd. While you may be supported by the NMCWatch Facebook group, a buddy, or one of our mentors, the relationship with Humans Ltd is independent of our work. If you consent, your buddy or mentor may be able to share information with Humans Ltd that will assist in your casework. This can include reflection work and CPD but will be done in partnership with you and with you leading the communication.
The majority of nurses and midwives who join NMCWatch have legal representation via their union. We will always encourage members to engage well with their unions as we are not here to offer alternative legal advice. However, through our own experiences, we can assist in asking your union representative the right questions so that you understand how the working relationship will be and how to get the best from them.
Some nurses and midwives choose to seek private legal representation and this can sometimes be funded through your home contents insurance policy. Some policies will facilitate and fund legal representation. The Nurses Defence Service is one such organisation that we hear good feedback about.
A small number in our group cannot use their union representation due to the cover they have or because of an incident occurring before joining the union. Some do not belong to a union and cannot afford to fund a private lawyer to represent them in their case. As a result, we have been working with external organisations to try to address this.
It is well documented that if you do not have representation your outcome can often be worse than if you do – therefore we see how important this is. If someone has had previous union or private legal support we will always encourage them to continue to try to work with these and resolve the issues that are causing blocks.
How you proceed is your choice but we offer another option to explore – something which is often lacking in this process.
Case support and advocacy
Anyone on the Advocacy Programme will get:
1. An allocated buddy (provided via our Buddy Scheme) for emotional and practical support through the process rather than any legal advice. The buddy will assist with professional mentoring including:
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- clinical scenario discussions
- reflection assistance and signposting to any training required.
2. An allocated case worker to help coach and guide the registrant through the professional aspects that need addressing to engage with the FtP process positively. This includes:
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- building a portfolio,
- statement writing,
- gathering of testimonials,
- reflections,
- and work placement liaison.
3. An allocated advocate – this person will take responsibility for the legal representation of the case and work closely with the registrant and mentor.
4. Where appropriate for those representing themselves – a McKenzie Friend can be provided to support registrants through hearings and processes.
5. Guidance on appealing substantive orders such as strike-off.
Our Advocacy works!
We help you to understand the Fitness to Practice process and the decisions made by the NMC. We guide you on what can be challenged and what needs to be accepted or worked through. Our aim is to empower you to present your case appropriately and achieve the best possible outcome.
NMC hearings can be complex and stressful for the nurse or midwife involved, and not having representation can result in poorer outcomes. Our advocates are knowledgeable about the process, provide emotional support and mentor you to work through key issues to ensure your case is presented appropriately. We collect all relevant evidence and support you to prepare and present your case to the NMC.
It is important to note that while advocacy can usually play a positive role, it is not a substitute for qualified legal advice. At times, we may need to signpost you to a legal representative due to the specifics of your case. If so, we will explain why and will still offer to support and help if required.
We hope our Advocacy Programme can help you navigate the NMC process and achieve a positive outcome.
The messages of thanks we get show the effect our Advocacy Programme has – read more on the Feedback page.
Simon was brilliant this morning… my partner said to me today that Simon achieved so much for me in 2 days [that my] stupid union didn’t do for almost 2 years!
DC
Nurse
When I thought I was losing everything, felt worthless and hopeless, and my anxiety was high, I would talk things through with my buddy. They would calm me down, put things back into perspective and help me to restart.
Thank you for the buddy system. Talking through the challenging times is a lot easier knowing someone has gone through a similar process and can really relate to how you are feeling. I am forever grateful.
AW
Nurse
We will always help where we can, either directly, or by signposting you to a more appropriate place.
Our Statement of purpose and Aims tell you more about what we strive for. Our philosophy ensures everyone has equitable access to support through their individual FtP experience and beyond.
Our support does not end with your case. Other organisations will only focus on your case – we focus on you. So, as well as help during your case, you may need support afterwards with things like getting a new job.
The Additional Support section offers information about other organisations that might help you.
Humans Ltd
We are now working with Humans Ltd who will provide all representation for our members at employment or regulatory investigations.
Cases we have helped advocate
This list gives the basic information about the cases we have been involved with since 2018.