The FTP Process
Fitness to Practice: a comprehensive guide
The information in these guides is offered as a way to help you understand the complexities of the NMC Fitness to Practice process. However daunting it seems, there is always help and support all the way through your case.
The key, we have found, is to get in touch as early as you can, that way we can offer you the most comprehensive support.
Navigating the FtP process step-by-step
The eight potential steps are broken down into different guides here. They reference information from the NMC itself, the wider press, our own case studies and industry guides.
Remember to always consult legal advice when going through FtP. If you are unable to access any, contact us and we will help.
If you have just been referred
You will probably be feeling quite emotional. We advise you to take a moment and then get prepared.
A good place to start is by reading Step 1 below.
Getting through FtP: the steps
I've just been referred
- Don’t panic. You are not alone!
- Remember to breathe
- Ask for help
- Click to read more
Screening process
The NMC’s first stage in their Fitness to Practise process is screening complaints to check if they need investigating.
Interim order
The NMC aims to complete 80% of cases within 15 months and, in 2019-20, it met this target.
Will they investigate?
The NMC aims to complete 80% of cases within 15 months… However many cases are rejected at the screening stage or found to be “no case to answer”.
Hearings or Meetings
Appeals
Find out what you can appeal against in your result, and how to do this.
Urgency is critical, you only have 28 days from the date of your decision letter so there is no time to waste.
Restoration
Information about getting back on the registry, restoration of your PIN, and generally getting back in the saddle!
Moving on
Whatever the outcome of your FtP experience, we will help you move on afterwards. Whether it is within healthcare, or something new.
What we offer
What NMCWatch does
We know it can be hard. Nurses and Midwives subject to Fitness to Practice Proceedings can often feel isolated. We seek to offer them emotional and peer support alongside legal guidance.
We aim to empower registrants to make the right choices
We support them through their decision-making process
Support services
Peer support group
Free online support to nurses and midwives via a closed Facebook page.
Peer support for those suffering from the effects of the process.
Linking to others in the same geographical area to give local support.
Signposting to other organisations that can assist.
SUpport services
Buddy scheme
This support scheme aims to reduce the isolation and take the fear out of talking about the FtP process.
Nurses and midwives can discuss their experiences confidentially with our Buddies, who have been through the process themselves and fully understand the impact.
Case support
Advocacy & Care
Our Advocacy program supports and guides you throughout the FtP process and helps you present your case effectively.
We also represent and advocate on your behalf when needed.
Our Support
Stronger. Together.
The hardest thing about going through an investigation by your regulator is the isolation and fear it creates. From the moment you receive that first letter, you are thrown into something which is akin to a grief response.
Through peer-to-peer support, from those who have been there, we will show you that you are not alone and that we can help you. We may not always agree with you, we may not tell you that what you did was right, but we will stand next to you and show you that you can get through this.
Stronger. Together. It’s as simple as that.
Get involved
Our Advocacy works!
The messages of thanks we get show the effect our Advocacy Programme has - read more on the Feedback page.