Public safety endangered by ‘toxic’ nursing regulator as staff ‘gaslighted’ after raising alarm

A damning report into the UK’s nursing and midwifery regulator will find the body is endangering the public due to its toxic culture and failing to address widespread racism within its ranks, The Independent can reveal.

An explosive review into allegations that the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has a “deep-seated toxic culture” is set to be published next week and concerns over public safety will be one of many shocking revelations it will deliver, The Independent understands.

Staff who have given evidence to the report and also spoken to The Independent, have reported being “gaslighted” and intimidated or bullied when trying to report concerns about public safety to leaders.

The review, carried out by Nazir Afzal, a former chief crown prosecutor, and Rise Associates, was commissioned following reports by The Independent revealing whistleblower allegations that racism and sexism within the NMC are leading to complaints against nurses going “unchecked”.

The review covers responses from around 1,000 staff and former staff, who were asked about the organisation’s culture in a survey, and hundreds of staff interviews.

The Independent understands the review has found evidence supporting the whistleblowers’ accusations.

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Source: The Independent, 7 July 2024