NMC Statement regarding testing centre
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has received unusual and concerning data from a Pearson VUE test centre in Ibadan, Nigeria regarding the computer-based test (CBT) results of internationally educated nursing and midwifery professionals. As a result of this, testing at this centre has been stopped. To date, 512 individuals have taken their CBT at this centre, and the NMC has opened cases to review their entry onto the register. The NMC will write to these individuals, and this will include a request for information on their current employment status. They will pass on relevant information to employers once available. The NMC has also paused applications for those who have taken their CBT test at this centre and are at the application stage.
At this current time people that are on the register that have taken their test at this test centre can continue to work, but the NMC plans to review each individual's full application. If fraudulent entry is found, they will take action in the public interest, and this may include suspension orders. The NMC also plans to offer those affected the opportunity to retake the CBT, with the cost covered by the test provider. However, resits, cannot be enforced, it will be up to the individual to agree to retake the test. Another point to note is that retaking the test does not guarantee an individual entry onto the register or allow them to remain on it.
While employers are not required to take any specific action, they can contact the NMC at employerlinkservice@nmc-uk.org if they have any relevant information.
It is important to note that Pearson VUE has also reviewed all data about the NMC’s CBT from every test site globally, and there is no evidence of similar activity at any other site.
More information can be found on the NMC website. I have also attached a letter and an FAQ from NMC directed at employers.
'Save our social care' petition
One of our newest members, Dimensions, has launched a petition calling on government to align care and support worker pay to NHS pay bands. Please do sign and share through your networks. This is underpinned by Dimensions' workforce manifesto which was launched last year.
Care Workforce Pathway Webinar
Please see the attached briefing in relation to the DHSC's call for evidence on the Care Workforce Pathway. Over the course of May, we will be preparing the NCF’s response to the call for evidence. In order to a) shape our submission and b) help members better understand the consultation process, we are hosting a dedicated webinar on Tuesday 9th of May. Please contact Valeriia.Zemtsova@nationalcareforum.org.uk if you would like to attend. We are keen for our response to be informed by the experiences, perspectives, and expertise of our brilliant member organisations. As such, please read the attached briefing and get come and make your voices heard.
New CRM System
We will soon be updating our CRM system in the coming weeks. This will make it easier for us to manage mailing lists and create mailings. It is possible that in the switch our emails may go to your spam inbox. We will send through more details in due course about how to avoid this happening.
Celebrating the Coronation
And finally, if you are celebrating the coronation, be sure to check out NAPA's Coronation Community of the Year Challenge. The title of 'Coronation Community of the Year' and £1,000 will be awarded to a care service that goes above and beyond to celebrate the Coronation. More details and ideas can be found on the NAPA website.