15 May 2026
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has launched a UK‑wide public consultation on proposed changes to nursing and midwifery education standards, with a particular focus on improving practice learning experiences. The consultation forms part of the NMC’s broader review of practice learning and builds on extensive engagement with students, professionals, educators, practice learning partners and stakeholders across the UK during 2024 and 2025.
About the proposals
For nursing programmes, the key proposal is:
- To reduce the minimum number of programme hours from 4,600 to 3,600, placing greater emphasis on the quality of practice learning experiences, rather than the achievement of a fixed number of practice learning hours.
For midwifery programmes, the key proposal is:
- To extend programmes from three to four years, reflecting findings from high‑profile inquiries into maternity care across the four nations of the UK, which have highlighted concerns relating to safety, quality and organisational culture within maternity and neonatal services.
Other areas included in the consultation are:
- A stronger emphasis on the quality of practice learning, rather than the number of required hours
- Strengthening anti‑racism, inclusion and cultural awareness within education and training
- Ensuring all nursing students have experience of community‑based practice learning
Get to know more about the consultation and submit your response.
NIPEC, in collaboration with the NMC, is hosting a series of information webinars during the consultation period.
Join one of these webinars to:
- Understand the proposed changes within the consultation
- Explore key implications for practice learning
- Share your views and help inform the consultation response
- Ask questions and contribute to discussion
Please register your interest by selecting your preferred date and time from the options below. (Kindly note that separate sessions are available for nursing and midwifery).
*We are aware that some BHSCT colleagues are experiencing difficulty registering via the links below. If you are unable to access the link, email – nipecbusiness@nipec.hscni.net
27 May (10:00 – 11:00) – Nursing Webinar
8 June (14:00 – 15:00) – Nursing Webinar
1 June (12:30 – 13:30) Midwifery Webinar
11 June (14:30 – 15:30) Midwifery Webinar
15 June (12:00 – 13:00) – Nursing Webinar
The NMC’s online consultation is open until 23 July 2026 and can be accessed at: Practice learning review consultation – The Nursing and Midwifery Council
Responses can also be submitted to NIPEC via: NIPECBusiness@nipec.hscni.net