30 January 2023

The NMC set itself a target of reducing the total number of FTP cases to no more than 5,000 by year-end in March 2023.

However, minutes of a recent meeting confirm that it will not achieve this target within the timeframe - open-council---25-january-2023.pdf (nmc.org.uk)

Reducing its caseload is a top priority for the organisation, and the latest statistics show that things are moving in the right direction.  At the end of December 2022, the caseload had fallen below 6,000 for the first time in two years.  This represented a deduction of 9% since April 2022.

The NMC reports having achieved this by working on improving key aspects of the FTP process.  In particular, there has been a focus on screening at the first stage.  The screening caseload reduced by 22% from 3,491 cases in April 2022 to 2,734 cases in December 2022.  This was reportedly driven by an increase in the number of decisions being made from July 2022 onwards.

There has also been an effort to tackle the backlog by prioritising older cases, and identifying and progressing the highest risk referrals.

The NMC is also making efforts to reduce the number of referrals it receives in the first place.  It reports working with employers to resolve cases at a local level wherever possible.  More recently, the NMC launched a referral helpline in December 2022 which is aimed at members of the public who are considering raising a concern.  The intention is that it will allow the NMC an opportunity to discuss whether a referral would be appropriate.  If a referral is made, the NMC may then be better placed to understand the nature of the concern and investigate it appropriately.

The NMC aims to process cases in a fair, timely and cost-effect manner.  It has not met its year-end target in respect of the overall number of referrals, but it recognises the importance of this aim.   

An efficient and transparent FTP process is essential for any regulator.   It is crucial in maintaining and promoting public confidence in the profession.  The public must be confident that any referrals regarding serious concerns will be prioritised and dealt with efficiently.  It is also vitally important in maintaining registrants’ confidence in their regulator.  They must be confident that referrals will only be taken forward if they merit further investigation, and that the process will be efficient and transparent, which includes good communication throughout, as well as appropriate representation.  The fairness and efficiency of the regulatory process has a direct effect on the commitment and wellbeing of registrants.

Our Professional Discipline and Clinical Defence team specialise in representing healthcare professionals before their regulators.  If you would like further advice, please get in touch.  

Cara Docherty, Associate: cdo@bto.co.uk / 0141 221 8012