UK NMC: Legally Qualified Chairs to lead some hearings
The Nursing and Midwifery Council is introducing changes intended to make fitness-to-practise hearings faster, fairer, and more focused on the issues that require formal adjudication. From October 2026, a new case management process will require parties to identify and agree the key issues in a case before a hearing, clarify which facts are disputed, and identify the evidence needed to resolve those disputes. "Legally Qualified Chairs combine the roles of Panel Chair and Legal Assessor. Their legal expertise and case management experience mean they are well placed to manage complex legal issues, keep hearings focused and reduce unnecessary duplication by removing the need for a separate Legal Assessor under the current rules." The NMC says the approach should reduce unnecessary evidence and hearing time while allowing panels to focus on matters that could affect their decisions. The changes also include earlier case management conferences, greater use of written evidence and agreed facts where appropriate, and clearer expectations for all parties preparing for hearings. The reforms are part of the NMC’s wider work to improve its fitness-to-practise process, with the stated aim of reducing delays while maintaining fairness and protecting the public.