The Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC) new interim chief executive and registrar has started in post today and has committed to presenting ‘a clear vision and plan’ for change at the organisation by the end of March.
Paul Rees today began his 12-month tenure at the nursing regulator – joining from the National Pharmacy Association, where he was chief executive for just over a year.
Mr Rees today said he wanted the regulator to ‘change at pace’ and that he looked forward to ‘helping transform the NMC into an organisation that leads with fairness, inclusion, and excellence’.
His appointment comes amid a challenging time for the NMC following a scathing culture review into bullying and harassment at the regulator last year.
‘I know I’m joining the organisation at a challenging time in its history,’ said Mr Rees.
‘The public need us to operate at the top of our game, so we can ensure good, safe nursing and midwifery care for everyone.
‘Our processes need to be faster, fairer and more effective for professionals, and our colleagues need to work in an environment that is respectful and psychologically safe.’
He added: ‘Given the challenges we face, I want us to change at pace.
‘I look forward to helping transform the NMC into an organisation that leads with fairness, inclusion, and excellence.’
In the coming weeks, the NMC said Mr Rees would ‘closely engage’ with colleagues and partners to help build a ‘transformation plan which reflects the organisation’s current challenges and opportunities’.
And by the end of March, Mr Rees will present ‘a clear vision and plan that will help our organisation achieve the change we all want to see’, the NMC added.
