NMC chair to step down by March 2025
Sir David Warren will “end his term” as chair of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) by March 2025, it has been announced.
Sir David, who has been in post since 2021 but has faced pressure recently to resign, will step down once a successor has been chosen to replace him.
“The cycle needs to be broken and a fresh start is needed”
Joan Myers
Nursing Times understands that, while his tenure is due to end in March 2025, it is highly likely that he will be replaced sooner than this.
Commenting on his departure, Sir David said: “It remains a great privilege to lead the council at what is a turning point for the organisation.
“It will be for the next chair to lead the NMC through the multi-year transformation programme to come, and it is now time to start the search for that person.
“Until they take up post, I’m looking forward to laying the groundwork for positive change at the NMC following the independent culture review.”
The announcement follows a tricky few months at the regulator following a damning review which uncovered bullying, racism and toxic behaviour at every level of the NMC.
In the wake of the review, many nurses have been campaigning for Sir David to resign.
Despite this, he continued to defended his leadership position, arguing that there needed to be “stability and continuity” in the NMC leadership as it responded to the findings of the review.
Joan Myers
Dr Joan Myers, a nurse leader who stepped down from the Royal College of Nursing Council in 2021 after she had concerns about its culture and governance, is one of those who has been calling for Sir David’s resignation.
She told Nursing Times today that she hoped that the changing of chairs would provide the NMC with the “fresh start” needed to improve the organisation.
“I hope that they find someone with integrity and who is robust and committed to dealing with the issues that would bring about positive change for registrants, staff and the public, as we deserve better,” said Dr Myers.
“The cycle needs to be broken and a fresh start is needed.
“A new chair with fresh eyes and innovative, radical change ideas will ensure the culture is improved.”
The NMC said it would announce details of the process to recruit Sir David’s successor in due course.
The next chair will also be responsible for pressing ahead with the appointment of a new permanent chief executive and registrar of the NMC.
