In recent times, there have been calls from international nurses across the globe for the Nursing and Midwifery Council of the United Kingdom to review their English language requirements. The council formed an external advisory group some weeks ago to help identify any potential amendment to the requirements and asked its council to accept a public consultation on the proposal which will consist of three specific changes:
- A change in the accepted score including how applicants can combine scores across test sittings and the minimum score required
- Whether it can accept evidence of non-registered practice in English supported by an employer reference or other evidence.
- Whether it can accept non-nursing or midwifery post-graduate that are taught and examined in English
Today, the UK Nursing and Midwifery Council has launched a new consultation to give people a chance to have a say on proposed changes to the English language requirements. The consultation will run for eight weeks from today 17 June 2022. This consultation follows several months of collaboration with professionals, partners, and stakeholders to gather initial views and build a clear evidence base for change.
Areas for Consultation
According to the Councill, they are consulting on two areas. First, is the approach to testing. Secondly, whether it should consider accepting other evidence of English language competence. This might include employer references, evidence of unregulated practice in UK health and care settings, or postgraduate qualifications that people have studied in English.
Nurses, midwives, and other stakeholders can make their input by filling out this online survey, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The consultation is open until 12 August 2022.
