Revalidation: a university health board’s learning from pilot partner engagement

Abstract

This article aims to share organisational experiences and learning from the largest Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) revalidation pilot partner. The purpose of revalidation is to improve public and patient protection through career-long professional updating. Pilot participation enabled Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) to contribute significantly to system and process testing, underpinning revalidation across a range of nursing and midwifery settings. An action plan was developed providing a structured approach to the revalidation pilot, detailed actions were identified and progress against actions mapped and reported. While revalidation is the individual registrant's responsibility, there is an organisational obligation to create a supportive enabling environment. A strategic plan incorporating revalidation into organisational objectives and structured leadership roles assisted registrants to successfully meet the NMC's requirements. With 813 registrants completing the pilot process, ABUHB has an enhanced understanding of the revalidation process and an appreciation of its impact on associated professional issues. This level of learning has increased readiness for revalidation commencement for all UK nurses and midwives.