The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has introduced new principles for advanced practice, aiming to provide clarity and consistency for nurses and midwives working at an advanced level across the UK.

Subject to Council approval on 26 March, these principles will define expectations, ensuring public and professional understanding while supporting employers in fostering effective practice environments.

Developed through extensive UK-wide engagement, these principles distinguish advanced practice from experienced practice, emphasising expertise gained through additional education and specialised experience. Rooted in the four pillars – clinical practice, education, research, and leadership & management, they apply across all workplace settings and align with the UK’s advanced practice frameworks.

Key Expectations

Addressing the need for greater clarity, the NMC has introduced a regulatory definition with versions for both professionals and the public. The principles set key expectations, including:

• Autonomous decision-making
• Managing risk and uncertainty
• Working in inter-professional teams
• Embedding equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion

For employers, these principles provide a framework to recognise and develop advanced practice, ensuring safe and well-supported structures. For the public, they clarify what to expect from advanced practitioners and their impact on healthcare services.

While advisory, we encourage professionals and employers to adopt them to enhance patient care.

If approved, the principles will be published in English and Welsh in May 2025, forming the foundation for new education and proficiency standards by 2027.