We’re pleased to share that the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has published a new set of principles for advanced practice, designed to bring greater clarity, consistency, and confidence to the roles of advanced practitioners across the UK.

What this means:

• For the public – These principles make it easier for patients and service users to understand what advanced practitioners do, with a clear, accessible definition of the role.
• For professionals – They set out clear expectations to support high-quality, safe, and effective care, empowering advanced practitioners to deliver at the top of their expertise.
• For employers – They provide a valuable framework for workforce planning, education, support, and governance, helping organisations build environments where advanced practice can thrive.

We strongly encourage all professionals and employers to adopt these principles as part of their commitment to delivering excellent care.

What’s included in the principles:

The NMC’s approach highlights that advanced practice is not simply a title, but a level of expertise achieved through additional, specialised education and experience beyond initial registration.

Key elements of the principles include:

• A clear distinction between experienced and advanced practice.
• Emphasis on autonomous decision-making, particularly in complex, high-risk situations.
• A focus on equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion as core responsibilities.
• Recognition of the four pillars of advanced practice: clinical care, education, research, and leadership/management.
• Relevance across all care settings – from hospitals and community services to education and policy roles.
• The importance of inter-professional collaboration and continuous learning.
• Guidance on employer governance and support structures.

These principles align with advanced practice frameworks in all four UK nations and are relevant across both nursing and midwifery disciplines.

While advisory, we join the NMC in strongly encouraging their use to support high standards, professional development, and most importantly better outcomes for patients and communities.

You can download the Principles of Advanced Practice document by visiting the NMC website here.