Andrea Sutcliffe joins Nursing and Midwifery Council as new chief executive and registrar

Former chief inspector of the CQC, Andrea Sutcliffe, today starts her new role at the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as chief executive and registrar.

Ms Sutcliffe was the first CQC chief inspector of adult social care, a role she made her own for over five years.

One of her main legacies is that she will be forever known for introducing a ‘would my own Mum use this service?’ approach within social care for older people.

On starting her new role at the NMC she said: “I’m thrilled to finally join the NMC. It’s a privilege to take on this role at such an important time, not only for the organisation, but for health and social care in the UK."

She added: “Nurses and midwives are there at some of our most joyous occasions: the birth of a child or recovery from illness. They provide support in our darkest days, perhaps when we are struggling with the impact of mental ill health or the death of a loved one.

“The NMC is constant throughout the careers of nurses, midwives and nursing associates. We need to use that privileged position to support and enable them to deliver great care and to encourage learning on the rare occasions that things go wrong.”

Ms Sutcliffe has worked within health and social care for over 30 years. She was finally awarded a CBE in the New Year’s Honours list in 2018 for services to social care.

Her no-nonsense approach will be well utilised within the NMC, which has been navigating tricky waters of late.

In June of 2018, the organisation was forced to apologise after it was criticised by the Gosport Independent Panel Report into the Morecambe Bay Scandal where more than 200 deaths at Furness general hospital’s maternity ward were investigated.

The former CQC chief inspector will be talking to practicing midwives, nurses and healthcare professionals to see how she can drive up standards within the organisation.

She explained: “Over the coming weeks I’ll be in listening mode. Listening to those who receive care and those who advocate on their behalf. Listening to the nurses, midwives and nursing associates who deliver fantastic care day in, day out. And listening to our partners across the health and care sector as we work together to drive high standards and keep people safe.”

There have been some low-level murmurings from some in the sector who think perhaps the role should have gone to someone with a nursing background, but, in her first tweet in the new role, the prolific tweeter acknowledged the supportive words and encouragement she has received from well-wishers on Twitter.

She said: “Thank you for all your warm messages of welcome, support and some challenge as I start at @nmcnews. It was a great first day meeting so many lovely people here (& the inevitable IT initiation!) Today down to business with my first Executive Team meeting - there’s a lot going on!”