Nursing and midwifery job profiles up for review

Revisions seen needed to reflect developments in practice and new models of care since current profiles were created

National profiles for nursing and midwifery jobs are set to be reviewed for the first time in a decade to make sure they are still fit for purpose.

NHS Employers announced it will be launching a national survey next month for all NHS organisations in the UK to gather evidence and data on nursing roles from Band 4 and above on current education, qualifications, training and development requirements within the profession.

Prompted by the RCN to carry out the review, it said it hopes responses will help it understand ‘the modern nursing and midwifery landscape.’

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RCN national officer Clare Jacobs said: ‘Nursing is a highly educated and skilled profession which has changed hugely in recent years as nursing knowledge, skills and responsibilities have developed.

‘The profiles were originally developed reflecting the knowledge and skills of nursing roles 20 years ago and need urgent revision to reflect the full depth of nursing now.’

Profiles are intended to provide consistency across different job roles as well as ensuring fair pay

Ms Jacobs said the profiles are part of the NHS Agenda for Change job evaluation scheme and are intended to provide consistency across different job roles as well as ensuring fair pay.

The survey, which will be launched on 26 September, is expected to take around two years to complete and will ask employers about the adequacy of qualification criteria and language of job descriptions.

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Prior to the launch, NHS Employers will publish new information pages on its website and host a webinar on 7 September for people including leaders across the NHS system, local union representatives, HR teams and those involved in job evaluation.

NHS Employers assistant director of employment relations Karen Barnard said: ‘Such reviews are needed to ensure the content of these profiles is up to date and reflects the developments in nursing and midwifery practice and new models of care in both hospital and community settings.

‘The review will ensure employers can use the national job profiles effectively and meet their legal obligation in regard to providing equal pay for work of equal value across the workforce.’

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Find out more

• NHS Agenda for Change job evaluation scheme
• NHS Employers: Nursing and midwifery national profiles review

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