Can't Find an NMC Confirmer? Here's Your Solution for Revalidation 2025

Struggling to Find an NMC Confirmer? You're Not Alone

It's 60 days before your NMC revalidation deadline. You've completed your 450 practice hours, gathered your CPD certificates, written your reflective accounts, and ticked every box on the revalidation checklist. There's just one problem: you cannot find an NMC confirmer.

This is one of the most common – and stressful – challenges nurses and midwives face during revalidation. Whether you work as a locum, have recently changed jobs, work in a non-traditional setting, or are based overseas, finding an appropriate confirmer can feel impossible.

The good news? Independent NMC confirmer services exist specifically to solve this problem. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about finding a confirmer, what makes a good confirmation service, and how to complete your revalidation successfully.

Why Finding an NMC Confirmer Is So Difficult

The NMC requires your confirmer to be an NMC-registered nurse or midwife who has appropriate knowledge of your practice and professional development. Sounds straightforward, but in reality, many nurses and midwives struggle to find someone who meets these criteria.

Common Situations Where Finding a Confirmer Is Challenging

1. Working as a Locum or Agency Nurse

If you work across multiple trusts or healthcare settings, you may not have a consistent line manager or supervisor who knows your practice well enough to act as your confirmer.

2. Recently Changed Jobs

Started a new position within the last few months? Your new manager may not feel they know your practice sufficiently to confirm your revalidation, whilst your previous manager may no longer feel appropriate.

3. Working in Non-Traditional Settings

Nurses and midwives working in aesthetics, occupational health, private practice, education, research, or management roles often work alongside professionals who are not NMC-registered, making it difficult to find an appropriate confirmer.

4. Independent or Self-Employed Practice

Independent midwives, nurse prescribers in private practice, or self-employed nurses may work entirely independently without regular contact with other NMC-registered professionals.

5. Working Abroad

If you are working overseas, you may be surrounded by healthcare professionals with local registrations (AHPRA, MOH, state licences) rather than NMC registration.

6. Career Breaks or Maternity Leave

Taking time away from practice can mean you have lost contact with potential confirmers from your previous workplace.

7. Workplace Pressures

Even if you have a potential confirmer at work, they may be too busy, have cancelled meetings multiple times, or be unfamiliar with current revalidation requirements.

8. Working Part-Time or Bank Shifts

Limited hours or irregular shifts can mean you do not have close working relationships with managers or supervisors who could act as confirmers.

What the NMC Says About Confirmers

According to NMC guidance, your confirmer must:

• Be on the NMC register (as a nurse, midwife, or nursing associate)
• Have appropriate knowledge of your practice and professional development
• Not be your line manager (though they can be)
• Not be a family member or someone with whom you have a close personal relationship

Importantly, the NMC does not require your confirmer to be from your workplace. They can be any appropriate NMC-registered professional, including those from independent confirmer services.

What Is an Independent NMC Confirmer Service?

Independent NMC confirmer services are professional services provided by experienced NMC-registered nurses and midwives who specialise in supporting revalidation. We act as your confirmer when you cannot find an appropriate person through your workplace or professional network.

How Independent Confirmer Services Work

The process is straightforward and entirely compliant with NMC requirements:

1. Initial contact: You get in touch, usually 2-3 months before your revalidation deadline
2. Portfolio review: You submit your revalidation portfolio for expert review
3. Feedback and guidance: We provide detailed feedback on your evidence, reflective accounts, and documentation
4. Confirmation meeting: We arrange a video call or face-to-face meeting to discuss your practice and professional development
5. Confirmation: We complete the confirmation section of your revalidation application
6. Submission support: You submit your revalidation to the NMC with confidence

Benefits of Using an Independent NMC Confirmer Service

1. Guaranteed Availability

Unlike busy workplace managers, independent confirmers are dedicated to revalidation support. Your appointment will not be cancelled or postponed due to clinical emergencies or staffing issues.

2. Expert Knowledge of Revalidation

We specialise in NMC revalidation. We stay up to date with the latest NMC guidance, common pitfalls, and best practices. We have confirmed hundreds of revalidations and know exactly what the NMC expects.

3. Thorough Portfolio Review

We do not just tick boxes – we provide comprehensive review of your entire portfolio before your confirmation meeting, identifying any gaps or areas that need strengthening.

4. Flexible Scheduling

We offer appointments at times that suit you, including evenings and weekends. If you work abroad, we can accommodate different time zones.

5. Understanding of Diverse Practice Contexts

We work with nurses and midwives from all specialties and settings – acute care, community, private practice, education, research, aesthetics, occupational health, and more. We understand how to discuss professional development across different contexts.

6. Objectivity and Professional Distance

Some nurses and midwives prefer discussing their practice with someone outside their workplace. This can lead to more honest reflection and meaningful professional development conversations.

7. Support Throughout the Process

We provide ongoing support, not just a one-off meeting. You can ask questions, seek clarification, and get guidance throughout your revalidation preparation.

8. Peace of Mind

Knowing you have a confirmed appointment with an experienced professional removes the stress and uncertainty of finding a confirmer at the last minute.

What to Look for in an NMC Confirmer Service

Not all confirmer services are equal. Here is what to check when choosing a professional confirmer:

Essential Criteria

• Current NMC registration: Always verify your confirmer is on the NMC register (you can check this on the NMC website)
• Experience and expertise: Look for confirmers with extensive revalidation experience
• Professional indemnity insurance: Reputable services carry appropriate insurance
• Clear process: The service should explain exactly how confirmation works
• Transparent pricing: No hidden fees or unexpected charges
• Good communication: Responsive, professional, and supportive

Quality Indicators

• Comprehensive portfolio review included
• Adequate time allocated for confirmation meeting (60-90 minutes)
• Understanding of diverse practice settings
• Positive testimonials or reviews from other nurses and midwives
• Clear timeline and process
• Support with reflective writing and portfolio preparation

How Much Does an Independent NMC Confirmer Cost?

Independent confirmer services typically charge a fee, unlike workplace confirmation which is usually free. However, the investment is worthwhile when you consider:

The Value Proposition

• Time saved: No need to search desperately for a confirmer or chase busy managers
• Stress reduction: Guaranteed appointment and expert support
• Quality assurance: Portfolio review ensures you meet all NMC requirements
• Risk mitigation: Reduces the risk of revalidation issues or registration lapse
• Professional development: Meaningful reflective discussion that genuinely supports your growth

The Cost of Not Revalidating

Consider what happens if you cannot find a confirmer and miss your revalidation deadline:

• Your NMC registration lapses
• You cannot work as a nurse or midwife in the UK
• You must complete return to practice requirements (supervised practice hours, additional training)
• Potential loss of income during the return to practice period
• Stress and uncertainty about your professional future

The cost of professional confirmation is minimal compared to these consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions About Independent NMC Confirmers

Is it allowed to use an independent confirmer?

Yes, absolutely. The NMC does not require your confirmer to be from your workplace. Any appropriate NMC-registered nurse or midwife can act as your confirmer, including those from professional confirmer services.

Will the NMC know I used an independent confirmer?

Your confirmer's details are included in your revalidation application, but the NMC does not distinguish between workplace and independent confirmers. What matters is that your confirmer is appropriately registered and has knowledge of your practice.

How does an independent confirmer gain knowledge of my practice?

Through reviewing your revalidation portfolio (practice hours evidence, CPD, reflective accounts, feedback) and discussing your professional development during the confirmation meeting. This provides comprehensive insight into your practice.

Can I use an independent confirmer if I have a workplace option?

Yes. Some nurses and midwives choose independent confirmation even when workplace options exist, preferring the expertise, objectivity, or convenience of professional services.

How far in advance should I book an independent confirmer?

Ideally 2-3 months before your revalidation deadline. This allows time for portfolio review, any necessary improvements, and scheduling your confirmation meeting.

What if I am working abroad?

Independent confirmer services work perfectly for overseas nurses and midwives. Confirmation meetings can be conducted via video call at times that suit your time zone.

Do I still need a reflective discussion with someone else?

Yes, the reflective discussion is a separate requirement from confirmation. However, some confirmer services can facilitate this as part of their offering.

What happens during the confirmation meeting?

Your confirmer will review your completed revalidation form and evidence, discuss your reflective accounts and professional development, verify your identity, and complete the confirmation section of your application.

How Our NMC Confirmer Service Works

Step 1: Get in Touch

Contact us at least 2-3 months before your revalidation deadline. Let us know your revalidation date, whether you are revalidating for nursing, midwifery, or dual registration, and your practice context.

Step 2: Submit Your Portfolio

Send us your revalidation portfolio digitally, including:

• Practice hours evidence
• CPD certificates and documentation
• Five reflective accounts
• Five pieces of practice-related feedback
• Evidence of reflective discussion
• Draft revalidation form

Step 3: Portfolio Review and Feedback

We conduct a thorough review of your portfolio and provide detailed feedback on:

• Whether all NMC requirements are met
• Quality and depth of reflective accounts
• Appropriateness of evidence
• Links to the NMC Code
• Any areas needing strengthening or clarification

Step 4: Make Any Improvements

Based on our feedback, you can strengthen your portfolio before the confirmation meeting. We are available to answer questions and provide guidance.

Step 5: Confirmation Meeting

We schedule a video call or face-to-face meeting (60-90 minutes) at a time that suits you. During this meeting, we:

• Discuss your professional development and practice
• Explore your reflective accounts in depth
• Talk about how you are meeting NMC Code standards
• Verify your identity and registration details
• Complete the confirmation section of your revalidation

Step 6: Submit to the NMC

After confirmation, you submit your revalidation application to the NMC online. We provide any additional documentation you need and are available for any follow-up questions.

Who We Help: Real Scenarios

Locum Nurses

"I work across three different hospitals as a locum nurse. I don't have a consistent manager, and none of the ward managers felt they knew my practice well enough to confirm. The independent confirmer service was perfect – they reviewed all my evidence from different settings and understood my varied practice." - Rachel, Locum Nurse

Aesthetic Nurses

"I left NHS nursing to work in aesthetics. My clinic manager isn't NMC-registered, and I'd lost touch with my previous NHS colleagues. I was panicking about revalidation until I found this service. They understood aesthetic nursing practice and helped me link my CPD to the NMC Code." - Sophie, Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner

Midwives Working Abroad

"I'm a midwife working in Dubai. There are no other NMC-registered midwives at my hospital – everyone has MOH registration. The independent confirmer service was my only option, and they were brilliant. We had our meeting via video call, and they understood my Middle Eastern practice context." - Emma, Midwife in UAE

Nurses Returning from Career Breaks

"I took two years off for maternity leave and lost contact with my previous workplace. When my revalidation came up, I had no idea who to ask to be my confirmer. This service took all the stress away – they reviewed my portfolio, gave helpful feedback, and made the whole process straightforward." - Lisa, Community Nurse

Independent Midwives

"As an independent midwife, I work alone. I don't have colleagues or a manager who could act as my confirmer. Independent confirmer services are essential for practitioners like me. They understand autonomous practice and helped me reflect meaningfully on my professional development." - Jane, Independent Midwife

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Finding a Confirmer

1. Leaving It Too Late

Do not wait until the last minute to find a confirmer. Start looking at least 2-3 months before your deadline.

2. Choosing Someone Inappropriate

Your confirmer must be NMC-registered and have knowledge of your practice. A friend who is a nurse but has never worked with you is not appropriate.

3. Not Preparing Your Portfolio

Your confirmer needs to review your evidence. Have your portfolio organised and complete before your confirmation meeting.

4. Expecting a Quick Tick-Box Exercise

Confirmation should be a meaningful discussion about your practice, not a five-minute formality. Allow adequate time (60-90 minutes).

5. Not Checking NMC Registration

Always verify that your confirmer is currently on the NMC register. You can check this on the NMC website.

Timeline: When to Find Your Confirmer

12 Months Before Revalidation

Start thinking about who might be an appropriate confirmer. If you anticipate difficulties, begin researching independent confirmer services.

6 Months Before Revalidation

Identify your confirmer or contact an independent service. Begin organising your portfolio.

3 Months Before Revalidation

Confirm your confirmer appointment. Submit your portfolio for review if using an independent service.

2 Months Before Revalidation

Complete your confirmation meeting. The NMC will send your revalidation notification 60 days before your deadline.

1 Month Before Revalidation

Submit your revalidation application to the NMC online, including your confirmer's details.

Why Choose Our NMC Confirmer Service?

Experienced and Qualified

We are experienced NMC-registered nurses and midwives with extensive knowledge of revalidation requirements across all specialties and practice settings.

Comprehensive Support

We provide thorough portfolio review, detailed feedback, and meaningful confirmation meetings – not just a tick-box service.

Flexible and Accessible

We offer video call appointments at times that suit you, including evenings and weekends. We support nurses and midwives worldwide.

Understanding of Diverse Practice

We work with nurses and midwives from all settings – NHS, private practice, aesthetics, education, research, overseas, independent practice, and more.

Professional and Reliable

We are fully insured, professional, and committed to supporting your revalidation success.

Affordable Investment

Our fees are transparent and reasonable, representing excellent value for the comprehensive support provided.

Take Action: Secure Your NMC Confirmer Today

Do not let the stress of finding a confirmer jeopardise your NMC registration. Whether you are a locum nurse, working abroad, in independent practice, or simply struggling to find an appropriate workplace confirmer, our professional service is here to help.

What to Do Next

1. Check your NMC revalidation date on the NMC online register
2. Assess whether you have an appropriate workplace confirmer available
3. If not, contact us at least 2-3 months before your deadline
4. Submit your portfolio for review
5. Schedule your confirmation meeting
6. Complete your revalidation with confidence

Your NMC registration is too important to leave to chance. Get in touch today to secure your professional NMC confirmer and ensure your revalidation is completed smoothly, on time, and to the highest standard.

Revalidation should be a positive opportunity for professional reflection and development – not a source of stress and anxiety. Let us help you make it exactly that.