Four themes of NMC Code: prioritise people, practise effectively, preserve safety, promote professionalism

NMC Code and Revalidation: How to Link Your Portfolio to Professional Standards

Understanding the Connection Between the NMC Code and Revalidation

The NMC Code – 'Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates' – is not merely a document you read during training and set aside. It serves as the cornerstone of your NMC revalidation and should be woven throughout every aspect of your professional nursing practice.

Understanding how the NMC Code connects to your revalidation requirements can transform the process from a tick-box exercise into a meaningful opportunity for professional development. This comprehensive guide will help you create a strong revalidation portfolio that demonstrates your commitment to professional standards.

Why the NMC Code Matters for Your Revalidation Portfolio

The NMC Code establishes the professional standards that all nurses, midwives and nursing associates must uphold. Your revalidation is specifically designed to demonstrate that you are meeting these standards in your everyday nursing practice.

Every element of your revalidation portfolio should reflect your commitment to the four key themes of the NMC Code:

  • Prioritise people
  • Practise effectively
  • Preserve safety
  • Promote professionalism and trust

How to Link Your Reflective Accounts to the NMC Code

One of the most critical NMC revalidation requirements is writing five reflective accounts, and each account must reference how your CPD activities or practice-related feedback relates to the Code.

What Does This Mean in Practice?

When writing your reflective accounts for revalidation, you need to explicitly identify which aspects of the NMC Code are relevant to your reflection. Here are practical examples:

Example 1: CPD on Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
"This safeguarding training directly relates to sections 16 and 17 of the NMC Code – acting without delay if you believe someone is at risk of harm, and raising concerns immediately if you believe someone is vulnerable or at risk."

Example 2: Patient Feedback on Communication Skills
"The positive feedback I received about my communication with a patient's family links to section 7 of the NMC Code – communicating clearly and effectively – and section 1 – treating people with kindness, respect and compassion."

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Reflective Writing

  • Being too vague: Do not simply state "this relates to the Code" – specify which sections and explain the connection
  • Forcing connections: The link should be genuine and meaningful, not contrived or superficial
  • Forgetting the reference: Every reflective account must include specific NMC Code references
  • Using only one theme: Demonstrate breadth across different Code themes throughout your five reflective accounts

Linking Your 35 Hours of CPD to the NMC Code

Your continuing professional development (CPD) should help you maintain and improve your nursing practice in line with the Code's standards. Here is how to align your CPD activities with each theme:

Prioritise People (NMC Code Sections 1-7)

CPD examples that support this theme include:

  • Person-centred care training
  • Communication skills workshops for healthcare professionals
  • Equality, diversity and inclusion courses
  • Mental capacity and consent training
  • Patient advocacy and empowerment sessions
  • Dignity in care training

Practise Effectively (NMC Code Sections 8-15)

CPD examples that support this theme include:

  • Clinical skills updates and competency assessments
  • Evidence-based practice workshops
  • Record keeping and documentation courses
  • Leadership and delegation training for nurses
  • Technology and digital health learning
  • Clinical decision-making courses

Preserve Safety (NMC Code Sections 16-19)

CPD examples that support this theme include:

  • Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults training
  • Infection prevention and control updates
  • Risk assessment and management courses
  • Whistleblowing and raising concerns workshops
  • Health and safety training for healthcare settings
  • Medication safety and administration courses

Promote Professionalism and Trust (NMC Code Sections 20-25)

CPD examples that support this theme include:

  • Professional boundaries training for nurses
  • Social media and professional standards guidance
  • Ethical decision-making workshops
  • Reflective practice sessions
  • NMC revalidation preparation courses
  • Professional accountability training

Using Practice-Related Feedback to Demonstrate Code Compliance

The five pieces of practice-related feedback you collect should ideally demonstrate how you are meeting different aspects of the NMC Code in your day-to-day nursing work.

What Constitutes Quality Feedback for Revalidation?

Effective practice-related feedback for NMC revalidation should:

  • Be specific about what you did well or areas for improvement
  • Relate directly to your professional nursing practice
  • Connect to NMC Code standards (even if not explicitly stated)
  • Come from diverse sources (patients, colleagues, managers, students)
  • Cover different aspects of your nursing role

Transforming Feedback into Reflective Accounts

When you receive practice-related feedback, consider these questions:

  • Which sections of the NMC Code does this feedback relate to?
  • What does this feedback reveal about my nursing practice?
  • How can I use this feedback to improve or develop further?
  • What learning or CPD activities might help me build on this feedback?

Your Reflective Discussion and the NMC Code

The reflective discussion with another NMC-registered professional provides an opportunity to have a meaningful conversation about how you are upholding the Code in your nursing practice.

Topics to Explore During Your Reflective Discussion

Your reflective discussion for revalidation might cover:

  • Challenging situations where you had to apply NMC Code principles
  • How you have developed your practice in line with Code standards
  • Ethical dilemmas and how the Code guided your clinical decisions
  • Areas where you find it challenging to meet Code requirements
  • How your CPD has helped you better understand or apply the Code

Making Your Reflective Discussion Meaningful

This is not merely a box-ticking exercise. Use this discussion to:

  • Gain new perspectives on your nursing practice
  • Explore difficult aspects of the Code within your practice context
  • Identify areas for future professional development
  • Celebrate areas where you excel in meeting Code standards

Demonstrating the NMC Code in Your Practice Hours

Your 450 practice hours (or 900 hours for dual registration) should demonstrate that you are working within your scope of practice as defined by the NMC Code.

What Counts as Practice Hours for NMC Revalidation?

Practice hours must involve using your nursing or midwifery skills and knowledge in line with the Code. Qualifying activities include:

  • Direct patient or client care
  • Clinical supervision and mentoring of nurses
  • Teaching and education roles in healthcare
  • Management and leadership positions in nursing
  • Research involving nursing or midwifery practice
  • Policy development related to health and care delivery

Demonstrating Code Compliance in Your Practice

Your practice hours evidence should demonstrate that you are:

  • Working within your competence (NMC Code Section 13)
  • Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries (NMC Code Section 20)
  • Keeping your knowledge and skills up to date (NMC Code Section 22)
  • Practising in line with the best available evidence (NMC Code Section 8)

Health and Character Declaration: Upholding the NMC Code

Your health and character declaration is your confirmation that you continue to meet the Code's standards for professionalism and fitness to practise as a registered nurse or midwife.

What This Declaration Means

You are declaring that:

  • You are of good health and character to practise safely
  • You have not been convicted of any criminal offences
  • You have not had any regulatory or professional sanctions
  • You are upholding the standards set out in the NMC Code

If You Have Concerns About Your Declaration

If you have health issues, cautions, or other matters to declare, this does not automatically mean you cannot revalidate. The NMC assesses each case individually, focusing on whether you can practise safely and in line with the Code.

Professional Indemnity Insurance and the NMC Code

Section 23 of the NMC Code requires you to have appropriate indemnity insurance. Your revalidation requires you to confirm that you have this arrangement in place.

Why Professional Indemnity Matters

Professional indemnity insurance:

  • Protects you if something goes wrong in your nursing practice
  • Demonstrates your commitment to accountability (NMC Code Section 24)
  • Shows you are taking responsibility for your professional practice
  • Is a legal requirement for NMC registration

Bringing It All Together: The NMC Code as Your Revalidation Guide

The NMC Code is not separate from your revalidation – it is the foundation of the entire process. Every requirement in the revalidation process is designed to help you demonstrate that you are meeting Code standards.

A Practical Approach to Code-Linked Revalidation

Throughout your three-year revalidation cycle:

  1. Keep the NMC Code visible: Have a copy readily accessible and refer to it regularly
  2. Think Code-first: When choosing CPD activities, consider which Code themes they address
  3. Make explicit links: In your reflective accounts, clearly state which Code sections apply
  4. Use all four themes: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates breadth across the Code
  5. Be honest in reflection: Include challenges as well as successes in meeting Code standards
  6. Seek professional support: If you are unsure how something relates to the Code, ask for guidance

Frequently Asked Questions About the NMC Code and Revalidation

Do I need to memorise all 25 sections of the NMC Code?

While you do not need to memorise every word, you should be familiar with the four themes and the key principles. Understanding the Code helps you make better professional decisions and write stronger reflective accounts for revalidation.

What if my reflective account relates to multiple Code sections?

That is perfectly acceptable and often realistic! Many nursing practice situations involve multiple Code principles. Simply ensure you identify the most relevant sections and explain the connections clearly.

Can I use the same Code sections in multiple reflective accounts?

Yes, but aim to demonstrate breadth across your five accounts. If all five accounts only reference sections 1-3, you are missing opportunities to show how you meet other Code standards.

What if I work in a non-clinical nursing role?

The NMC Code applies to all registered nurses and midwives, regardless of role. Education, management, research, and policy roles all involve applying Code principles – you simply need to reflect on how they apply in your specific context.

Getting Professional Support with Code-Linked Revalidation

Understanding how to effectively link your revalidation evidence to the NMC Code can be challenging, particularly if you are completing revalidation for the first time or work in a non-traditional nursing setting.

Professional NMC confirmer services can help you:

  • Identify appropriate Code references for your reflective accounts
  • Ensure you are demonstrating breadth across Code themes
  • Strengthen the connections between your CPD and Code standards
  • Have meaningful reflective discussions about Code application in your practice
  • Build confidence that your portfolio meets NMC revalidation requirements

Your Code, Your Practice, Your Professional Development

The NMC Code is more than a regulatory document – it is a framework for excellent professional nursing practice. When you approach revalidation with the Code at the centre, it becomes an opportunity to genuinely reflect on your practice, celebrate your achievements, and identify areas for professional growth.

By making explicit connections between your CPD, reflective accounts, practice-related feedback, and the NMC Code, you are not merely meeting revalidation requirements – you are demonstrating your commitment to the highest standards of nursing and midwifery practice.

Need help linking your revalidation portfolio to the NMC Code? Our expert NMC confirmers can guide you through the process and help you create a portfolio that truly reflects your professional practice and commitment to Code standards.

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