NMC appoints new equality, diversity and inclusion advisor

The NMC has appointed Mac Alonge from The Equal Group as the equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) advisor to the Executive Board and its Council for an initial period of three months.

Mac is an experienced strategic and regulatory consultant, having spent the last 10 years working within the energy and utilities industry.

Mac and The Equal Group are focused on providing organisations with the tools and support they need to enhance their equality, diversity and inclusion efforts, helping to build a more equitable and inclusive future.

The NMC committed to making this appointment following the recent independent culture review, which found that there are colleagues who have experienced racism and other forms of discrimination, bullying and harassment.

Mac will have his first meeting with the Executive team and Council in October. Over the coming months, they will work together to ensure EDI considerations are at the heart of implementing the review’s recommendations and wider culture change programme.

The NMC recognises that it will take time to create a truly inclusive environment for everyone working at the organisation.

To do that, it’s imperative that EDI is central to all decision making. Mac and the Equal Group’s challenge and expertise will also support the NMC’s leadership team and Council to strengthen cultural competence as a group and individually.

These are important foundational steps towards building a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and included.

Commenting on the appointment, Mac said: “I understand that there is significant work to do at the NMC and this presents an opportunity to address a culture that has undermined the vital role that the NMC plays in our society.

“The independent culture review must be viewed as an inflection point in the NMC’s journey, one which leads to more positive outcomes for staff, key stakeholders and society as a whole.”

Helen Herniman, Acting Chief Executive and Registrar, said: “Mac’s extensive experience of strategic equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives will support us through the foundational steps of our journey towards a safer, more inclusive working environment for our colleagues.

“His external test and challenge will also be crucial to our discussions and decisions as we work to implement the review’s recommendations and deliver a wider culture change programme.

“We know that Mac’s appointment won’t solve the issues on its own but it’s an important first step on the journey towards ensuring EDI is always at the forefront of decision making.”