Professor Donna O’Boyle to support NMC’s fitness to practise improvement

The NMC is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Donna O’Boyle as a seconded executive adviser to support the improvement of our fitness to practise (FtP) processes.

Donna will collaborate with the organisation’s clinical advice and registrant support teams, alongside colleagues in Professional Practice, to support the strategic development of this crucial area.

She has been a registered nurse since 1987 and most recently has been a Professional Regulatory Adviser at the Scottish Government. She joins on a 12-month secondment.

Donna brings a wealth of clinical, legal, and policy expertise to the role. Her responsibilities at the Scottish Government included providing advice to Scottish Ministers, the Chief Nursing Officer, and the Chief Medical Officer on all aspects of professional healthcare legislation, practice, and policy.

Working closely with the General Medical Council’s Anthony Omo, who is also a seconded executive adviser, Donna will provide external insight, support, and advice to help shape and implement improvements in FtP services.

This appointment is part of a broader range of measures following the independent culture review, as the NMC works at pace to deliver meaningful improvements to its FtP process and decision-making.

Donna’s role will focus on expediting investigations and decisions, tackling the caseload backlog, and strengthening the organisation’s ability to provide effective public protection.

She said: “I am incredibly delighted to support the NMC in this exciting time of transition and look forward to bringing the clinical and policy perspective to assist NMC colleagues as they strengthen the delivery of planned changes and transformation.”

Lesley Maslen, Executive Director of Professional Regulation at the NMC, said: “Donna’s arrival marks an important milestone as we continue to take forward the recommendations from the independent culture review and address the challenges within our fitness to practise processes.

“Her knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we work towards faster, fairer, and more effective decisions that protect the public and support nursing and midwifery professionals.”