NMC Launch INMA Forum
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has recently unveiled its plans to launch a new forum for INMAs, in a bid to support the international nursing and midwifery workforce. The forum is designed to foster engagement and collaboration among organisations dedicated to providing well-being and career assistance to internationally educated and diaspora professionals serving in the UK. The NMC explains that INMAs are: “organisations who provide wellbeing and career support for internationally educated and diaspora professionals working in the UK.”
A significant aspect driving this initiative is the recognition of the escalating reliance on internationally educated and diaspora professionals within the UK nursing and midwifery workforce.
However, the NMC’s “Spotlight on Nursing and Midwifery” report has shed light on some of the challenges faced by these professionals, including instances of racism, derogatory language, and a sense of unequal treatment within the workplace. These issues not only impact their mental and emotional well-being, but also have repercussions on the safe delivery of care to patients.
The INMA Forum is envisioned as a strategic platform for collaboration, serving as a conduit for the exchange of “expertise, evidence, experience” between the NMC and international nursing and midwifery associations. It aims to ensure that the voices and perspectives of internationally educated, and diaspora professionals inform and influence the regulatory and “strategic policy” undertaken by the NMC.
Through active involvement in co-producing strategic initiatives, these professionals will play a pivotal role in shaping the future landscape of nursing and midwifery regulation in the UK, with a focus on promoting safe, effective, and compassionate care for the public.
Although the INMA Forum will not hold formal governance authority, it will serve as a vital channel for influencing the NMC’s policies and operational decisions. Scheduled to convene at least twice a year, the forum’s inaugural meeting took place on April 3rd. Guiding its direction will be an advisory group comprised of INMA representatives, chaired by Sam Foster, the NMC’s Executive Director of Professional Practice. This advisory group will undergo periodic rotations to ensure diverse representation.
In response to the launch of the forum, Sam Foster emphasised the need to create a supportive environment for internationally educated and diaspora professionals to deliver high-quality care. Echoing this sentiment, Ofrah Muflahi, Founder and Director of the British Arab Nursing and Midwifery Association, underscored the importance of shining a light on the experiences and of these professionals to achieve meaningful change.
If you are interested in learning more about diaspora group organisations and finding one that may be suitable for you, click the link below.
www.england.nhs.uk/nursingmidwifery/international-recruitment/international-nursing-and-midwifery-associations/