Press Round-Up: Regulatory and Professional Discipline – December 2025

General Medical Council

The GMC have published a report on the state of medical education and practice in the UK. The report highlights that the number of non-UK qualified doctors who left practice last year has increased from 3,869 in 2023 to 4,880 in 2024.

The report notes that doctors who qualified outside of the UK make up around 42% of the workforce. In terms of numbers joining the workforce from overseas, the report states 20,060 joined in 2024, compared to 19,629 in 2023. A smaller increase on previous years dating back to the pandemic.

The Chief Executive, Charlie Massey, of the GMC comments that even a small percentage of doctors leaving the workforce can have a huge impact on our health services. Charlie Massey says that “it is vital that workforce policies do not inadvertently demoralise or drive out the talent on which our health services depend. Doctors who qualified outside of the UK make up 42% of those working in the UK. If we see even a small percentage increase in them leaving, our health services will end up with huge holes that they’ll struggle to fill.”

Notably, the regulator comments on their role, among others, to recognise the essential contribution doctors make, irrespective of their background.

 

Nursing & Midwifery Council

Since 2025, the NMC has been running a ‘Health Pilot’ which set up a multi-disciplinary team of clinical and safeguarding advisers to recognise the health needs of registrants at an earlier stage.

The NMC has reported positive signs from this pilot delivering faster decisions and a more supportive experience for registrants. In particular, the focus has been on supporting registrants with physical or mental health needs that may impact their ability to engage in the fitness to practise process.

Part of the pilot has involved setting up and planning how registrants are contacted and supported during the process by tailoring this to the needs of the registrant. The main focus is to prioritise their wellbeing.

The NMC report that the pilot is continuing for the next few months to build on the feedback received, with the view to developing the model to be used more widely across the fitness to practise process.

General Dental Council

In mid-November 2025, the GDC published their strategy for 2026 – 2028, focusing on changes and improvements.

The GDC’s vision is to be a trusted and effective regulator, supporting dental professionals to provide safe and effective care for their patients. The strategy sets out how the regulator intends to change perspective for those in the profession, recognising the fear of fitness to practise proceedings.

Dr Helen Phillips, Chair of the GDC, comments that “Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the strategy.” With other key themes in the strategy including a focus on creating trust, recognising the wellbeing of dental professionals and being transparent in their processes. As part of the process for preparing the strategy, the GDC consulted with dental professionals and received 452 responses an increase on the 291 responses received three years before.

Another notable aspect of the strategy is to launch a ‘digital-first’ registration service in 2026. The aim being to simplify the application process.

 

General Pharmaceutical Council

Kathie Cashell has been appointed as the GPhC’s new Chief Executive and Registrar. Kathie Cashell was previously the Deputy Director General at the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

The Chair of the GPhC states that Kathie Cashell brings a wealth of experience, with her previous work on improving public confidence in police accountability and working with different stakeholders. The GPhC are looking forward to continuing to inspire confidence, protect the public, and advance healthcare for all.

The interim Chief Executive and Registrar, Chris Askew, will remain in post until 2 March 2026 when Kathie Cashell takes up the role.

 

Architects Registration Board

Back in October 2024, the ARB launched a public consultation on proposed changes to international routes to registration. The consultation ran from 3 October 2024 to 6 January 2025, and 59 responses were received, with 19 of these categorised as ‘other’, which include internationally qualified architects, not yet on the UK register.

The ARB digest their results and share their plans for the next steps. Firstly, the responses to their proposals were largely positive. Namely, the proposed move to a competence-based assessment, receiving 88% support, and a single point of entry to the UK Register, receiving 80% support. Other proposals were less well received with only 58% approving the proposal to move to an accreditation approach.

The ARB now plan to introduce a competence-based assessment and a single point of entry to the Register. Taking on board the feedback for the accreditation approach, the ARB plans to contract specific providers to run the assessment instead.

A further consultation is scheduled for 2026 with an implementation timeframe to follow. A new Competency Standards Group established before the end of 2026.

 

Solicitors Regulation Authority

Sarah Rapson joined the SRA as the new Chief Executive, having been Executive Director of Supervision at the Financial Reporting Council, and previously the Director Authorisations at the Financial Conduct Authority.

After taking up the post, Sarah Rapson is keen to hear from stakeholders on how she can help refine plans for the SRA’s future.

 

Financial Reporting Council

The FRC has published their commentary and insights on helping smaller listed companies improve corporate reporting quality. The FRC reviewed the annual reports of 20 listed companies outside the FTSE 350, on the Main Market and the Alternative Investment Market.

Focusing on four key areas that require room for improvement: revenue recognition, cashflow statements, impairment of non-financial assets, and financial instruments. The FRC’s review aims to help companies reporting in these areas.

 

Financial Conduct Authority

The FCA has simplified their complaints procedure to improve the quality of the way firms report complaints and to strengthen consumer protection. The main change is to replace the five existing complaints returns with a single consolidated return. Resulting in simplification, reduction in duplication and allowing the FCA to have comparable data.

A key feature of the new process is the requirement for firms to report complaints involving customers in vulnerable circumstances. The FCA say this will help them monitor outcomes for those and risk and ensure firms are providing appropriate support to customers.

The FCA state that this change reflects their commitment to protecting consumers and being a smarter regulator, while reducing burdens on firms reporting.