Conflict of Interest Policy- Revalidation Ready

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all reflective discussions and confirmation (sign-off) activities carried out by Revalidation Ready are conducted with professional integrity, independence, and objectivity, in line with:

  • Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) revalidation guidance
  • The NMC Code (2018)

2. Definition of Conflict of Interest

A conflict of interest occurs where a personal, professional, or financial relationship may:

  • Influence professional judgement
  • Compromise objectivity
  • Undermine the credibility of the confirmation process

3. NMC Requirements

In accordance with NMC revalidation guidance:

  • The reflective discussion must take place with another NMC registrant
  • The confirmer must be an appropriate individual who can confirm that revalidation requirements have been met
  • The confirmer must act honestly, objectively, and in good faith

4. Role of Revalidation Ready

Revalidation Ready acts as:

  • A reflective discussion partner (NMC registrant)
  • An independent confirmer, where appropriate

All decisions regarding confirmation are made using professional judgement and evidence provided.

5. Situations Where Conflict of Interest May Arise

A conflict of interest may exist where there is:

Personal relationships

  • Family members (including first-degree relatives)
  • Close friends or personal relationships

Professional relationships

  • Line management relationships
  • Close working relationships where objectivity may be affected

Financial relationships

  • Situations where financial gain could influence decision-making (Being a paid service does not in itself constitute a conflict of interest)
  • Any arrangement where impartiality may be questioned

6. Managing Conflicts of Interest

Where a conflict of interest is identified:

  • Revalidation Ready will not proceed with confirmation (sign-off)
  • The registrant will be advised to seek an alternative appropriate confirmer

Reflective discussion may still be offered, where appropriate and safe to do so

7. Independence and Objectivity

Revalidation Ready operates as an independent professional service.

All confirmation decisions are based on:

  • Evidence presented
  • Professional judgement
  • NMC revalidation requirements

No confirmation will be provided where objectivity cannot be assured.

8. Professional Integrity

Revalidation Ready will:

  • Act in accordance with the NMC Code
  • Maintain honesty and transparency
  • Avoid any situation that could compromise professional standards

9. Responsibility of the Registrant

The registrant is responsible for:

  • Declaring any potential conflict of interest
  • Acting in accordance with professional standards
  • Ensuring transparency in the confirmation process

10. Refusal of Service

Revalidation Ready reserves the right to:

  • Decline confirmation where a conflict of interest exists
  • Withdraw from the process if a conflict becomes apparent

11. Record Keeping

Any identified conflicts of interest and actions taken will be:

  • Documented securely
  • Retained in line with data protection requirements

12. Alignment with the NMC Code

This policy supports:

  • Promoting professionalism and trust
  • Acting with honesty and integrity
  • Preserving safety through objective decision-making