Apply here by Monday 5 October 2026 at 11:30 AM
Legally Qualified Chair (140 Vacancies)
Organisation: Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) – Supported by Inclusive Boards
Location: Hybrid / Virtual & In-Person (London and Edinburgh)
Remuneration: £540 per day (plus preparation fee, holiday pay, pension contributions, and expenses)
Time commitment: Minimum 15 days per year (potential for up to 50 days)
Tenure: 4-year initial appointment
About the role
Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in recruiting 140 Legally Qualified Chairs (LQCs).
The NMC is the independent regulator of more than 867,000 nurses, midwives, and nursing associates across the UK. As part of a major strategic drive to enhance the efficiency, fairness, and quality of its Fitness to Practise proceedings, the NMC is introducing Legally Qualified Chairs to combine the functions of Panel Chair and Legal Assessor.
In this role, you will lead hearings, deliver sound legal advice to panel members, and make fair, evidence-based, and proportionate decisions that protect the public and uphold confidence in the regulated professions.
Key responsibilities
Leadership of hearings: Manage and lead Fitness to Practise hearings firmly, collaboratively, and in accordance with NMC rules and values.
Judgement and decision-making: Evaluate evidence alongside panel colleagues to draft clear, reasoned determinations.
Legal expertise: Provide clear written and oral advice on points of law, procedure, and evidence.
Inclusive practice: Create an environment that allows all hearing participants—including unrepresented registrants—to engage fully.
Eligibility and person specification
Professional experience: Minimum 10 years’ post-qualification experience (PQE) as a solicitor, barrister, or advocate in the UK by June 2027. (Applications are welcomed from legal professionals with at least 9 years’ PQE at campaign close who will reach 10 years’ PQE by appointment.)
Professional standing: Must hold a valid practising certificate and be in current good standing with your professional regulator.
Core competencies: Strong skills in hearing leadership, legal analysis, communication, and collaborative decision-making.
Values: Ability to role model the NMC’s core values: Integrity, Fairness, Respect, Equity, and Effectiveness.
Commitment to diversity & inclusion
The NMC Appointments Board is dedicated to building panels that reflect the diversity of the communities they serve and attracting talent from across the legal profession, including groups historically underrepresented at senior levels.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria are eligible for a guaranteed interview.
Reasonable adjustments: Adjustments such as alternative formats, captioning, or travel support can be requested at any stage of the recruitment process.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted online via the Inclusive Boards website: Apply for the NMC Legally Qualified Chair Role
Application requirements:
Completed online application form (addressing core competencies within a 350-word limit per question).
Tailored CV (maximum 2 pages).
Optional diversity monitoring form.
Applications are assessed on a rolling basis. Early submission is strongly encouraged.
Enquiries: Contact the recruitment team at [email protected].
