The Nursing and Midwifery Council
Head of External Affairs
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Ellwood Atfield is partnered with Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to appoint a Head of External Affairs.
About the NMC
The NMC is the independent regulator for nurses and midwives in the UK, and nursing associates in England. It exists to protect the public, promote high professional standards and build trust and confidence in the professions it regulates.
The Role
This is a senior leadership role within the Communications and Engagement Directorate, responsible for leading the NMC’s public affairs and strategic stakeholder engagement across all four UK nations.
Reporting to the Executive Director of Communications and Engagement, the Head of External Affairs will shape how the NMC engages with government, parliamentarians, professional bodies, the wider health and social care sector and the public.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing and delivering the NMC’s public affairs and stakeholder engagement strategy.
- Building trusted relationships across government, parliament and the health and care sector.
- Advising the Executive Team and Council on political, regulatory and stakeholder risks and opportunities.
- Ensuring the NMC has a credible and influential voice in key policy and legislative debates.
- Leading engagement and coproduction, ensuring the public voice informs the NMC’s work.
- Leading and developing the public affairs and stakeholder engagement team.
- Contributing to the wider leadership of the Communications and Engagement Directorate.
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The Candidate
The NMC is looking for an experienced and credible public affairs leader with strong political judgement and the ability to operate effectively in a complex and sensitive stakeholder environment.
The successful candidate will bring:
- A strong track record in senior public affairs and stakeholder engagement.
- Excellent knowledge of government, parliament and policymaking processes.
- Experience developing strategies that have influenced policy, regulatory or organisational outcomes.
- Strong relationships and credibility with senior external stakeholders.
- The ability to provide authoritative political and stakeholder counsel to senior leaders.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
- A collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
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This is an opportunity to lead the external affairs function of a major UK healthcare regulator and shape its relationships with government, parliament, the health and care sector and the public.
How to Apply
Ellwood Atfield is managing the search on behalf of the NMC and will conduct initial briefing calls with candidates ahead of shortlisting. Candidates should submit a CV and supporting statement.
Closing date: 12:00 4th September
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