Earlier this month, we were delighted to contribute to the CLEAR 2026 Annual Educational Conference, an international regulatory gathering where our directors shared insights on communication, innovation and international registration.
Our Director of Education, Policy and Standards, Lorraine Clarke, presented Revolutionising Nurse Registration Standards – Building a Future-Proof Workforce for Integrated Care, highlighting the development of NMBI’s 2025 Standards for Nurse Education and Standards of Entry to the Register. The presentation explored the key drivers for reform, including Sláintecare, changing population needs, workforce demographics, and the increasing emphasis on learner-centred education.
The session outlined the extensive evidence-based review and stakeholder consultation process that informed the standards and examined the shift from prescriptive curricula to outcome-focused approaches that support critical thinking, active learning, leadership, and collaborative practice. It also highlighted the future practice placement model, including enhanced exposure to both acute and community settings and the introduction of an integrated care internship.
The presentation generated significant interest and discussion on the opportunities and challenges of implementing these reforms, underscoring the importance of collaboration between regulators, education providers, and clinical partners in preparing a future-ready nursing workforce.
A highlight of the conference was a presentation by Director of Registration, Dr Ray Healy, on 'Innovation in Action: Modern Credential Recognition for Regulatory Success'. The session explored how regulatory bodies can modernise credential recognition processes to respond to increasing international workforce mobility while maintaining public protection and professional standards.
Following the presentation, Dr Healy joined a panel discussion that examined the practical challenges associated with verifying qualifications, registration status and professional standing for internationally educated nurses. Panellists discussed the growing complexity of cross-border credential assessment, including the need for reliable information sharing, consistency in verification practices and timely decision-making.
The discussion highlighted the critical role of collaboration between nursing regulators, credential assessment organisations and other stakeholders in strengthening registration pathways for internationally educated professionals. By working together, organisations can improve the efficiency and transparency of assessment processes, reduce unnecessary duplication, and support fair and evidence-based registration decisions. The session underscored the importance of international cooperation in ensuring that registration systems remain robust, responsive and focused on both public safety and workforce needs in an increasingly global healthcare environment.
Separately, our Director of Corporate Services and Strategy, Kathyann Barrett delivered a presentation on communications and stakeholder engagement, which showcased how tools such as podcasts, student ambassador forums, public events and digital communications are helping to make regulation more accessible, transparent and relevant. The presentation highlighted the importance of communication as a core regulatory function, demonstrating how meaningful engagement can build trust, improve understanding of regulatory processes and strengthen confidence in nursing and midwifery regulation.
The conference provided a valuable opportunity for NMBI to share its experience, learn from international colleagues and contribute to discussions on the future of professional regulation.
