We have published the Pilot Professional Competence Scheme Findings Report, marking an important milestone in the development of Ireland's first Professional Competence Scheme for nurses and midwives.
The report outlines the journey from the development of the draft scheme through public consultation, stakeholder engagement and a national pilot involving registrants and employers from a broad range of practice settings. It also presents the findings from the pilot evaluation and demonstrates how participant feedback has directly informed the final design of the scheme.
The Professional Competence Scheme has been developed to support registered nurses and registered midwives in maintaining professional competence throughout their careers, while strengthening public confidence in the professions. The pilot, undertaken between January 2025 and April 2026, tested the scheme in practice to assess its feasibility, proportionality and practical application before national implementation.
Participants generally reported a positive experience of the pilot, with many valuing the structured approach to planning learning, engaging in continuing professional development and reflecting on practice. Employers also recognised the benefits of the scheme in promoting a stronger learning culture and increasing awareness of professional competence within organisations.
The pilot also provided valuable insights into areas requiring refinement. Participants highlighted the need for clearer guidance, streamlined documentation and a more proportionate approach to recording learning and reflective practice. Audit findings similarly identified opportunities to improve consistency in how continuing professional development activities were recorded and linked to professional competence.
These findings have informed a number of important enhancements to the scheme, including simplified recording processes, revised guidance materials, strengthened support for registrants and employers, and a more proportionate approach to reflective practice and audit.
The publication of the report represents the culmination of several years of research, consultation and collaboration with nurses, midwives, employers and key stakeholders. The final Professional Competence Scheme, incorporating the learning from the pilot, will go live on 1 January 2027.
NMBI would like to thank all registrants, employers, pilot sites and stakeholders who participated in the pilot and contributed to the development of the scheme. Their engagement has played a vital role in shaping a practical, proportionate and supportive Professional Competence Scheme that will underpin the ongoing maintenance of professional competence and support safe, effective care for the public.
The report is available on our website.
