About the role
The Private Secretary to the Chair and Chief Executive of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has a vital role in supporting our most senior leaders to deliver on the organisation’s strategic objectives and drive positive change.

 
This is a difficult time for the NMC. The Independent Culture review by Nazir Afzal and Rise Associates has shone a spotlight on our culture and held up a mirror to life in the organisation. It makes very difficult reading, but we have accepted all its recommendations and are clear that this is a turning point for the NMC. 
 
Both Council and the Executive Board are committed to eradicating the unacceptable behaviour that the Review identifies within the NMC, and to ensure that there is zero tolerance for racism, sexism, bullying and harassment. We will also work more effectively to reduce our Fitness to Practise caseload, to deal with all referrals in a more timely fashion while ensuring that we do so safely, and to do this in a way that reduces the levels of stress that are imposed on registrants and the public going through our protracted processes and on our colleagues who administer them.


As Private Secretary, you will be instrumental in ensuring the smooth coordination of priorities and actions, enabling the leadership to focus on driving cultural transformation and operational improvement. Through efficient support and communication, you will help foster trust, accountability, and collaboration across the organisation during this critical turning point.
You’ll be at the heart of the NMC’s operations, responsible for:
*Strategic Coordination: Managing the Chair and Chief Executive’s forward plan, ensuring their time is effectively allocated to advancing the NMC’s mission.
*High-Impact Initiatives: Leading cross-organisational projects, resolving escalated complaints with sensitivity, and supporting transformational work, including Fitness to Practise improvements and cultural change.
*Stakeholder Engagement: Acting as a trusted conduit between the Chair, Chief Executive, and the wider organisation, while building robust relationships with senior leaders and external stakeholders.
*Team Leadership: Driving continuous improvement within the executive support team to deliver high-quality, efficient services, and managing a small team of dedicated professionals.
*Operational Excellence: Innovating processes to enhance the quality and timeliness of briefings and materials, ensuring the Chair and Chief Executive are well-prepared to meet their responsibilities.
This is an exciting, fast-paced role requiring strategic insight, excellent judgment, and the ability to handle high-profile, complex matters with empathy and professionalism.
About You
We are looking for someone who can navigate complexity and deliver results in a fast-moving environment. You will bring:
*Leadership Expertise: Proven experience leading small teams and managing competing priorities, with a focus on collaboration and performance improvement.
*Stakeholder Management: Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong networks, manage sensitive relationships, and represent senior leadership with credibility.
*Project Delivery: A track record of successfully leading high-profile initiatives and managing complex issues requiring cross-organisational collaboration.
*Process Improvement: An innovative approach to driving continuous improvement in administrative and support processes.
*Strategic Vision: Strong understanding of organisational priorities and the ability to align team objectives with broader strategic goals.
*Communication Skills: Exceptional ability to produce high-quality briefings, correspondence, and materials, with attention to detail and strategic insight.
*Cultural Competence: A commitment to fostering inclusivity, empathy, and respect in all aspects of work.
This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in governance, executive support, or stakeholder engagement, and a passion for enabling leadership success at the highest level.