How long does an NMC Fitness to Practise investigation take?

One of the first questions every nurse, midwife and nursing associate asks after a referral is: “How long will this hang over me?” Every case is different, and anyone who promises you an exact timescale is guessing. What we can do is explain what happens at each stage, what tends to slow cases down, and what you can do with the time.

How long does each stage take?

Screening is usually the quickest stage, investigation usually the longest, and a hearing adds further months for listing. The NMC does not publish a single guaranteed timescale, so treat the ranges below as a general picture rather than a promise.

• Screening: often weeks to a few months, while the NMC decides whether the concern needs a full investigation.
• Investigation: commonly many months, while the NMC gathers records, witness statements and information from employers.
• Case examiners: once the investigation report is ready, you are given 28 days to send written representations before the case examiners decide.
• Hearing or meeting: if the case is referred to the Fitness to Practise Committee, preparation and listing can add many more months.

What do the NMC's own figures show?

The NMC's caseload is large. In 2024–25 it received 6,539 referrals, concluded 6,234 cases and ended the year with 6,357 open cases (NMC Annual Fitness to Practise Report 2024–2025). The NMC has said it is investing in screening to reduce delays, and it reports its timeliness in each annual report, so check the latest edition for current figures.

Why do NMC cases take so long?

Most delay comes from gathering evidence and from fairness requirements. The NMC often waits for information from employers, police or other bodies; witnesses need to give statements; and you must be given proper time to respond at each stage. Cases linked to criminal proceedings may be paused until those conclude.

• Waiting for a local investigation, police inquiry or court case to finish.
• Several concerns or several referrers in one case.
• Disputed facts that need witness evidence.
• Health concerns that need medical assessment.
• Requests for extensions (sometimes necessary, but they do add time).

Does an interim order change the timescale?

An interim order does not speed the main case up, but it has its own clock. It can last up to 18 months, must be reviewed every six months, and can only be extended beyond that by the High Court (or the Court of Session in Scotland), for up to 12 months at a time.

Read the full explanation in NMC interim orders explained, and whether you can work in the meantime in Can I keep working during an NMC investigation?

Can I speed up my NMC case?

You cannot control the NMC's workload, but you can avoid adding delay. Reply by deadlines, keep your contact details up to date, send documents in the format asked for, and tell your case officer early if something will take longer. Where facts are admitted and insight is clear, cases are often simpler to resolve.

How should I use the waiting time?

Case examiners and panels look at whether you understand the concern and have addressed it. The NMC calls this insight and strengthened practice. Months of waiting are exactly the time needed to build that evidence properly, rather than in a rush before a deadline.

• Keep a reflective log, a few entries a month, linked to the concern.
• Complete targeted training and note what changed in your practice.
• Keep appraisals, supervision records and feedback.
• Line up referees who know about the concern and can speak to your current practice.

The wait is not a verdict. Every month is time to build your evidence.

Two places to start: the Navigating Your FtP Journey course walks through every stage, and Reflection Writing for the FtP Process helps you turn the waiting months into clear reflection. Our CPD and remediation evidence log keeps it organised.