The most useful testimonials for an NMC case come from managers, supervisors or senior colleagues who know about the allegations and can comment on your current practice. They should be signed, dated, on headed paper where possible, and include contact details. References that do not show awareness of the concerns, or that say nothing about your practice, carry little weight.
Key takeaways
- Referees must know what the concerns are, or their view carries little weight.
- Managers and supervisors usually carry more weight than friends or family.
- Recent, specific examples of your practice are more persuasive than praise.
- Signed, dated, with contact details so the NMC can verify them.
Testimonials, sometimes called character references, are written statements from people who know you and your work. They help case examiners and panels understand who you are now, whether the concern is out of character, and whether your practice has been safe since. Done well, they are some of the most useful evidence you can provide.
Who should I ask for a testimonial?
Ask people who have seen your practice recently and can speak about it with authority. NMC guidance notes that testimonials from a manager or supervisor usually carry more weight than those from friends or colleagues.
- Your current line manager or clinical lead.
- A supervisor overseeing conditions, undertakings or an interim order.
- Senior colleagues who have worked closely with you since the incident.
- Educators, practice assessors or mentors who have seen your learning.
- Where relevant, managers from non-nursing work, particularly during a suspension.
Personal references from friends, family or faith leaders can speak to character, but they carry less weight on questions about clinical practice. Use them sparingly, if at all.
Does my referee need to know about the allegations?
Yes. A testimonial from someone who does not know what the concerns are is of limited value, because the panel cannot tell whether their opinion would change if they knew. Share the charges or a factual summary with each referee, and ask them to confirm in the testimonial that they have read them.
A testimonial is only as strong as the referee's knowledge of the concern.
What should a testimonial include?
Give your referees a simple structure. It makes their job easier and gives decision-makers what they need.
- Who they are: name, role, registration (if a registrant) and organisation.
- How they know you: in what capacity, for how long, and how often they see your practice.
- Awareness: a clear statement that they have read the allegations or charges.
- Your practice: specific, recent examples of your clinical skills, communication, record keeping or other areas relevant to the concern.
- Change they have observed: what they have seen you do differently since the incident.
- Their overall view, in their own words.
- Signature, date, contact details, and headed paper where possible.
What makes a testimonial less useful?
Testimonials lose weight when they are generic, undated, unsigned, clearly written by you, or silent on the concern. NMC guidance says little weight should be placed on references that do not give informed comment on your clinical practice, skills or competence.
- Copy-and-paste wording across several testimonials.
- Praise without examples.
- Arguing about the facts or criticising the NMC.
- Very old testimonials that do not cover recent practice.
Can patients, families or non-nursing employers write testimonials?
Sometimes. Thank-you cards and patient feedback can show how you care for people, but they rarely address the specific concern, so present them as supporting material rather than your main testimonials, and never approach patients or families to ask for one about your case. If you are suspended or working outside healthcare, a testimonial from your current employer can still be valuable: it can speak to your honesty, reliability and how you have handled responsibility, which may be relevant to the concern.
What if a referee is also a witness in my case?
Take advice before asking anyone who is, or might be, a witness for the NMC. You must not try to influence a witness's evidence, and asking a witness for a testimonial could be seen that way.
How many testimonials do I need?
There is no set number. A handful of strong, specific testimonials from people who know about the concern usually does more than a large pile of general ones. Aim to cover your current practice and, where possible, the specific area of concern.
When should I ask?
Ask early, well before your deadline, and give referees time. Ask again for updated testimonials before later stages or reviews, so the evidence stays current.
Our testimonial and reference request templates include ready-to-adapt letters for referees. The Attending a Fitness to Practise Hearing course explains how testimonials fit alongside your other evidence, and showing insight and strengthened practice covers the rest of your bundle.
Frequently asked questions
Ideally a manager, supervisor or senior colleague who knows about the allegations and has seen your practice recently. Their views usually carry more weight than those of friends or family.
They should confirm that the referee has read the charges or allegations. Without that, the panel cannot rely much on their opinion.
No. You can give them a structure and the factual background, but the words must be theirs. Testimonials that appear to be written by the registrant lose credibility.
Yes. They should be signed, dated, on headed paper where possible and include contact details so the NMC can verify them.
