You must tell the NMC as soon as you can if you are charged with an offence, receive a caution or conditional discharge, or are found guilty of a criminal offence, unless it is protected. You should also tell the NMC if another regulator or licensing body disciplines you. For other concerns, self-referral is a judgement call: take advice first.
Key takeaways
- The Code requires you to report charges, cautions, conditional discharges and convictions (other than protected ones).
- Not telling the NMC about these can itself become a fitness to practise concern.
- Most clinical errors are handled locally and do not need a self-referral.
- A clear, factual, reflective self-referral starts your evidence of insight.
Self-referral sounds counter-intuitive: why would you report yourself to your regulator? For some matters it is not optional. For others, an early, honest self-referral can show integrity and insight. The key is knowing which situation you are in and getting advice before you write anything.
When must I self-refer to the NMC?
The NMC Code (section 23) requires you to tell the NMC, and any employers, as soon as you can about any caution or charge against you, a conditional discharge, or a finding of guilt for a criminal offence, unless it is a protected caution or conviction. You must also tell the NMC if you are disciplined by another regulatory or licensing organisation.
Protected cautions and convictions are those that are filtered out of standard and enhanced criminal record checks by the Disclosure and Barring Service, Disclosure Scotland or AccessNI. You do not need to tell the NMC about those.
What happens if I do not tell the NMC?
Failing to tell the NMC about a caution, charge or conviction that you were required to report can itself be treated as a breach of the Code, and may raise questions about honesty. In practice, a late disclosure discovered by someone else is often more damaging than the original matter.
The original issue is often manageable. Hiding it is what turns it into a serious one.
Should I self-refer after a clinical mistake?
Usually not on its own. Most clinical errors, including many medication errors, are dealt with locally through incident reporting, learning and support. The NMC expects employers to manage concerns locally where they can. Self-referral is more likely to be appropriate where there is serious harm, a pattern of concerns, dishonesty, or an employer has dismissed you or is referring you anyway.
If you are unsure, speak to your union or indemnity provider before deciding. A short, well-advised conversation is better than a panicked self-referral or a decision to say nothing.
What if my employer is already referring me?
If your employer has told you it will refer you, you do not usually need to submit a separate self-referral, but you can. Some registrants choose to write to the NMC themselves so that their own account and insight are on record early. Take advice, because what you write will form part of the evidence.
How do I self-refer to the NMC?
The NMC has a self-referral route on its website. You will be asked for your details, your registration PIN, employer information and a description of the matter. Keep your account factual and brief, and attach supporting documents where relevant, such as the charge sheet or court outcome.
- State the facts plainly: what happened, when, and the current position (for example, charged, awaiting court date).
- Say whom else you have told, such as your employer and agency.
- Briefly explain what you have done since, such as training, support or treatment.
- Do not argue the case or blame others; save detailed reflection for later, after advice.
How can a self-referral show insight?
Case examiners and panels look at whether you recognised the concern early and engaged openly. The NMC's guidance on insight notes that accepting concerns when they were first raised is a relevant factor. A timely self-referral, followed by genuine reflection and practical steps, starts that story on the right foot.
Our guide to demonstrating insight and strengthened practice explains what decision-makers look for. If the matter involves honesty, read duty of candour vs dishonesty and consider the Dishonesty Explored course.
What happens after I self-refer?
A self-referral goes through the same process as any other referral: screening first, then investigation if needed. Many self-referrals, particularly for minor matters outside work, are closed at screening. Keep copies of everything, note any deadlines and keep engaging.
Next steps are covered in your first five steps after an NMC referral, and our Navigating Your FtP Journey course explains each stage in detail.
Frequently asked questions
Fixed penalty notices are generally not cautions or convictions, so they usually do not need reporting. If you are charged or convicted, for example for a driving offence that goes to court, you must tell the NMC. Check the NMC's guidance or take advice if unsure.
The Code requires you to report a charge or caution. An arrest without charge is not listed, but take advice, because circumstances vary and employers may have their own rules.
Usually a single error is handled locally through your employer's processes. Self-referral is more likely to be appropriate where there is serious harm, a pattern or dishonesty. Take advice from your union or indemnity provider first.
There is no guarantee, but openness and early engagement are relevant to how decision-makers assess insight. Failing to report something you were required to report can make things worse.
