Undertakings are commitments you agree with the NMC, recommended by case examiners where there is a case to answer, that address the concerns without a hearing. They often involve training, supervision, reporting or restrictions on certain tasks. They are usually published on the register, except details that could reveal a health condition or other sensitive information.
Key takeaways
- Undertakings are only offered where there is a case to answer and the concerns can be addressed.
- You have to agree to them; they are not imposed like a sanction.
- They typically include training, supervision, reporting or task restrictions.
- Breaching undertakings can lead to the case being referred to a panel.
Undertakings sit between a case being closed and a case going to a hearing. For many registrants they are a practical pathway back to unrestricted practice, but they are a serious commitment and it is worth understanding them before you agree.
What are NMC undertakings?
Undertakings are formal commitments that you agree with the NMC to address the concerns in your case. Case examiners can recommend them when they find a case to answer but believe the concerns can be dealt with safely without a hearing. The NMC describes them as a pathway back to safe practice that still protects the public.
When will case examiners offer undertakings?
Undertakings are generally suitable where the concerns are capable of being addressed, where you have shown insight and engaged with the process, and where the case examiners are confident you will comply. They are less likely where the concerns are very serious, such as some dishonesty or serious harm, or where facts are strongly disputed.
What do undertakings usually include?
Undertakings are tailored to the concern, but they usually cover learning, oversight and reporting. They must be relevant, proportionate and workable, so they should let you keep working while you address the issue.
- Completing specific training, for example medicines management or record keeping, and reflecting on it.
- Working under a named supervisor or line manager with regular meetings.
- Not carrying out certain tasks until assessed as competent.
- Sending reports from your supervisor or manager to the NMC at set intervals.
- Telling current and future employers about the undertakings.
- For health cases: engaging with treatment and agreed support.
Do I have to agree to undertakings?
No. Undertakings are agreed, not imposed. If you do not agree, or cannot realistically comply (for example because you are not currently working), the case is likely to be referred to the Fitness to Practise Committee instead. Talk it through with your union, indemnity provider or solicitor before you sign.
Before you agree, ask one question: can I realistically do all of this, in my current job, on time?
Are undertakings published?
Usually yes. The NMC normally publishes undertakings on the register along with a statement of the regulatory concern. It does not publish details that could identify a health condition or other sensitive information. Check the NMC's publication guidance for the current rules.
How long do undertakings last?
The period is set in the agreement and depends on what needs to be achieved. At the end, the NMC reviews whether you have complied and whether the concerns have been addressed. If they have, the undertakings end and your case closes.
How do I show I have met my undertakings?
Treat compliance as evidence-gathering from day one. Keep a simple log of every requirement, what you did and when, with supporting documents. Make sure supervisor reports are sent on time and reflect specific progress, not just attendance.
- Certificates and reflective notes for each training requirement.
- Dated records of supervision meetings and what was discussed.
- Copies of reports sent to the NMC.
- Written confirmation that you told employers, where required.
Our CPD and remediation evidence log is designed for this. For the reflective part, the Reflection Writing course shows how to link each piece of learning to changed practice.
How are undertakings different from conditions of practice?
They can look similar, because both may involve supervision, training or reporting. The difference is how they come about. Undertakings are agreed with you at the case examiner stage, without a hearing and without any finding that your fitness to practise is impaired. A conditions of practice order is a sanction imposed by a Fitness to Practise Committee panel after it has found your fitness to practise impaired. Both are published on the register, subject to the same protections for health information.
For many registrants, undertakings are the quicker and less stressful route, because there is no hearing and the focus is on getting back to safe, unrestricted practice. That is also why case examiners need to be confident that you accept the concerns and will comply.
What happens if I breach undertakings?
If you do not comply, the NMC can refer your case to the Fitness to Practise Committee, and non-compliance may itself be treated as a concern. If something changes, such as losing a job or becoming unwell, tell your case officer straight away. Early honesty is far better than a missed report.
Undertakings often involve telling employers; read telling your employer about an NMC referral for wording ideas.
Frequently asked questions
No. Undertakings are agreed with you at the case examiner stage, without a hearing. Sanctions are imposed by a Fitness to Practise Committee panel.
Yes. Undertakings are designed to let you keep practising safely while you address the concerns, provided you meet each requirement.
Usually. Undertakings are normally published on the NMC register, apart from sensitive details such as health, and they often require you to tell employers.
Tell your case officer as soon as possible and take advice. Non-compliance can lead to your case being referred to a panel.
