Key Highlights from RaNCH Forum | NCC

Following the recent cancellation of Norfolk County Council’s (NCC) RaNCH Forum due to low attendance, NCC has shared the presentations that would have been delivered. We have summarised the key updates from the main topics on the agenda: the new Sourcing Operating Model and an introduction to the the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s Employer Link Service.

Sourcing Operating Model

A new NCC Sourcing Operating Model was approved in October 2025. The core aim of this change is to shift responsibilities for sourcing, negotiating, and placements from Practitioners to the Brokerage team. This is designed to reduce delays caused by back-and-forth processes and free up Practitioners to focus on strength-based assessments and reviews.

Key Dates and Transition Plan:

• Go-Live Date: The new model is scheduled to go live on 13th April 2026.
• Warm Handover: A four-week “warm handover” period will run from the go-live date. During this time, Practitioners will work alongside the Brokerage team. and continue to manage cases through to completion. They will coach Brokerage on the finer points of the process.
• Full Implementation: Brokerage will take full responsibility for all sourcing, assessment, and placement dialogue from 11th May 2026.

Introducing the NMC’s Employer Link Service (ELS)

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is the independent regulator for nurses and midwives in the UK and nursing associates in England. They are committed to raising awareness of their role and the support available to the independent health and social care sector.

Meet Your Local ELS Adviser

Pauline Shaw has been appointed as the Employer Link Service Adviser for the East of England. Pauline is a registered nurse with an extensive background, including over 20 years of leadership and clinical experience in adult social care. For 12 of those years, she was a Registered Manager for a 172-room nursing home. She was awarded an OBE in 2018 for services to nursing veterans and received a CNO Gold Award in 2023.

What the Employer Link Service Offers

The ELS provides free support and resources for employers and registrants, including:

• Learning Sessions: A range of topics including an overview of the NMC and fitness to practise, record keeping, accountability and delegation, preceptorship, and a ‘Welcome to UK Practice’ session for internationally educated professionals. These sessions can be tailored to your needs, delivered in person or online, and contribute to CPD and revalidation.
• Advice and Guidance: The team offers advice to employers when concerns arise about a professional’s practice and encourages robust local investigations. They also promote the importance of a culture where professionals feel confident speaking up.
• Employer Advice Line: For specific concerns about a nurse’s fitness to practise, or if you are considering making a referral, the Employer Advice Line is available at 0207 462 8850 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) or via email at employerlinkservice@nhs-uk.org.

Stay Connected

You can contact Pauline Shaw directly to find out more, arrange a meeting, or book a learning session: pauline.shaw@nmc-uk.org.

You can also sign up for the NMC’s regular newsletters for the latest news and updates.