Early Market Engagement - Provision of Design, Development and Maintenance of the Test of Competence

We are the independent regulator for nurses and midwives in the UK, and nursing associates in England. Our vision is safe, effective and kind nursing and midwifery that improves everyone's health and wellbeing. As the independent regulator of more than 758,000 nursing and midwifery professionals, we have an important role to play in making this a reality.

Our core role is to regulate. First, we promote high education and professional standards for nurses and midwives across the UK, and nursing associates in England. Second, we maintain the register of professionals eligible to practise. Third, we investigate concerns about nurses, midwives and nursing associates - something that affects less than one percent of

professionals each year. We believe in giving professionals the chance to address concerns, but we'll always take action when needed.

To regulate well, we support our professions and the public. We create resources and guidance that are useful throughout people's careers, helping them to deliver our standards in practice and address new challenges. We also support people involved in our investigations, and we're increasing our visibility so people feel engaged and empowered to shape our work.

Regulating and supporting our professions allows us to influence health and social care. We share intelligence from our regulatory activities and work with our suppliers to support workforce planning and sector-wide decision making. We use our voice to speak up for a healthy and inclusive working environment for our professions. The NMC are excited to announce our intention to go to market for our future test design and development supplier that can meet the existing and future needs for our test of competence. A crucial part of this contract will be for our newly appointed supplier to offer both educational and clinical services either through their organisation or through those that they contract with