New regulation for NHS managers: outcome and next steps

In November 2024 the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) consulted on whether to introduce regulation for managers in the NHS. The proposals have been shared as part of the government’s ten year health plan, and the formal response which outlines the intention for new regulation to apply to board level members in the NHS and their direct reports, was published by DHSC on 21 July 2025.

Key Messages

• There has been a decision to introduce a form of regulation, this will be a statutory barring scheme.
• This is a complex and novel form of regulation, unique for the health sector.
• It is different to other regulation that exists; in that it is not a register for which individuals must meet a set of educational and fitness standards to be able to practise in a particular role.
• It will be a register which identifies those individuals who are unfit to be appointed to a board level role or a senior direct reporting role.
• The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) will hold responsibility for the scheme.

Next steps

• There will be a formal consultation on the method of regulation. This is likely to happen in late 2026
• Draft legislation will be prepared which will follow the usual Parliamentary passage to become legislation.
• In parallel, the HCPC will formally consult on rules and processes including a Code of Conduct as well as engaging with stakeholders on the design of the scheme.
• When the scheme infrastructure has been designed and approved, ahead of its implementation, there will be a period of up to 12 months, in which the requirements will be clearly articulated to those who will be subject to the scheme. 

Our role

NHS Employers will work with DHSC and connect with the HCPC, to support the design and development of the scheme. It is essential that the design delivers the core purpose, remains proportionate and is cost effective. It will be important to test design concepts and implementation plans with NHS leaders; we will encourage DHSC and HCPC to work with us and you via our networks to inform this work.

More information   

For more information on the new proposals see the full press statement from DHSC, and read our statement in response to the government’s announcement on NHS manager regulation. 

Read and download our response to the Department of Health and Social Care's (DHSC) consultation on regulation of NHS managers.