Have your say on the NMCs equality objectives

The NMC has launched a consultation on its draft equality objectives for 201 2 to 201 5, and is encouraging all stakeholders to contribute. The draft equality objectives for 2012 to 2015 focus on five core issues: embedding diversity, leadership, governance, staffing, and service delivery.

NMC Acting Chief Executive and Registrar, Jackie Smith, said: To ensure that the regulation of all nurses and midwives is effective and proportionate, we have a duty to give proper consideration to equality and diversity issues. We have started to make real progress in communicating our commitment to diversity, and embedding it within our work. This consultation provides an opportunity for stakeholders to help shape our equality objectives and ensure our processes remain open, transparent and fair.'

Unite Lead Professional Officer, Obi Amadi, said: The Equality Subcommitee intends to respond to this on behalf of Unite'.

School nursing vision published

Getting ft right for children, young people and families, reveals the research undertaken over the last year by the DH in England in conjunction with school nurses, professional bodies, and children and young people themselves. The report sets out a vision for the future of the school nursing service, to be shaped through the School Nurse Development Programme, which will be the framework for current and future school nursing needs. Also see page 1 3 in this issue.

New deputy CNO appointed

David Foster has been appointed the Deputy Chief Nursing Officer, working closely alongside Viv Bennett. Both had previously worked dosely together under former CNO Christine Beasley. Bennett has recently been named the DH's new Director of Nursing. Under the newly revised structure at the DH, the role of CNO has now been split in two, this will see Bennett taking responsibility for public health, with Foster's remit largely including workforce, education and research issues. Foster said: ? am thrilled that this opportunity has arisen and that I can support Viv in her new role and contribute to the Department of Health's new priorities. There will be a transition period during which Viv and I will clarify my new responsibilities and priorities which will dovetail with the other structural changes around the system with, for example, the development of the NHS Commissioning Board and Health Education England'.