The General Dental Council (GDC) has published its strategy for 2026–2028, aiming to become a trusted and effective regulator supporting dental professionals in delivering safe and effective patient care. The strategy champions regulation that fosters professionalism, enables learning, and resolves issues proportionately, with a focus on tackling the climate of fear in dentistry linked to fitness to practise proceedings. Key initiatives include doubling overseas dentist registrations, developing new international frameworks, and launching a digital-first registration service. The GDC emphasises transparency, collaboration, and values such as respect and inclusion, responding to challenges like strained dental services and outdated legislation. Five strategic objectives underpin the approach, with equality, diversity and inclusion at its core.

The General Medical Council (GMC) has published its annual whistleblowing report, detailing 45 concerns raised between April 2024 and March 2025. Disclosures were made by 18 doctors, 11 other healthcare professionals, and 16 anonymously. This figure marks a decrease from 60 referrals in 2024, aligning with 2023’s total of 48. Of the 44 concerns reviewed by the fitness to practise team, 36 were closed after initial assessment, and eight led to investigations. Closures were due to local handling, advice given, or matters outside the GMC’s remit. One complaint resulted in regulatory action.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has launched a proposed workforce restructuring programme to secure financial sustainability and focus on core regulatory functions. The plan includes the removal of 145 posts from approximately 1,400, with around a third currently vacant, and a reorganisation of key teams. These changes aim to address a financial gap caused by a decade-long freeze in registration fees and increased expenditure, including investment in improvement programmes. The NMC proposes consolidating regulatory functions and creating new directorates for transformation and finance. A 60-day consultation period has begun, with support for affected staff and a commitment to redeployment where possible.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has launched a public consultation on proposals to enhance the assessment and rating of health and care services. Building on previous stakeholder engagement, the proposals aim to create a clearer and more trusted framework. Key changes include developing sector-specific frameworks, re-introducing rating characteristics, and replacing quality statements with assessment questions. The CQC also proposes simplifying content and strengthening the role of professional judgement in awarding ratings. Feedback is sought on potential changes to NHS trust ratings, and responses will help inform future decisions.

On 22 October 2025, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) announced three government-backed projects using artificial intelligence (AI) to modernise medicine testing and approval. One study will use AI and NHS data to predict side effects from drug combinations before they reach patients, focusing initially on cardiovascular medicines. Additional projects will pilot AI-assisted tools for regulatory decisions and synthetic patient data to strengthen clinical trials, especially in rare conditions. Supported by over £2 million in funding, these initiatives aim to speed up access to safe treatments, improve regulatory consistency, and foster innovation. The findings will inform future clinical trials, guidance, and the regulation of AI in healthcare.

On 5 November 2025, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) held a Parliamentary event at Westminster, hosted by Sonia Kumar MP, to discuss the future of regulation. The drop-in session enabled MPs, peers, and officials to meet HCPC’s senior leadership and learn about its regulatory work and the significance of professionals on its register. Attendees included MPs from various parties, health spokespeople, and the Minister of Health for Northern Ireland. HCPC representatives emphasised the need for legislative reform to enhance regulatory effectiveness and public protection.