Governance In NMBI

The regulation of professional standards in Irish nursing and midwifery is complex, often misunderstood, and critical to public protection. Ensuring that the regulator remains impartial and focused on public interest requires expertise that goes beyond the professions themselves.This episode tackles the essential role of lay members in maintaining high standards and robust governance within statutory bodies. We explore the core positive aspects of professional regulation, the challenge of balancing standards with real-world pressures, and the emerging risks—like cybersecurity and digitalisation—facing every modern organisation.Joining us to validate and expand upon this core thesis is respected industry colleague John Horan. John is a current member of the NMBI Board and Chair of its Audit and Risk Committee, bringing extensive senior management experience from organisations including Aer Lingus, the Irish Hotels Federation, and Veterinary IrelandTHINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTJohn Horan's varied career journeyRole of a public representativeThe positive purpose of regulationLay-professional mix on boardsMajor organisational risks emerging nowGUESTS DETAILSJohn Horan is a board member of NMBI and currently serves as the Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. He has previously served as Chairperson of a State Board and was Chief Executive of both the Irish Hotels Federation and Veterinary Ireland, showcasing his strong background in management practice and national-level lobbying.MORE INFORMATIONNMBI is the statutory body which sets the standards for the education, registration and professional conduct of nurses and midwives. We advise on how nurses and midwives should provide care to patients, their families and society. Our mission is to protect the public and the integrity of the professions of nursing and midwifery through the promotion of high standards of education, training, and professional conduct. We achieve this by providing leadership to registered nurses and midwives to support them to deliver safe care through innovative and proactive professional regulation.  Our functions in safeguarding the public involve establishing and maintaining the Register of Nurses and Midwives. We also establish procedures and criteria for the assessment and registration of nurses and midwives. Visit the Registration section of our website to learn more. Additionally, we set the standards and requirements for nursing and midwifery education programmes. We approve education programmes and further education programmes for the purposes for nurses and midwives. Visit NMBI.ie to learn more. QUOTESI believe that the professionals that I've dealt with are harder on their own colleagues and peers than I would be as a lay person. - John HoranTo a young person starting out, I would say, yeah, if a position comes up in the public sector, grab it with both hands. - John HoranDon't get sort of pigeonholed, and don't get blinkered into thinking, oh, this is just this is the one route I'm on." - John HoranKEYWORDS:  #NursingRegulation #LayMember #BoardGovernance #ProfessionalStandards #PublicSector