NMC appoints new executive director of people and culture

Ravi Chand will be joining the regulator from 7 July as the new executive director of people and culture.

“It’s an exciting chapter, and I look forward to driving positive change and innovation in the healthcare sector”

Ravi Chand

Mr Chand’s appointment comes as part of external recruitment for four substantive executive-level roles following a wave of resignations across the NMC’s board, first reported by Nursing Times earlier this year. 

The executive director of people and culture role was previously known as the executive director of people and organisational effectiveness.

This post has been held by Gavin Kennedy on an interim basis since January 2025.

In his new role, Mr Chand will ensure the NMC implements the recommendations of a damning independent review, which uncovered a dysfunctional and toxic culture at every level of the regulator.

He will also be responsible for ensuring the NMC delivers its culture transformation plan, which has promised to lead the regulator into a new era of accountability and integrity.

Mr Chand said he was “thrilled” to join the NMC, an organisation he said played a “pivotal role” in ensuring high standards of care and professionalism in healthcare.

He added: “I am eager to collaborate with dedicated professionals who are committed to nurturing talent and fostering an inclusive environment.

“Together, we will continue to empower our nurses, midwives and nursing associates, whose unwavering dedication makes a profound impact on individuals and communities across the nation.

“It’s an exciting chapter, and I look forward to driving positive change and innovation in the healthcare sector.”

Mr Chand joins the NMC from the Cabinet Office, where he is the director for the civil service people and places directorate.

Before this, he was chief people officer for the Department for International Development, now known as the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, holding responsibility for people, operations, IT and systems, estates and change.

Mr Chand also previously worked as a HR director at HM Revenue and Customs, as well as a director responsible for capability, talent and diversity at the Home Office.

In addition, he used to be a serving police officer with Bedfordshire Police.

In 2011, Mr Chand was awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) and Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) for distinguished service.

Paul Rees, interim chief executive and registrar at the NMC, said: “I am excited by the track record that Ravi brings in leading major people, culture and diversity initiatives that strengthen public organisations.

“I know Ravi will make a significant impact on the NMC as we work to deliver culture change and improve the way we regulate.

“We are well underway, with positive signs that our efforts are leading to change. But there is a huge amount still to do – Ravi’s appointment will strengthen our leadership capability to deliver on our commitments to our people, the public we serve and the professionals on the register.”