Another executive post at the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has been filled as the regulator works to rebuild its leadership team after a period of turmoil.
Julia Corkey has been appointed as the NMC’s new substantive executive director of communications and engagement.
“Together, we will build a best-in-class regulator”
Julia Corkey
She will begin in the role on Tuesday, 1 July.
Edward Welsh had previously held the post, but he was among a wave of executive resignations from the NMC between mid-2024 and January 2025, as reported by Nursing Times.
The high turnover of senior staff happened amid a damning review of the NMC’s “toxic” internal culture.
Ms Corkey has now pledged to help build a “best-in-class regulator” that holds the confidence of registrants, staff and the public.
Her previous roles include executive director of policy, performance and communications at Westminster City Council and chief executive of ICC Belfast, an international convention centre in Northern Ireland.
She also co-founded Westco, a public sector communications consultancy; launched the income-generating City Promotions Programme; and co-created the West End Live musical theatre festival.
Commenting on her appointment, Ms Corkey said: “I’m proud to be joining the NMC at such a pivotal moment – a time to build on the reform already underway with honest reflection and decisive action, following the findings of the independent culture review.”
She said she was committed to supporting the NMC’s leadership team with the improvement programme and added: “Together, we will build a best-in-class regulator – one that registrants trust, staff feel proud to work for and that the public have confidence in.”
NMC interim chief executive and registrar Paul Rees welcomed Ms Corkey’s appointment.
He said: “She brings a wealth of experience in strategic communications and change leadership.
“She also brings political acuity and a deep commitment to rebuilding trust through meaningful communication and engagement.”
Ms Corkey will join a number of other newly appointed members of the NMC executive.
These include Emma Westcott as executive director of strategy and insight and Ravi Chand as executive director of people and culture.
Meanwhile, Professor Donna O’Boyle has been named acting director of professional practice amid the departures of former substantive post-holder Sam Foster and Sam Donohue, who was filling the role temporarily.
More on the NMC leadership reshuffle
