The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is the professional regulatory body for nurses and midwives in the UK. Their role is to protect patients and the public through efficient and effective regulation. The NMC sets standards of education, training, conduct and performance so that nurses and midwives can deliver high-quality healthcare throughout their careers. It has been a statutory body since 2002, and has a head office in London with over 400 members of staff.