Following feedback from our members and also our own experience of poor accuracy with transcriptions of hearings we did an FOI

Accurate transcripts are vital to ensure FtP is carried out properly - particularly when you have cases stretch across a number of months / years, if case presenters, legal assessors or panel members change,for general updating on where things have got to and to check detail that is in dispute

With a registrant suffering from mental health impact, particularly if not represented, inaccurate transcriptions can add to their struggles - or is this the point??!!

2. *Current Recording Software*: 
 
- What software is currently being used to record audio during Fitness to 
Practise hearings, particularly remote hearings? There is no audio recording of 
hearings held via MS Teams. For physical hearings, we utilise a Digital Audio 
Recording system provided by BUK Solutions. 
 
3. *Accuracy and Transparency of Transcripts*: 
 
- Who is responsible for checking the accuracy of the transcripts of these 
hearings? As was the case with independent transcription, there is no process in 
place to check accuracy and it is not appropriate for someone who wasn’t 
present during the hearing to be making amendments to any transcript. Any 
amendments to a transcript can only be made following discussions with all 
parties. 
 
- What processes are in place to ensure the transcripts are accurate and 
transparent? As above. No NMC staff member changes the content of a 
transcript without express approval of all hearing parties to the amendment. We 
add a front sheet and attendee list only. 
 
4. *Cost Savings from Not Using Independent Transcription Services*: 
 
 
 

 
 
- How much money has the NMC saved by ceasing to use independent 
transcription services for remote hearings? Please provide details for the 
most recent financial year. The average spend per month to date for the 
financial year 2024-2025 is £15k below the average spend per month for 
financial year 2023-2024. 
 
- Where has the money saved from not using independent transcription 
services been reallocated or utilised within the NMC? Unused budget lines 
are returned to the NMC corporate budget and removed from the directorate 
budget.  We use savings to either reduce our overall spending or we invest them 
into onto our portfolio of programmes.  In April 2024 we launched our FTP 
improvement programme at a cost of £30 mil ion between 2024-2027. 
 
5. *Decision-Making and Authorisation*: 
 
- Who authorised the decision to stop using independent transcription 
services for predominantly remote hearings? This was a corporate decision. 
 
- When was this decision made and implemented? January 2023.