Westcott has been the acting executive director of strategy and insight since February, and was previously an assistant director in the team.

Before joining the NMC, she held national policy and research roles in regulation, local government, and higher education. She has experience as a governor, a trustee, and a lay panellist for another professional regulator.

Westcott said: ‘It is the job of my directorate to make sure the organisation has effective policy, sound analysis, and strong evidence as we steer the NMC through a period of rapid improvement.

‘The NMC is working hard to restore confidence in our ability to protect the public. I'm glad to have the opportunity to help lead this effort, working with our Council, colleagues and partners.'

Paul Rees, interim chief executive and registrar, said: ‘Emma is a much-respected colleague who will bring crucial organisational memory to our Executive Board.

'She has helped to build a Strategy and Insight Directorate which is helping to drive learning and improvement within our own regulatory processes, and providing important insights from our work to the wider health and care sector.'