Chand will provide strategic leadership on people, culture and EDI (equality, diversity and inclusion) and will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering strategy.

He joins the NMC from The Cabinet Office, where he is the director for the Civil Service People and Places Directorate – leading the government's Places for Growth Portfolio and sponsoring the Government Property Agency.

Chand has also been chief people officer at the Department for International Development, HR director at HM Revenue and Customs, managing consultant in a FTSE 100 company, as well as serving as a police officer with Bedfordshire Police.

He said: ‘This opportunity allows me to contribute to an organisation that plays such a pivotal role in ensuring the highest standards of care and professionalism in healthcare.

‘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.'

Paul Rees, interim chief executive and registrar, said: ‘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.'