Revalidation fosters a culture of reflection and good practice.

When we launched revalidation in April 2016 it represented one of the most significant changes to nursing and midwifery in a generation.

This new year could match 2016 for exciting nursing developments.

As this is my first nurse leader column of 2017, I wish everyone a happy new year, although it probably seems a distant memory now.

Shaping the future of regulation.

With the support of government ministers, the NMC can reform its legal framework to better reflect the regulator's range of responsibilities.

Degree-level education is an essential part of modern health care.

Dame Jill Macleod Clark is leading the work of the Nursing and Midwifery Council on education standards for the registered nurse degree, compiling views from nurses, students, educators and patients across the UK about the key competencies registered nurses need, both now and in the future.

The NMC has to look beyond England, says Janet Finch.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council is a 4-country regulator. Our remit covers Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England, which is reflected in the membership of our council and many of our activities.

Voices - Finally, proof revalidation is not the nightmare many feared, says Janet Finch.

I come from an academic background, so am acutely aware of the importance of measuring outcomes in quantifiable terms. I was pleased with our latest revalidation figures because they clearly show that the introduction of the process has been a major success.

Voices - Like nurses, education must adapt to changes in care, says Janet Finch.

Nurses and midwives will play a vital role in meeting the health challenges of the future. While it is impossible to foresee all the ways in which practice will change over the next decade, we do know that nurses and midwives will be working with an ageing population, with more community-based services and growing public expectations.