The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revised part of its data recording process to include the profession’s legally protected title ‘registered nurse’.

The move follows an open letter from nurses to the ONS – which leads on the collection and publication of statistics in the UK – about the way it records data related to the profession.

The ONS uses a system called the Standard Occupational Classification 2020 (SOC) for data recording, which groups together roles with similar skills, qualifications and experience, based on job titles.

The SOC is used by many organisations and can be used as a basis for national statistics and research.

Today, the ONS confirmed that the SOC’s coding index – which includes subcategories of nursing job roles – will use the legally protected title ‘registered nurse’.

The use of ‘registered nurse’ will replace the use of the term ‘nurse’ – a title that is not protected by law and can be used by anyone.