The RCN: an organisation with a memory?

As the new year began the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) rang the changes. At the end of December 2018, the RCN announced the results of its Council elections for 12 posts that represent the four different UK constituencies. The Council is made up of one representative each from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and one from each of England's nine regions. It also includes a member to represent healthcare practitioners and one for students, who were elected separately.

The RCN Council provides leadership and direction for the RCN. It ensures that the College always has a clear vision and a strategic plan, it acts as a guardian of the RCN's assets and as a Council holds RCN management to account. It is responsible for ensuring that the RCN delivers its statutory purposes through its Royal Charter and Standing Orders. It also has to ensure that the RCN is compliant with trade union (as one of the largest trade unions in the country) and company legislation. The affairs and activity of the College and the making of decisions and delegating authority for the day-to-day affairs of the College are also key responsibilities of the Council.