Our Royal Charter

It grants the organisation certain:

• rights
• powers
• privileges, or
• functions

Our Royal Charter was awarded to us in 1928 by King George VI.

It sets out our:

• objectives
• basic constitution
• powers to govern our own business affairs

More about our Royal Charter’s background and key definitions can be found at the start of the Charter.

What does our Royal Charter contain?

This section lists the purpose of our organisation:

• To promote the science and art of nursing and education and training in the profession of nursing
• To promote the advancement of nursing as a profession in all or any of its branches
• To promote the professional standing and interests of members
• To assist members who, by reason of adversity, ill-health or otherwise are in need of assistance of any nature
• To promote all of these objects in other countries, with the help of international agencies

There are more than 24 powers listed in this section of the Charter. For example, we must:

• be a special register trade union body 
• provide legal representation, advice and assistance  

This section sets out:

• who qualifies as a member
• the different classes of membership
• the terms and conditions for admission to and removal from membership
• the different member subscription levels

This section states that we must have a council to control and manage our administration. Details of how Council is configured are set out in the Standing Orders. 

This section states that, as a Royal College, Council can request that we have a patron. Our current patron is King Charles III. 

This section states that we must have a President and a Deputy President. Both are elected by the whole membership.

This section states that there must be an annual general meeting (AGM) of our members each year. The time and place of the AGM is at our discretion but they must take place at least once every 15 months.

This section states that Council should establish a congress consisting of member representatives. The purpose of RCN Congress is to influence our policy and future direction. Although Congress may be held at the same time and location as the AGM, it’s not mandatory. 

This section states that Council must appoint a Chief Executive Officer of the RCN.

This section states that we should have an educational institute to further the better education of the nursing profession.

We must operate in accordance with the Rules set out in Schedule 1 of the Charter (see below).

This section allows us to introduce or amend our Standing Orders for internal governance purposes and supplement these with regulations.

This section states that Council is responsible for ensuring our accounts are audited by authorised auditors. 

This section sets out the indemnity arrangements for Council members or other officer or auditors of the College, as well as our staff.

This section states that the Charter can only be changed after a special resolution of our members.

This section states that the rules can only be changed after a special resolution of our members. Any amendments must be approved by the Privy Council. 

There must be Standing Orders covering procedures for the serving of notice or other documents to Council member and all other members. 

This section states that our College may be wound up (liquidated) by a special resolution of our members at a general meeting, on the recommendation of Council. 

This section states that our Charter should be interpreted in a way that is ‘kind or helpful’. 

The Charter contains the Rules. The Rules are made up of 4 sections relating to Council’s specific powers. These are summarised below:

Council members

These rules set out circumstances in which a Council member may be removed from Council.  For example, if they resign or if they become bankrupt.

Delegation

These rules allow Council to delegate any of its powers to any committee or individual (and to revoke these powers where necessary).

The deliberations of any committee that has been delegated to are reported regularly to Council and any resolution passed or decision taken must be reported to Council.

The Chief Executive and General Secretary 

These rules state that Council may delegate the responsibility for the management of staff to the Chief Executive and General Secretary (or other members of staff via this role).

Auditors  

These rules state that Council is responsible for the appointment and dismissal of auditors.  

Any proposed changes to the Charter and its rules must first be approved by a special resolution of the members at a general meeting (which may, or may not be, the AGM). Notice of the resolution must be provided to the members in writing at least 14 days before the meeting at which it will be considered (or in the case of the AGM, 21 clear days).

To be passed, a special resolution needs a majority of two thirds of those who are qualified to vote. These members must vote either in person or by proxy, meaning they have arranged for another member to vote for them in their absence at the meeting at which the amendments are proposed.

Final amendments to the Charter and its rules can only be made with the agreement of the King in Council.  In reality, we submit an application for consideration through the Privy Council. This is a long process and so, the Charter and rules are not amended very often. Instead, it’s more common to amend the Standing Orders or implement regulations. This is explained in the sections below.