Congress recommendations
How we're meeting the recommendations of Bruce Carr KC, KPMG and other independent reviewers
See the progress we’re making
We're committed to meeting all 38 recommendations raised through independent reviews of the culture of our College.
3 of these recommendations relate to RCN Congress – our annual network and learning event. They're helping us to provide more support for our members and staff at Congress, and to improve how our members vote on key decisions.
Recommendations may not appear in consecutive order.
Recommendation 28
Provide more support for attendees at Congress.
Progress
In the foreword to the Independent Review of the Culture of the RCN, Bruce Carr KC said: "It is right that I acknowledge that at the 2022 Congress, significant safeguards were put in place and appear to have been effective in ensuring that the event was one at which participants were protected from any risk of exploitation." The RCN supports and promotes a culture of reciprocal respect and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or any form of misconduct across all our activities
We have introduced new policies, Safety and Conduct at RCN Events and Code of Conduct for RCN Events, that set out the approach to this specifically in relation to events, including RCN Congress. We provide these to all attendees, and they clearly lay out what attendees should do if they have any concerns. In addition, a wellbeing hub has been introduced at Congress, which offers: a safe space, where you can talk to members of RCN staff if you encounter any challenging situations; a quiet/prayer room; access to mental health first aiders, and a qualified counsellor
This recommendation is now complete.
Recommendation 29
Progress
Bruce Carr KC has concluded the full investigation into sexual misconduct at Congress.
This recommendation is now complete.
Recommendation 32
Review voting arrangements at Congress to ensure that all voices are heard.
Progress
We have received the results of an internal audit from Evelyn Partners on the current voting arrangements at Congress, and this will feed into a wider review of Congress. It includes a recommendation to undertake an equality impact assessment to highlight ways we can achieve fully inclusive representation of our membership at Congress. An action plan for the implementation of all internal audit findings has been drafted, and some immediate actions for 2024 have been implemented to improve the oversight and governance of the process of identifying voting members.
There are 3 elements to this recommendation, 1 of which has been completed. All work on this recommendation is expected to be completed by December 2024.
Page last updated - 03/11/2024
