RCN Council
The role and function of our highest governing body
As the world’s largest nursing union and professional body, we must be at the top of our game in decision-making.
Achieving that requires dynamic, experienced nursing leaders who ask the right questions and represent every one of our members, at every career stage.
That's the role of RCN Council, a group of 17 elected members from across the UK.
What does Council do?
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Council represents over half a million members
Our Council members work on behalf of every one of our members to guide the world’s largest nursing union and professional body.
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Council makes bold, transparent decisions
Our Council members must be thorough and diligent decision-makers. They're not afraid to get under the skin of the complex political, financial and sectoral issues affecting our College, members and profession. They should be extraordinary nursing professionals who can work as a collective to help us make bold, transparent decisions on behalf of all our members.
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Council seeks assurances that we'll do what we say we'll do for our members
Council members should be experienced, dynamic and insightful people who care deeply about our profession, ask robust, thoughtful questions and seek assurances that we’re representing every member at every career stage. They provide rigorous oversight to make sure we operate effectively and meet our legal and statutory requirements.
Who sits on Council?
Our Council is made up of 17 elected members. 14 of these members are elected directly to the role:
1 nurse member is chosen from each of our countries and regions. These Council members collaborate to provide guidance and direction on our vision and strategic aims.
This Council member is elected by our nursing support worker members. They have a particular focus on ensuring that these members are considered in decision-making, while also working on behalf of all our members.
This Council member is elected by our student members. They have a particular focus on ensuring that these members are considered in decision-making, while also working on behalf of all our members.
These 14 members choose 3 Council officers from among themselves. The officer roles are:
The Chair of Council is responsible for leading Council and ensuring that our College and our Executive Team have a clear strategic vision for achieving our objectives and supporting our members.
The Vice Chair of Council supports the Chair in leading Council and deputises for them when appropriate.
The Honorary Treasurer keeps Council updated on all financial matters relating to our College and ensures that Council members are informed about their financial duties.
The remaining 3 Council members are ex-officio members, meaning they automatically have a place on Council as a result of being elected to another role within our College. These 3 roles are:
Our President embodies the vision and ambition of our College, working closely with our General Secretary and Chief Executive and Chair of Council to lead change.
The Deputy President works with and supports the roles of the President, General Secretary and Chief Executive, as well as the Chair of Council.
The Chair of Congress convenes our largest and most important agenda-setting event of the year, RCN Congress. They are a non-voting member of Council.
Meet the RCN President
Hear from Bejoy Sebastian, the President of the RCN. A critical care nurse for almost 14 years in the UK, his deep-rooted, family-connected passion for the profession can be traced back to the beginnings of his career in Kerala, India.
Watch his video to learn more about him, and hear how he plans to make a difference for RCN members.
How are Council members elected?
Step 1:
Eligible members nominate themselves
Members nominate themselves online. Each nominating member needs the support of two other members.
Step 2:
Candidates are announced
We publish candidates online, so you can learn more about them and decide who to vote for.
Step 3:
Voting opens
You’ll have around a month to vote for your preferred candidate or candidates. Voting takes place by post.
Step 4:
Council members are announced
After voting closes, we inform candidates of the outcome. We then announce the results on our website and in an email to all our members.
