This year, we welcomed 136 debate ideas from members across the UK. Our Congress Agenda Committee – made up of and elected by members like you – have curated the dynamic and varied final agenda below.  

If you have a debate idea about a new and urgent issue, you can still propose an emergency debate for consideration in May.

The debates on this page are in alphabetical order. We’ll share the running order as we get closer to Congress in May.

A better work-life balance for nursing staff

Matter for discussion submitted by the Dumfries and Galloway Branch

That this meeting of RCN Congress discusses meaningful measures to improve work-life balance for nursing staff.

Accountability for patients in ambulances

Resolution submitted by the Northern Ireland Northern Branch

That this meeting of RCN Congress calls on RCN Council to clarify the position of accountability of both organisations and registered nurses when caring for patients in ambulances waiting to access emergency departments.

Artificial intelligence in nurse education

Matter for discussion submitted by the Dorset Branch

That this meeting of RCN Congress discusses the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in nurse education.

Assaults on nursing staff and employer accountability

Resolution submitted by the UK Health and Safety Reps Committee

That this meeting of RCN Congress requests RCN Council explore ways to hold employers more accountable in their duty of care to their employees in relation to the Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act 2018.

Celebrating a nursing career

Matter for discussion submitted by the Dorset Branch

That this meeting of RCN Congress discusses what members can do to raise the profile of nursing as a positive career.

Establishment of a member credit union

Resolution submitted by the Dumfries and Galloway Branch

That this meeting of RCN Congress calls on RCN Council to explore the establishment of a member credit union.

Health tourism

Matter for discussion submitted by the North Central London Inner Branch

That this meeting of RCN Congress considers the impact of health tourism abroad.

Increasing our understanding of neurodiversity in adults

Resolution submitted by the Dumfries and Galloway Branch

That this meeting of RCN Congress calls on RCN Council to lobby UK governments to undertake a 4-nation review of access to assessment of neurodiverse conditions in adults.

International student nurse hardship

Resolution submitted by the Students Committee

That this meeting of RCN Congress recognises the challenges specific to international student nurses across the UK and lobbies universities to provide extensive support to reduce the hardships faced by this student group.

Is current nursing regulation fit for purpose?

Resolution submitted by the Public Health Forum

That this meeting of RCN Congress calls on RCN Council to undertake work on the future regulation of nurses, midwives and nursing associates to ensure the protection and safety of the public and nursing profession.

Is the Health and Safety at Work Act worth celebrating?

Matter for discussion submitted by the Greater Liverpool and Knowsley Branch

Having celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, that this meeting of RCN Congress discusses whether it has been 50 years of failure.

Leadership support for person-centred care

Resolution submitted by the Mental Health Forum

That this meeting of RCN Congress asks RCN Council to urge health care systems and providers across the UK to empower nurse leaders to develop clear, active practice policies that promote safe, culturally appropriate, person-centred care.

Losing direct nursing skills

Matter for discussion submitted by the Eastern Board

That this meeting of RCN Congress discusses the potential implications of losing direct clinical nursing skills.

Nursing student financial support

Resolution submitted by the Students Committee

That this meeting of RCN Congress lobbies the governments of the four nations to commit to a review of the financial support available to nursing students.

Nursing's role in combatting human trafficking

Matter for discussion submitted by the Dumfries and Galloway Branch

That this meeting of RCN Congress discusses the role of the nursing family in combating human trafficking.

Physician associates

Resolution submitted by the Public Health Forum

That this meeting of RCN Congress calls on RCN Council to investigate the impact of physician associates on nursing.

Social care investment

Resolution submitted by the Dorset Branch

That this meeting of RCN Congress demands the UK governments take urgent action to invest in social care.

Stopping the decline in learning disability nursing

Resolution submitted by the Learning Disability Nursing Forum

That this meeting of RCN Congress calls on RCN Council to urgently support workforce modelling that recognises the importance of registered nurses in learning disabilities.

Support for men who experience domestic abuse

Resolution submitted by the Birmingham East and North and Solihull Branch

That this meeting of RCN Congress condemns the lack of availability of practical, psychological and emotional support mechanisms for men who experience domestic abuse.

Tackling health inequalities

Matter for discussion submitted by the CYP Acute Care Forum

That this meeting of RCN Congress discusses the role that nursing staff can undertake in tackling health inequalities.

The internationally educated nurse title

Matter for discussion submitted by the Eastern Board

That this meeting of RCN Congress discusses the potential long-term effect of the use of the title "internationally educated nurse".

The role of nursing staff in quality improvement

Matter for discussion submitted by the Public Health Forum

That this meeting of RCN Congress discusses the role of nursing staff in quality improvement and whether we currently have the capabilities, opportunities and motivation to undertake such work.

Zero hours contracts and NHS nursing pay

Resolution submitted by the Greater Liverpool and Knowsley Branch

That this meeting of RCN Congress asks RCN Council to investigate the negative impact of bank on NHS pay, terms and conditions of employment.

There will be 28 debates at Congress 2025. We'll publish the running order shortly.

Each debate runs for up to 30 minutes. Timings can change, where appropriate.

Debates run like this:

1. The debate is proposed by a member from the branch, forum or committee that submitted it. The proposer has five minutes to introduce it.
2. If the debate is a resolution, it’s 'seconded' (supported) by a member from another branch, forum or committee. The seconder speaks for two minutes. 
3. Any member who would like to speak is then invited to put forward their views on the topic. They can speak for up to two minutes.
4. The proposer returns to close the discussion and give a ‘right to reply’ to sum up and clarify points raised.
5. If the debate is a resolution, the voting members are asked to vote on whether we should take the proposal forward. 

Speaking at Congress is a great opportunity to get your voice heard on vital topics. It’s crucial for a good debate that as many different views as possible are raised. It can feel daunting, but you’ll soon discover that all speakers – especially those taking the mic for the first time – receive a very warm welcome.