What to do at a general election hustings

We need all political parties to make firm commitments to change for nursing. But knowing which of your local candidates will make the right decisions for you, your colleagues and our profession might not always be clear.

That’s why we’re encouraging as many nursing staff as possible to attend their local hustings and speak with door-to-door party canvassers.

A hustings is a public meeting where all candidates running for election in one constituency come together to discuss their policies.

Hustings usually take place in local community buildings, such as a community centre or place of worship.

They’re often advertised on local community groups, as well as notice boards via leaflets and posters. Anyone can attend.

Hustings are a crucial opportunity for nursing staff like you to raise concerns about nursing issues in person. You can ask your local parliamentary candidates for their views on the key issues we’re campaigning on in front of a public audience.

By attending, you ensure that the voices of nursing staff are heard and considered in policymaking.

1. Familiarise yourself with our manifesto, which outlines key nursing issues. This should help you to raise them confidently.
2. Consider downloading and printing out our manifesto so that when a party volunteer hands you literature, you can share it with them in return. Think of it as your own UNO reverse card, flipping the discussion back to the essential points for nursing staff. 
3. Have a read of our manifesto comparison checker to see how the different parties measure up when it comes to prioritising nursing, and health and social care.

Hustings are most effective when members of the public raise issues clearly and passionately. That might sound daunting but remember, as a nursing professional, you have expertise and experiences that candidates and other members of the public need to hear.

Here are our top tips for getting the most out of your hustings visit.

Be respectful

Remember, it’s important to engage constructively with candidates and other members of the public. So even if you disagree with what’s being said, stay respectful and polite. 

Ask questions

We’ve pulled together a handy list of questions to ask your candidates on important topics below.

We need candidates to advocate for a substantial pay rise and fair progression to ensure that nursing staff like you are compensated fairly for your hard work and dedication.

What to ask candidates 

"What’s your party’s position on providing a substantial pay rise for all nursing staff?" 

"Will you support automatic band 5 to 6 pay progression for NHS nurses?"

Together, we must stress the need for legally enforceable nurse-to-patient ratios and safe working conditions to protect both patients and staff. 

What to ask candidates

"Do you support legally enforceable nurse-to-patient ratios to ensure safe and effective care?" 

"How will your party address the issue of corridor care and ensure patients are treated in appropriate settings?" 

Together, we must emphasise the importance of revoking restrictive legislation that limits the rights of nursing staff to strike and highlight the need for mental health support. 

What to ask candidates

"Will you commit to revoking anti-strike legislation?" 

"What measures will your party take to provide mental health support for all nursing staff?"

Together, we can highlight the need for funding continuous professional development and job guarantees for nursing graduates to build a sustainable workforce. 

What to ask candidates 

"What are your plans for funding nursing degrees and guaranteeing jobs for graduates?" 

"How will you reduce the reliance on international recruitment and support locally educated nurses?"

Use examples 

Nursing staff like you are best placed to speak first-hand about the realities of working in health and social care. Have a think about powerful experiences you’ve had that highlight the issues we’re campaigning on. If you feel comfortable doing so, use them to strengthen your points. 

Spread the word

Encourage your colleagues and community to attend their hustings and ask similar questions. The more voices advocating for nursing issues, the better. Download and print our leaflet, which contains questions you can ask parliamentary candidates, as well as more ways to get involved in our General Election campaign.

We hope you found this guidance useful.

By being proactive and informed, you can use this election period to advocate for the interests of nursing staff and ensure your voice is heard. By attending hustings and engaging with candidates, you help ensure that the issues important to nursing staff are at the forefront of the election debate. 

Good luck!

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