If you’re passionate about the big nursing issues and want to raise awareness of those in power, you can lobby on what matters most to you via your MP or local representative.

Use this guide to get started.

Political lobbying is when members of the public, groups or organisations try to influence public policy and government decisions. By advocating for specific interests or causes with lawmakers, government officials and other stakeholders, you can help shape legislation, regulations and public policy.

Lobbying for nursing issues is important because it ensures that the voices of nursing staff, who are all too often left out of important conversations about health care, are heard by policymakers.

As your trade union and professional body, we lobby Westminster, country and local governments on your behalf regularly, but every nursing voice matters. 

By engaging in political lobbying, you can influence the development and implementation of policies that promote the safety, health and wellbeing of nursing staff, patients and service users. Lobbying is a useful tool that anyone can use to help ensure our health and social care systems work effectively.

If you don’t already know who your MP is, find out by using the UK Parliament 'find your MP' tool.

Familiarise yourself with the RCN’s positions on key policy areas for nursing. This will help you to discuss these issues confidently. You can find our top priorities in our UK General Election manifesto, and you can find local data and analysis on our nursing workforce insights hub. If you want to discuss GP nursing pay, you can find more information on our ‘fair pay for general practice nursing staff’ page.

An MP surgery is a meeting between an MP and their constituents to discuss their concerns and issues. It’s called a “surgery” because, much like a clinical consultation, it’s a dedicated time for listening and helping to resolve issues. MP surgeries usually take place at an easily accessible space like an office or community centre.

Contact your MP to find out when they'll be holding their next surgery and the process for attending. Some MPs schedule meetings in advance, while others hold drop-in sessions.

We’ve pulled together a handy list of the types of questions you might want to ask your MP about nursing.

We need MPs 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

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

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

“Will you ensure all general practice nursing staff receive the full pay increase they’re promised by government?”

Together, we must help MPs understand the unsafe conditions facing nursing staff and patients. We need legally enforceable nurse-to-patient ratios, an end to corridor care and safe working conditions to protect both patients and staff.

What to ask

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

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

Together, we must emphasise the importance of fair and safe hiring and employment practices and highlight the need for mental health support.

What to ask

"How will you protect nursing staff from unethical recruitment and exploitation?" 

"What measures will your party take to provide mental health and wellbeing 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

"What are your plans to fund nursing degrees and guarantee jobs for graduates?"

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

If you have an issue which you want to bring to your MP’s attention, the quickest way to raise your concerns is to write to your MP by email or post with the topic or topics you’re most passionate about. Use the UK Parliament 'find your MP' tool to access their contact information. 

You should expect acknowledgement of your email or letter shortly after you send it. 

Be respectful

Remember, it’s important to engage constructively with MPs. So even if you disagree with them, stay respectful and polite.

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 go along to their own MP surgeries and ask similar questions. The more voices advocating for nursing issues, the better. 

By being proactive, you can take advantage of the democratic rights we all have to advocate for the interests of nursing staff and ensure your voice is heard.

By engaging with your MP, you’re helping to ensure that the issues important to nursing staff are at the forefront of political debate and progress.