Your web browser is outdated and may be insecure

The RCN recommends using an updated browser such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome

How the RCN is governed

The Council, boards, committees and groups that make up the RCN governance structure

The RCN takes good governance and representing members in its governance processes seriously. Use this section to find information about how the RCN is governed.

Our Council, committees and boards:

  • set strategy and direction in line with our overall purpose
  • ensure accountability to our members by monitoring performance and ensuring effective compliance controls are in place
  • ensure that we adhere to our Royal Charter, Standing Orders, regulations and policies.

Our representative committees put forward the views of members and represent their interests. Council consults with and listens to the representative committees before taking decisions.

RCN Congress also plays an important role in representing the views of members and influencing the direction of Council. 

The RCN Foundation is an independent registered charity and its board of trustees is legally accountable to the Charity Commission for the overall running of the organisation. RCNi is the brand name of RCN Publishing Company Ltd. It is a wholly owned, but independently run, subsidiary of the Royal College of Nursing. Its board of directors is legally accountable for ensuring that the company meets its statutory obligations and to the RCN Council for the management of the business.

The RCN is set up by Royal Charter and is both a Royal College and a Special Register Trade Union. 

Council

Providing leadership and direction for the RCN. Read the latest Council report.

Committees

Working with Council to ensure good governance of the RCN.

Boards

Ensuring good governance in the countries and regions.

Find a governance meeting

Find out about recent and upcoming Council, committees and boards meetings and how you can get involved.

Governance Review 2021/22

Find out more about the Governance Review 2021/22, including information on the next steps.

RCN Council key meeting dates 2025

Find out when RCN Council, Boards and Committees are meeting in 2025.

RCN Council key meeting dates 2024

Find out when RCN Council, Boards and Committees are meeting in 2024.

RCN elections and appointments

Put yourself forward as a candidate for RCN Council, a committee or a board.