As Chair of the Trade Union Committee (TUC), I know that members need the support of RCN reps in their workplaces now more than ever. Having access to high quality representation can be the difference between remaining in the profession or leaving. Having an RCN rep in the workplace can prevent work-related accidents and ill health, as well as supporting career progression. Members not only deserve this high-quality support, they need it.  

That’s why, in the RCN’s five-year strategic plan: A New Dawn for Nursing, we made the ambitious commitment to increase the reach and influence of RCN reps. This target has been set to ensure that every member in the UK has access to an RCN rep, which our members need now more than ever.

How do we make this happen?

To organise and build our collective power, we need to build our rep presence; increasing rep impact in the workplace and ensuring reps feel supported and valued and enjoy creating positive change in the workplace. For nursing to win, we need to build our rep power and in order to build our rep power, we have to get ready. 

That’s why we’re launching a UK-wide project, and we want you to be involved.

This exciting project is going to be led by your elected representatives on the Trade Union Committee. We know it will be a challenge, but we also know that it is integral to the success of our central mission of supporting members in the workplace. These pieces of work have been informed by you, as RCN members, and by RCN staff. This work has been informed by surveys, focus groups and workshops from across the UK.   

So, where do you come in?

What does the project involve? 

There are going to be 4 work streams in the first phase, with opportunities to feed in at each stage. 

Phase 1:

Rep Role Review (March 25 - January 26)

At the moment, we have 3 types of RCN rep: stewards, health and safety reps and learning reps. But what do members want from RCN reps? What should an RCN rep do? These questions are fundamental to building the reach and influence of RCN reps. Staff and members will work together to ensure we have the optimal rep roles to meet our strategic objectives as a college.  

Facilities time review (January - March 26) 

Ensuring that we have an optimal and consistent approach to facilities time is key – and working together we will explore this to ensure the correct balance of reps having the time they need, without being hindered by a lack of facilities time.  

Support and supervision (April - December 26) 

One of the cornerstones of our rep community is support from peers and RCN officers. As we recruit more reps, we need to build a sustainable model to ensure reps are properly supported. 

Expression of interest, accreditation and discreditation process (April - December 26) 

In order to recruit more reps we need to know whether the pipeline is working efficiently – this is a complex piece of work and will require input from multiple teams and member bodies. However – it is essential to building rep influence. 

Phase 2: 

Phase 2 will focus on rep recruitment. 

How will the process work? 

This project will be delivered by the Trade Union Committee and the Activism Academy.  

Throughout the project, we will be reaching out to members and staff for input, so please watch this space.  

Is this everything? 

This work will progress alongside other work going on aimed at improving the experience of being a rep. We know this work is ongoing at both a UK level and a local level – it remains one of our top priorities. Retention is key to building rep power. 

Got any ideas on how we can improve the experience of being a rep? Drop us an email!  

Share your wins! Have you had a win in the workplace as an RCN Activist? If so, please email us at rcnactivism@rcn.org.uk.

Not yet a rep but interested in becoming one? Register to become an RCN rep. 

Denise Kelly – Chair of Trade Union Committee