Booking is now open for RCN Congress 2023, the largest event in the nursing calendar. This year's in-person event will take place from 14-18 May at the Brighton Centre on the seafront and is free for members to attend.
Congress provides a unique opportunity for delegates to debate key issues around nursing practice that shape the RCN’s future work. Attendees will vote on several important and diverse issues.
Agenda items so far include health care provisions for refugees and those seeking asylum, abortion protest buffer zones, improving awareness around unconscious bias, and supporting members of LGBTQ+ communities who are victims of hate crime.
Also up for debate are a number of issues concerning members’ pay and workforce conditions, such as the future of the NHS Pay Review Body, pay terms and conditions parity, and the impact of corridor care.
As always, there will be space on the programme for emergency agenda items, which can be submitted right up until Congress finishes on 18 May, via various RCN forums and committees, and RCN Council. Find out what makes a good emergency agenda item.
In addition to the debates, from 15-17 May, there will be lots of learning, wellbeing, social and networking events. Information about submitting a proposal for a learning or wellbeing event is available here.
RCN General Secretary & Chief Executive Pat Cullen said: “I am so looking forward to being together again at this year’s Congress. A lot has changed since the last event, including many members voting for strike action in our historic ballot.
“This year’s agenda reflects some of the challenges and issues the nursing profession faces on a day-to-day basis, which extend far beyond pay. We will be discussing the impact of having to care for patients in corridors, the practical costs of going to work, clinical audits, and more.
“We need you to come to Congress prepared, with fire in your belly, to make powerful moves to bring about meaningful change for you, your colleagues, patients and the next generation of nursing staff."
Don’t forget that Congress is also a fantastic opportunity to meet and network with your peers, and the learning and wellbeing programme supports your CPD and can be used towards revalidation.
Congress is open to all RCN members to learn, develop and share best practice, and to influence nursing and health care policy.
Visit the Congress website for more information on how to book your place.
