FIGHTING AN UNFAIR FEE - EVA HELPS SECURE GOVERNMENT PROMISE TO SCRAP IMMIGRATION HEALTH SURCHARGE FOR NURSING STAFF - Royal College of Nursing
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NURSING PAY P9
THE VOICE OF NURSING STUDENTS P14
MEET OUR RCN AWARD WINNERS P16
ONLINE DEBATES P22
FOR RCN ACTIVE MEMBERS ACROSS THE UK SUMMER 2020
FIGHTING
AN UNFAIR FEE
EVA HELPS SECURE GOVERNMENT PROMISE TO SCRAP
IMMIGRATION HEALTH SURCHARGE FOR NURSING STAFF
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WELCOME 3
teams. The public has shown its support and now
it is time for the UK government to recognise the
true value of nursing.
As we enter formal pay negotiations, we’ll
be demanding that the professionalism and
dedication of nursing staff is reflected in
discussions (see page 9). We must not forget
that the crisis began with significant shortages of
nursing staff across the UK. In a demonstration
of commitment to the profession and patient
safety, thousands of nurses were redeployed, or
returned to practice and many students opted
in to undertake extended clinical placements.
As the first wave of COVID-19 recedes, it is But these short-term measures will come to an
time to pause and reflect on the impact of the end, and it has never been more important for
pandemic on our profession. Nurses have been us to rebuild the nursing workforce and achieve
at the heart of the UK’s response and must be staffing for safe and effective care.
central to rebuilding health and care services.
The public has seen nursing staff leading from Anyone who reads this issue of Activate will find
the frontline; from COVID-19 wards and critical it hard to deny the impact our active members
care units through to the community and care make and the crucial role you’ve played in
homes. Others, unseen, have sustained essential supporting members during this pandemic.
services in the most challenging of situations. From the tireless campaigning of the RCN UK
Students Committee (see page 14) to the work
It is easy to lose sight of the fact that 2020 is of RCN representatives and professional forums
International Year of the Nurse and Midwife. It’s (see our amazing RCN award winners on page
not the year we planned. But it is a year which has 16); you, our active members, are demonstrating
seen nursing at its very best, globally and here in the value of this profession every day.
the UK. The pandemic has provided opportunities
to show the breadth and complexity of nursing Rachel Hollis
today, and our contribution to health and care Chair of the RCN Professional Nursing Committee
Contents
Editor: Zara Davies
Production: Mark Kalaher Update.........................................................4-5
Design: Debbie Roberts Fighting an unfair fee.............................. 6-7
Published by: Royal College of Nursing The NMC Code and COVID-19.................... 8
20 Cavendish Square, London W1G 0RN Nursing pay.................................................... 9
W: rcn.org.uk/activate Legal update and ask an adviser......... 10-11
E: activate@rcn.org.uk Skin health: signs of dermatitis.......... 12-13
Publication code: 009 313 The voice of nursing students ........... 14-15
Cover image: Gareth Harmer RCN awards................................................16-19
Don’t forget, this is your magazine. If you’ve Congress: five decades of debate.......20-21
got a story to share, tell us at the email above. Get involved.............................................. 22-23
We use the term active member to describe members who have a voluntary role within the RCN, such as reps,
or board or committee members. This magazine is sent to active members in such roles. You can catch up on the
latest stories, advice and guidance for active members online at rcn.org.uk/activate
4 UPDATE
Skin health COVID-19: what we want for
nursing staff now
We’ve developed new
resources to help nursing
staff look after their skin
health during the COVID-19 On 19 June, we reached 100 days and proper risk assessments;
pandemic. With nursing staff since the pandemic was declared. tackling underlying causes
washing their hands and To mark the date, we set out that contribute to placing
using alcohol rub and gloves eight key priorities that we want black, Asian and minority
more frequently, maintaining UK governments and health and (BAME) ethnic staff at
skin health and avoiding skin care employers to commit to heightened risk; ensuring
conditions such as dermatitis for safely rebuilding health and nurse leaders are equipped to
is a key concern. social care services following the futureproof infection control
initial peak of the pandemic. and critical care capabilities;
Find the resources, which and supporting students as
include an online learning Two of the priorities focus on they resume their studies.
programme, at rcn.org.uk/ the need for comprehensive
skin-health and turn to page mental health support for RCN Chief Executive & General
12 for a pull-out poster. nursing staff and other Secretary Dame Donna Kinnair
health care workers. We want said: “Nursing staff across the
The resources have been employers to fund timely UK have shown remarkable
created in collaboration with access to counselling and leadership, professionalism and
Mölnlycke and SC Johnson psychological support for commitment. But as we move
Professional. all staff, as well as support past the peak of the epidemic,
the health and wellbeing of we must care for those who’ve
nursing staff. Other priorities been caring.” Visit tinyurl.
Stay informed include committing to full com/100-days-covid-19
Don’t forget, active members
can receive the latest news RCN Annual General Meeting
from the RCN in our monthly
email eActivate. Make sure The RCN Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held online
you’re signed up to receive on 6 August 2020 at 2pm. Questions can be emailed in advance
RCN emails by logging into to governance.support@rcn.org.uk. For more information,
rcn.org.uk/MyRCN and including on how to attend, visit rcn.org.uk/agm
checking your preferences.
5
Independent governance review
In June, we published the report from our members effectively and give them confidence
independent governance review which was in the organisation. As your Council, we are
called for by members at RCN Congress in committed to this work.”
2019 and was conducted by the Centre for
Public Scrutiny (CfPS). RCN Council has accepted all recommendations
from the review in principle and will use
The aim of the review was to ensure members members’ feedback on the report to help inform
own the organisation’s strategy, and have the the future direction of this work.
opportunity to influence and shape their
organisation and inform the decisions that Further information will be published on the
are taken. RCN website at
rcn.org.uk/governance-review
The review was due to be discussed at RCN
Congress 2020.
With this not taking place, RCN Council has
offered members other opportunities to
discuss the review, including a dedicated
email inbox for feedback and a series of
webinars held in June and early July
led by RCN Council members, in which
members could ask questions and
share their thoughts.
Chair of RCN Council Dee Sissons
said: “We wanted to give all members
the chance to talk to elected Council
members directly about the report and
how it should change the College.
“Discussions with members are
generating fascinating ideas and we will
be using these to take this work forward.
Our governance structures, people and
processes are only correct if they serve
Risk assessments and vulnerable workers
Recent NHS joint trade union guidance the guidance from our COVID-19 trade union
sets out principles on health and safety risk activity area on our online learning portal.
assessment for COVID-19 and vulnerable Use your MyRCN details to log in at
workers, including black, Asian and minority learn.rcn.org.uk or use the link on the RCN
ethnic (BAME) staff. RCN reps can download Reps Hub at rcn.org.uk/reps-hub
6 CAMPAIGNING FOR CHANGE
Fighting an unfair fee
Eva Omondi’s crusade to challenge the immigration health surcharge
began at RCN Congress in 2018. She explains how it’s resulted in a
government promise to scrap the unfair fee for health care workers
For Eva Omondi (pictured The fee, which sees all In 2015, Eva paid the IHS fee
above), the fight to remove the migrants who come to the when she applied for her work
immigration health surcharge UK from non-EEA visa. After saving money to
(IHS) for health care workers (European Economic Area) pay for visas for her family,
from overseas was personal. countries pay £400 a year she then discovered the IHS
To afford it, she was forced for the NHS, whether they also had to be paid for every
to work extra shifts, separate use its services or not, is due individual family member,
from her children, and take to increase to £624 per year and paid upfront for the
out loans that she is still from October. number of years each visa
paying off now. lasted. This meant £3,600 on
Speaking out against unfair top of their usual visa fees.
This May, under pressure government policies is not an To afford it, Eva and others
from Eva’s campaigning, easy decision but Eva, an NHS have had to borrow money. To
the RCN and others, the UK nurse who is originally from pay the money back, they’ve
government finally promised Kenya, was determined to fight had to work overtime. To
to scrap the IHS for health for her family and overseas work overtime, they had to
care workers. nursing staff all over the UK. find childcare.
7
Overseas workers have no recourse how grateful I am for the support
to public funds and therefore can’t from RCN members.”
access government-subsidised
childcare, leaving Eva and others When the COVID-19 pandemic
We are stuck in a vicious cycle.“Currently began, the spotlight turned to health
committed to I am a theatre nurse, so you can be care workers. “The pandemic has
the health of called at any time,” Eva says. “The magnified how unfair the government
this nation. This only option was to look for cheaper has been. We’ve been putting our
is the time to childcare, which meant taking my lives on the line,” says Eva.
recognise us children back home to Kenya. That
separated me from my little ones.” The RCN increased pressure on the
government and in May, it finally
Action at Congress pledged to exempt health care
workers from the unfair charge.
Eva, an RCN steward and Eastern “I cannot tell you how overjoyed I
region board member, decided to was,” Eva says.
draft a resolution to oppose the IHS to
be debated at RCN Congress in 2018. The RCN is now pushing for clarity
READ on how this will be implemented –
MORE As Congress approached, the item calling for confirmation that staff
ONLINE gained media attention. “It was on in the independent and social care
rcn.org.uk/ the radio and in newspapers,” Eva sectors, and spouses and dependents
activate
says. “I realised that many other of health care workers, will be exempt.
people identified with it.”
Future goals
Eva presented her resolution on the
main stage at Congress, delegates Eva wants to continue campaigning.
passed it almost unanimously and She is calling on the UK government
the RCN took up the cause. Media to: scrap no recourse to public
interest increased, and Eva was funds for health care workers;
interviewed by the BBC, local radio consider extending leave to remain
and newspapers. to staff working throughout the
COVID-19 pandemic; and pledge
There was an early setback when not to freeze NHS wages.
the government announced later
that year that it was doubling the fee “We are committed to the health of
to £400 and it announced another this nation,” Eva says. “This is the
planned increase in 2020. “That was time to recognise us.” She also has
like a slap,” Eva says. “But the RCN a message for RCN members: “We
has been alert to any opportunity to are the RCN. By speaking out, we
support the campaign. I cannot say highlight issues that affect us.”
Did you know?
Words by The RCN is calling on the Home Office to grant indefinite leave to remain
Rachael Healy. to all international health and care staff who have worked in the UK during
Picture by the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit tinyurl.com/nursing-right-to-remain
Gareth Harmer
8 IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The NMC Code READ
MORE
ONLINE
and COVID-19
rcn.org.uk/
activate
Working in a pandemic can be stressful, but nurses must remain
aware of the legal impact their actions can have. Roz Hooper explains
what the NMC has put in place and how we’re supporting members
for some time so there’s no What’s your advice on
benefit to having this hanging using social media?
over anyone right now. The heightened emotion
in these times can make
Why is record keeping people more unguarded,
so important? but the usual rules apply.
Nursing staff are having to Whistleblowers should use an
make difficult decisions in organisation’s policy rather
extraordinary circumstances. than social media to raise
So, make sure your record concerns. Read the NMC’s
keeping and documentation social media guidance and
is as accurate as possible tread cautiously if you say
and remind members how you’re a nurse.
What changes has the important this is. Nobody is
NMC made? going to succeed in criticising How is the legal team
To take pressure off frontline you if you made a decision preparing to support
staff during the pandemic, that can be justified. We members during the next
the NMC decided to know that record keeping phase of the pandemic?
temporarily delay revalidation, may also have been affected We’re already hearing from
a move we were consulted by the pressure members are members who are involved
on and supported (see page working under. The RCN is on in inquests related to
11). Meanwhile, the regulator your side and will continue to COVID-19 and we’re
has confirmed it will take the fight your corner. supporting them with this.
extraordinary circumstances Virtual hearings at the NMC
nurses are working in into How is the RCN have now been introduced
account if they’re referred for supporting those on the and we’re working with the
issues such as accountability temporary NMC register? NMC to ensure that they are
and delegation. We recognised that members fair, and that the outcomes
in our retired membership from members’ cases will not
We agree with the decision not category who have returned suffer as a result.
to tell people if they’ve been to work may need workplace
referred unless it’s absolutely support and we’re now Roz Hooper is RCN Head
necessary. Some of these offering this to them at no of Legal (Regulatory). Read
referrals won’t be investigated extra cost. more at rcn.org.uk/activate
NURSING PAY 9
Recognising the true
value of nursing staff
Graham Revie explains how the RCN Trade Union Committee,
which he chairs, will be supporting members to lead the fight for
a meaningful pay rise this summer
The last six months have been during the spring we secured
among the most challenging real improvements to members’
and fascinating of my working overtime pay and sick pay. The
life. No sooner had I been pandemic is far from over, but
elected to the RCN Trade Union it’s prudent to look at the future
Committee and become its chair and ask members the biggest
than COVID-19 dominated our questions about where our
professional and personal lives profession goes next.
like nothing we’ve ever known.
Listening to members
If you know me, you’ll know
I yield to nobody in my Record numbers of you – tens
determination to ensure our of thousands – told us through a
College does the best possible survey about your experience of
job for members. And there’s no work during COVID-19 and what in the NHS or other sectors.
alternative but to have genuine you expect on the other side. The fight for a meaningful pay
engagement with all members Members used it to speak up rise will be led by members
and for elected members to take clearly and the task in hand is to this summer and I urge every
the top decisions that affect our make sure those views are heard. one of you to be as active as
profession the most. you can when the time comes.
As we begin to look at the next Your voice drives our action
It is in that spirit that I’m leading NHS pay settlement, we will for your benefit.
the committee as it looks at the use this as proof of the need
next NHS pay round. I will not for employers and politicians Building a better future
re-run old arguments here about alike to truly recognise the As Activate went to press,
historic mistakes in this field value of nursing staff – with the results of our all
– only to say that I’m making deeds, not more words. This member survey on how we
sure that every lesson has been includes your pay, working should build a better future
learned and we are able to conditions and genuine respect for nursing were being
rebuild the lost trust. in the broadest sense. analysed. Read more and
find out how you can get
Supporting our members to For too long, your pay hasn’t involved at rcn.org.uk/
deal with the here and now has matched the highly skilled and building-a-better-future
been the overriding priority and complex work we do – whether
10 LEGAL UPDATE
Changes to furlough
The government announced changes to the COVID-19 Job Retention
Scheme at the end of May. Head of legal (Employment) Joanne
Galbraith-Marten explains the changes reps should be aware of
Is it still possible to be continue to cover the hours When does the
furloughed? the employee doesn’t work, scheme close?
The COVID-19 Job Retention subject to the grant cap. It’s anticipated that it will
Scheme (CJRS) closed to close on 31 October 2020.
new entrants on 30 June. How will pay be
Employers are now only able to calculated if an employee If a member is currently
furlough employees who have remains furloughed? on SSP can they be
previously been furloughed From August to September, furloughed instead?
for a minimum of three weeks, the government grant will be Paragraph 6.3 in the second
meaning the last date a new tapered. From 1 August, Treasury Direction which
employee could be furloughed although the grant will still applies to claims made on or
for the first time was 10 June. provide 80% of a furloughed after 22 May 2020 (or claims
employee’s gross monthly made before that date that
The exceptions to this include wages, employers will have would have complied with it),
a parent returning to work to pay National Insurance now suggests that an employer
after statutory maternity or Contributions (NICs) and can elect whether or not to
paternity leave, adoption minimum pension furlough an employee entitled
leave, shared parental leave or contributions. In September to statutory sick pay (SSP), and
parental bereavement leave. and October, the government can furlough those employees
Under these circumstances, grant will be tapered to 70% not in receipt of SSP even if
as long as their employer has and 60% respectively, with they are entitled to it.
already been using the scheme, employers required to pay
employees remain eligible the remaining percentage For more information visit
for furlough. alongside NICs and minimum rcn.org.uk/covid-19-advice
pension contributions.
Can members work for
their employer after 1 July Can members be put on
and still be furloughed? notice of redundancy
New flexible arrangements while furloughed?
were implemented on 1 July While the CJRS is an
and furloughed employees alternative to redundancy,
could return to work on a staff can still be made
part-time basis from that date. redundant while furloughed
However, this must be agreed and will be entitled to a
in writing. Employers will pay redundancy payment if they
for the hours employees work have more than two years’
and the government grant will continuous service.ASK AN ADVISER 11
Revalidation extensions
With the NMC extending some revalidation periods, it’s important
that members know when they need to revalidate. Here’s a
summary of how the extensions work
Members who were due to Members due to revalidate Supporting members
revalidate March to June in July and August These extensions have been
The NMC automatically Members who are due to put in place so that nurses
extended revalidation revalidate in July and August who have been affected by the
application dates by 12 weeks can request a 12-week COVID-19 crisis have extra
for any nurses who were due extension through their NMC time to meet revalidation
to revalidate in March, April, online account once their requirements.
May and June 2020. revalidation application is open.
If members are able to
Those affected should have Keep in mind revalidate on time, we’re
received an email telling These extensions don’t advising them to do so.
them their new revalidation apply to annual fees and any
application date. member who is granted an Our website has a range
extension will still need to pay of information and resources
If members who were due to their fee on time. to support members
revalidate in March and April through revalidation.
were unable to submit their Once a member revalidates,
application within their first their new three-year Visit
12-week extension, they should registration period will still rcn.org.uk/revalidation
have automatically received a start from their original
further 12-week extension. renewal date. This means
there will be a short period of The information on this
Members who were due to overlap between the extension page was taken from the
revalidate from May 2020, to their current registration NMC’s website and was
who need a second extension, period and their new correct at the time Activate
can request one through NMC registration period. went to press. For the
online. Members requesting a latest information about
further extension will need to Members can count any revalidation extensions,
declare that they were unable activities they undertake and to download the NMC’s
to complete their application towards either of their guide How to Revalidate
because of the impact of revalidation applications, during COVID-19, visit
COVID-19, and that their but they can’t use the same nmc.org.uk/covid19-
confirmer supports the request activities twice for both revalidation
for a further extension. applications.
Speak in confidence to an RCN Direct adviser on 0345 772 6100
or visit rcn.org.uk/get-helpW O SP UT
R E Y
PL I N
O ST LA
E
U IS D D L O
C
K R
Signs of work-rela
A
YO TH AN UL
R P I
P
Be
skin
aware
• Do you know the signs of dermatitis of the hands? Look out
for dryness, itching and redness which can lead to cracking,
blistering, flaky and scaly skin.
• At the end of each work period protect your hands by regularly
applying hand moisturising creams (containing emollients) after
handwashing. Always wet hands ahead of applying soap, as this
is a common problem with drying of nurses’ skin. Ensure that
you rinse and dry thoroughly. Follow established procedures for
hand washing.
• 93% of nursing staff who responded to our skin health survey
said that they had experienced some kind of skin condition,
including cracking, scaling and pain in the last 12 months.
rcn.org.uk/skin-healthated dermatitis
• Under health and safety law, your employer should have a
programme of skin checks in place for nursing staff exposed to
the risk of work-related dermatitis.
• Report any problems to your manager or occupational health
provider.
Who to speak to about work-related skin problems:
In collaboration with14 NURSING IN A PANDEMIC The voice of nursing students COVID-19 has seen the RCN Students Committee busier than ever before. Chair Jess Sainsbury explains how the committee has been fighting for funding while making sure students are supported With COVID-19 putting “Our Fund our Future placements and the academic nursing in the spotlight, public campaign in England has had side of nursing without having support for student nurses public support before now, to worry about money.” has also become more visible. but nothing compared to what “We’ve been watching different we’ve seen recently. It feels The RCN and other unions petitions and comments pop more powerful and we need to recently wrote to the health up all over the place,” says act on that.” secretary calling on him to Jess Sainsbury, Chair of the recognise the contribution of RCN UK Students Committee Jess says the sense of nursing students. It outlined (pictured above). “People are partnership with other trade demands for student funding calling for tuition fees to be unions also feels stronger. in England, which include scrapped and recognising “We’re all asking for the same abolishing student-funded the challenges student nurses thing,” says Jess. “And that’s tuition fees, introducing are facing, especially during for student nurses to be able maintenance grants that the pandemic. to throw themselves into reflect student need and
15
reimbursing fees or forgiving debt employer and university, and it’s
for current nursing students. The hard to know who to listen to. This
RCN has yet to receive a response is where RCN reps have been so
despite publicly reiterating its calls valuable and we’re really grateful
We wanted the at the end of May. for their support. Our student
RCN to be clear ambassadors have also been
that students Although the lack of response is supporting members and feeding
would be disappointing, Jess and the issues into the committee.”
supported no committee remain focused on
matter what building momentum. Jess says: Supporting every student
decision they “We’re organising discussions with
made MPs and we’re thinking about how Jess recounts that when the
we can maintain public support. We NMC’s emergency standards for
also want to contact the Education education were first proposed,
Select Committee about the impact of health trade unions were invited
COVID-19 on nursing students, not to the discussions. Although RCN
just during the crisis but the ongoing Chief Executive & General Secretary
impact it’ll have on newly qualified Dame Donna Kinnair was the
nurses and those still studying.” person attending these meetings,
she was representing the students
At the forefront committee. “Right from the start,
READ we felt our voice was heard,” says
MORE
ONLINE As well as leading the campaign on Jess. “Dame Donna listened to us
rcn.org.uk/ student funding, the committee has and took our concerns and queries
activate played a part in providing feedback back to the NMC.
on options for student nurses during
the pandemic and has been directly “We felt it was really important
supporting members through that students had a choice whether
what has been a very anxious time to go on a paid clinical placement,
for many. and that those who chose not to
wouldn’t be disadvantaged by that
Jess says that whichever route decision. We also wanted the RCN
students have decided to take, they to be clear that students would be
will feel the impact. “Those in their supported no matter what decision
Find our final year who have chosen the they made.”
latest advice for theory route are understandably
students at rcn. worried about their outstanding Part of the support offered to
org.uk/covid-19- placement hours,” says Jess. “It’s a students right now are twice-weekly
students really tricky situation because it’s webinars, organised and hosted
Catch up on RCN not just about getting the hours in, by the students committee. “We
student webinars it’s about the quality of that practice want to share as much information
at tinyurl.com/ experience as well.” as possible,” explains Jess. “And
student-webinars offer student nurses additional
Those that have chosen paid clinical learning opportunities. I hope
Words by placements have had differing that student members see the
Zara Davies. experiences across the UK, says influence the committee can have
Picture by Jess. “Some students have been and feel supported in the way we’re
James Newell given different advice from their representing them.”16 RCN AWARDS
Reps and Student
Ambassador of the Year
Meet our winners, who have all made an exceptional contribution
to the RCN and a real difference to the members they support
Learning Rep of the Year: Lesley-Anne Hodgkiss
nurses having the information the training, supporting the
to empower themselves.” acclimatisation of nurses
coming to a new country.
Lesley-Anne is particularly
proud of her work delivering Lesley-Anne received an
preceptorship training for incredible seven nominations
her employer, where she for her Rep of the Year
Lesley-Anne is a clinical trainer has trained more than 200 award. Oluchukwu Ekee,
working in the independent nurses so far – many of them one of her nominators, says:
sector. She finds that her international nurses. “Once I see Lesley-Anne’s
rep role fits naturally with name as a trainer, there is a
her thirst for knowledge and While it is part of her day lift of joy in my heart. I know
championing learning. She job, she has been able to I’m going to understand all
says: “I’m passionate about bring her rep experience to the details of that training.”
Safety Rep of the Year: Vicky Brotherton
Vicky is an advocate for how Vicky is also passionate
RCN reps can work together about supporting members
for better outcomes. In her to access mental health and
cases, she will often ask for wellbeing support.
the input of a learning rep if
the member needs to access Vicky says: “At every health
training; a fellow steward and safety meeting, I always
if a difficult case requires want to know how many staff Vicky’s colleague and
anonymised discussion; or are off work due to stress, nominator, describes Vicky
a fellow safety rep when whether it is work-related, as “a calm, experienced nurse
health and safety issues need and what support they are who is well respected due to
shared working. receiving.” Alison Williams, her professionalism.”READ
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ONLINE
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Steward of the Year: Karen English
in the cases where she has with Karen’s insight and
helped members to remain in describes her as someone who
post when they believed they goes above and beyond in her
were going to lose their job. role as a steward.
Karen says: “When we create
a really good professional Kath says: “Karen recognises
relationship between the how brave members have
manager and member which to be to contact the RCN,
For Karen, being a steward is able to continue, that especially when managers
means “you can empower makes me proud.” aren’t keen for you to contact
members, provide support, a union person.”
promote best practice, Karen has great support in her
rebuild trust in broken role from her RCN regional Karen’s advice to new stewards
relationships, and enhance office, but also from members is: “Be open and transparent
the reputation of the trust of her RCN branch, none and fight for what you believe.
you’re working in.” more so than her nominator Make the member feel safe and
and fellow steward, Kath respected in their workplace.
Karen feels her greatest Allan. Kath says it’s really More than anything though,
achievements have come beneficial having someone enjoy yourself.”
Student Ambassador of the Year: Clare Manley
Clare received the Student Now qualified, Clare plans
Ambassador of the Year to remain active and is
award to mark her incredible already involved in a project
efforts to raise the profile of to expand support for newly
the RCN at her university. qualified nurses (NQNs).
Clare says: “People can feel
Clare developed and delivered alienated when they join the
a lecture for first year world of work so we want
students which highlighted them to know the RCN is here. nominated Clare for the
the value of the RCN library We recently set up an RCN award, says: “Clare has worked
and the student ambassador Twitter account for NQNs and tirelessly for students nationally.
role, set up RCN noticeboards within a few days, it had more She has done it with passion,
in all of her placement areas than 1,000 followers.” grace, and without complaining.
and arranged for 20 students We all need someone like Clare
in her region to attend RCN RCN UK Students Committee to advocate for us. She is an
Congress in 2019. Chair Jess Sainsbury, who inspiration to us all.”
Read more about our winners and find out who received commendations in each category at
rcn.org.uk/activate
Words by Luke Dixon18 RCN AWARDS
Awards of Merit
This year four members receive the Award of Merit, the highest
honour the RCN can give for voluntary service recognising those
who have gone above and beyond to support fellow members
Dr Sonya Clarke
Sonya was Chair of the RCN steering committee ensured
Society of Orthopaedic and that casting courses are
Trauma Nursing (SOTN) now delivered in Northern
from 2015 to 2019, having Ireland, where previously
served the previous four students had to travel to
years on the steering Scotland or England.
committee, during which
time it went from strength Described by more than one of Sonya says: “I was shocked,
to strength. Sonya was her nomination supporters as a delighted and humbled on
instrumental in the writing role model, Sonya was tireless receiving notification that
or revising of key guidelines in her commitment to the I was to receive the Award
and the publication of society, all the while continuing of Merit. The RCN has
competencies for orthopaedic her work as a senior lecturer continued to support and
and trauma nurses. Her and completing a Doctorate in guide my nursing career, my
work on the society’s Education (EdD). aim is to make a difference.”
Denise Kelly
awareness of the RCN’s safe One of Denise’s nomination
staffing campaign in Northern supporters said: “I have
Ireland and during the recent never been so inspired by the
industrial action, Denise was commitment of a colleague.”
her trust’s strike committee Denise says: “I strive to
lead. The role involved a lot ensure that members’ voices
of travel to meet colleagues are heard, even if what is
Denise is an RCN steward face to face and ensure they being said is difficult. It is
and was recently elected as were prepared. This was at a overwhelming that someone
Northern Ireland member time when Denise was also has taken the time to nominate
on the RCN Trade Union completing a postgraduate me and it strengthens my
Committee. She played a certificate and working resolve to continue to
key role in raising public full-time nightshifts. support members.”READ
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ONLINE
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Denise McLaughlin
Denise is chair of the RCN has worked to increase
UK Safety Reps Committee local member engagement.
and has been involved with Drawing upon this
the RCN as an active member experience, she successfully
since 2004 when she became oversaw the merger of two
a steward. She became a local branches, which she
safety rep two years later and then chaired for two years.
for the past four years Denise Denise has also served eight
has been staff side chair in years as a member of the an award of this stature is
her organisation. RCN Northern Board. particularly poignant in this
current unprecedented time
Denise has served in a A supporter of Denise’s with the challenges being
number of roles during nomination said: “Activists faced by the profession. It is
her time with the College such as Denise come along a real privilege to be able to
including as chair and all too rarely. She is a glowing represent local members and
vice chair of RCN branch example of a professional rep.” to support reps within my
committees, where she Denise says: “To receive national role.”
Dr Alison O’Donnell
a crucial role in providing Alison has also been involved
mentoring and support for in a project digitising RCN
new members, writing blogs, committee records, which a
contributing articles to supporter of her nomination
Nursing History Now says “has led to a more
magazine and organising critical understanding of the
Congress fringe events. Her work of the RCN.”
time on the committee saw
Alison is a past chair and the forum’s membership triple Alison says: “My role as
steering committee member to more than 2,000 members. a volunteer for the RCN
of the RCN’s History of archives has afforded me the
Nursing Forum. She has made Alison has travelled around privilege of linking the stories
an exceptional contribution Scotland recording nurses’ of the past with current
to the forum and the RCN, oral histories and was actively caring challenges, and this
particularly in Scotland. involved with the RCN’s award affirms to me that
centenary celebrations in 2016. nursing history has parallels
During her time on the She continues to volunteer for with today’s contemporary
committee, Alison played the RCN archives weekly. health care setting.”
Read more about our Award of Merit recipients online at rcn.org.uk/activate. You can also find
out about the members who have been awarded RCN fellowships for their commitment to advancing
the science and practice of nursing, and the improvement of health care at rcn.org.uk/bulletin
Words by Luke Dixon20 RCN CONGRESS
Five decades of debate
Although RCN Congress couldn’t go ahead this year, a new digital
archive is letting us relive Congresses past. Former RCN President
Maura Buchanan helps us explore how the event has evolved
The main stage at
RCN Congress in 1989
The first official RCN Congress to law. This evolution can be Here you were, seeing people
and Exhibition took place in traced in the newly digitised that you’d read about. Dame
Harrogate in 1969. It was part Congress archive.“Now, you’ve Sheila Quinn was the President
of a push to make the RCN got a very professional stage that year and she was my idol.
livelier and more inclusive, and set. After the Labour and You get to meet your heroes and
which began two years earlier Tory party conferences, RCN see that they are just normal
when the RCN Representative Congress is next in terms of people and you can follow in
Body opened to all members size and importance,” says their footsteps.” Inspired, when
around the UK, who were Maura Buchanan, former a student item came up on the
encouraged to submit topics RCN President. final day, Maura took to the
for debate. microphone. It was to be the
Maura first attended Congress first of many appearances on the
RCN Congress has since evolved in 1986, as a third-year nursing RCN Congress stage.
into a polished, impressive event student, and went on to chair the
with inspiring speeches and event from 1999 to 2002. “This In 1986, Congress was a week-
debates that prompt headlines, year would’ve been my 35th long event and there were many
direct the College’s priorities, consecutive Congress,” she says. more topics up for debate than
and even result in changes “My first Congress was amazing. there are now. “Some of the21
issues have not changed in 30 years, and take questions from delegates.
but the structure of Congress has,” Maura asked the final question: “I
Maura says. “We used to have around said: ‘My daughter is a policewoman
50 items on the agenda, there weren’t – why are nurses not paid as much
You get to meet as many of the keynote speakers, as other public sector employees?’
your heroes and awards and lectures we have now.” The hall erupted. I got a standing
see that you ovation. Lo and behold, it was the
could follow in Expanding and evolving first thing on the six o’clock news.”
their footsteps Seven years later, Maura was RCN
RCN Congress has always been President when, for the first time,
evolving. Fringe events have a sitting Prime Minister addressed
expanded, with the RCN forums Congress. It was Gordon Brown, and
leading educational sessions he was followed by David Cameron.
that can be part of delegates’ CPD.
Meanwhile, the first annual John Although there’s been less of a
Goodlad Memorial Lecture took political presence in recent years,
place in 1993, and by 1998 cameras Congress has become less London-
filmed the proceedings and broadcast centric, more inclusive and remains
speakers onto large screens. a vital way to bring together nursing
voices. “You’re hearing from the
Many significant decisions have frontlines, the lived experiences of
been influenced by Congress too – nursing staff,” Maura says. “Those
from the 1976 vote for the RCN to on the ground, and our reps and
become a trade union, to the fierce active members, spend a huge
debate in 2000 that led to widening amount of time working – Congress
membership to include nursing energises them and brings their
support workers and cadets. experience into the organisation.”
For Maura, standout moments Continuing to improve Congress
include politicians directly engaging means encouraging a wide variety of
with RCN members – something delegates with different backgrounds
that’s been lacking in years when and experiences to get involved,
Congress is held after election something Maura has always tried to
season. “It’s important that they take do. “We need to nurture new talent,”
nursing staff seriously politically, she says. “ I was encouraged by
and that’s what we want,” she says. individuals at those earlier Congresses
and that led to me stepping up. We
In 2002, Maura’s final year as Chair should encourage others to speak and
of Congress, Secretary of State for make sure everyone feels part of the
Health Alan Milburn came to speak UK nursing family.”
Track the evolution of Congress
Words by The RCN Library and Archive team has digitised Congress materials held in
Rachael Healy. its collections, and shared this online in a new digital archive for members.
Picture of Maura There are programmes, newsletters, and audio and video recordings of
(above) by debates across five decades. Visit tinyurl.com/rcn-digital-archive
John Behets22 ONLINE DEBATES RCN2020
Virtual debates and events
Setting our direction
We’re hosting a series of online debates, drawn from the 2020
RCN Congress programme, allowing members to have their say
on key nursing issues
This autumn, members will be able to join and robust debate, allowing voices across our
online debates and share their opinions and nursing membership to be heard.
experiences on topics vital to the nursing
profession, shaping the work the RCN does to “It is more crucial than ever that we discuss
support members. issues important to nursing staff, to help
shape Council’s work programme for the
As Activate went to press, our Agenda coming year.”
Committee was set to meet to decide five events
and five debates from the Congress programme The series of events will start with the Chair
to take place online, starting in September. of Council and the chairs of the committees
presenting the 2020 Council Report and
Chair of RCN Congress BJ Waltho said: “While answering questions from members.
it sadly has not been possible to hold RCN
Congress in Liverpool this year, these virtual For event dates and more information, visit
events will ensure we still open up discussion rcn.org.uk/congress
What Congress means to me
“My first Congress was in Bournemouth
many years ago. I lived there and just went
along. Since then, I’ve attended Congress in
various roles – forum member, branch chair,
agenda committee member, then vice chair
and now chair of the event.
“I remember my first Congress and thinking
– this is me. This is what being a member of
the RCN is all about. It made sense to me.
Members want the RCN to be member-led.
In the week of Congress, everything is about
members and I think it’s the epitome of a “My term of office has been extended for a
member-led organisation. Everyone listens year, so I’ll be chair next year and I cannot
to the members and the whole energy comes wait. I think it will be awesome.”
from the members. BJ Waltho, Chair of RCN CongressRCN ROLES 23
Speak up for members
Are you keen to represent your nursing colleagues and have your
say on how nursing policy is implemented? Take a look at our
current election and appointment opportunities
RCN President and RCN UK Nursing RCN forum steering
Deputy President Support Workers committees
Committee
Our President and Deputy Twenty-nine of the RCN’s
President are the RCN’s Eight seats are up for forums are holding
public face, representing election on the RCN UK appointment processes for
the College at all levels, both Nursing Support Workers steering committee roles,
within the UK and abroad. Committee with nominations with applications closing
closing on 27 July. The on 14 August.
Both elections are for a committee represents and
term of office of two years provides a voice for the Each RCN forum
beginning on 1 January 2021. RCN’s health care assistants, represents thousands of
health care support workers, members and focuses
Nominations close on 20 July, assistant practitioners, on a different nursing
so this is your last chance nursing associates and trainee specialism.
to put yourself forward. nursing associates.
The role of the steering
committee includes
representing the forum’s
RCN country and RCN rep committees members and providing
regional boards an expert voice for the
Elections are taking place
RCN boards advise and to elect members to each specialty.
support their country or of the three RCN UK rep
regional director in setting committees, with nominations
and delivering the RCN’s closing on 19 August. The Get involved
local priorities. committees represent the
For more
RCN’s learning reps, safety
Elections are taking place reps and stewards. They information
to elect members to all 12 advise on RCN policy relevant and to put
country and regional boards to their reps’ area of expertise, yourself
with nominations open and report through the Trade forward for a governance
until 4 September. Union Governance Group to role, visit
RCN Council. rcn.org.uk/elections
Our Council, committees, boards and forums set the strategy and direction of the RCN. Taking
on a governance role provides a great chance to become more involved with the College and to
directly influence the issues that really matter to members and the wider nursing profession.Return address
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