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COVID-19 VACCINATION P6
NURSING STRIKES: ONE YEAR ON P14
USING SOCIAL MEDIA TO CAMPAIGN P18
VOTE FOR NURSING P20
FOR RCN ACTIVE MEMBERS ACROSS THE UK WINTER 2021
LEADING
POSITIVE CHANGE
PATRICK’S HELPING KEEP MEMBERS AND PATIENTS SAFE
BY SECURING PROTECTED TIME FOR MANDATORY TRAINING
Help
Worried RCNabout members the current
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financial their outlook? income
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preferred partners for professional financial advice – runs regular online
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better understanding about their pensions
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your pension works. •
To find out how we can help you help
Contact
more RCNus members
to arrangemake
a webinar for your
the most of members, or to
their money
find out morecontact Alan Riches
about arranging on 07943
telephone 018191
consultations,
or email alan.riches@lighthousegroup.plc.uk
call Alan Riches on 07943 018191 or email
alan.riches@lighthousegroup.plc.uk
The value of your investments, including some pensions, and income from them can go
down as well as up, so you could get back less than you invested. Your home may be
repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other loans secured on it.
The initial consultation is designed to discover whether or not you would benefit
Lighthouse Financial
from financial Advice
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appointed on
representative
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to Lighthouse
proceed Advisory
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further. Any advice related fees will be clarified with you before any commitment
to proceed.
Making your money work harder
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WELCOME 3
a theme in too many investigations into poor
care and significant adverse events. Research
has shown that the number of registered
nurses on duty has an impact on patient
outcomes including mortality; ‘care left
undone’, closely related to low levels of nurse
staffing, is further associated with increased
mortality. Research demonstrates the
importance of nursing skill mix in our safety
critical profession.
At RCN Congress 2017, Council received a
As I write this I am acutely aware that across mandate from members to lobby for safe
all four countries of the UK and in all health nurse staffing levels in every country of the
and care settings, nursing staff are working UK. In Wales and Scotland, nurse staffing
under intolerable pressure; by the time you laws are now in place and members are
get to read this, I genuinely worry where we campaigning to have those laws extended
could be. The RCN is working harder than and strengthened. In England and Northern
ever for members, and I urge you to make use Ireland, members continue to campaign
of the advice and resources available. for legislation and for accountability at the
highest level.
As the current wave of COVID-19 is showing all
too clearly, the major limitation to expanding The UK needs a comprehensive long-term
capacity in hospitals and maintaining services strategy for the nursing workforce, and that is
in the community is the shortage of nursing what we’re calling for. We need accountability
staff. The extreme pressure on services for that workforce to be transparent from
means care becomes compromised, and national government to the corporate board
those receiving and delivering it are at risk. of any organisation providing nursing care; we
The RCN’s campaign for staffing for safe and need nurses to be central to decision making
effective care has never been so vital. on nurse staffing levels in all settings. The
RCN’s nursing workforce standards, to be
The global pandemic has brought to crisis published this year, will make this very clear.
point a chronic under-investment in nursing.
The shortage of nursing staff is not new, and Rachel Hollis FRCN
we know the impact it can have. It has been RCN Professional Nursing Committee Chair
Editor: Zara Davies Contents
Production: Mark Kalaher
Design: Debbie Roberts and Fern Bale Update..................................................................... 4-5
Published by: Royal College of Nursing COVID-19 vaccination......................................... 6-9
20 Cavendish Square, London W1G 0RN Leading positive change.................................. 10-11
W: rcn.org.uk/activate E: activate@rcn.org.uk Nursing strikes: one year on..........................14-15
Publication code: 009 552 Fair pay for nursing update............................ 16-17
Cover image: Jonathan Perugia Using social media to campaign .................18-19
Vote for nursing................................................ 20-21
Don’t forget, this is your magazine. If you’ve
got a story to share, tell us at the email above. RCN Professional Nursing Committee..... 22-23
4 UPDATE
Pay petition Supporting members during
the pandemic
We’ve launched an online
learning tool to support
nursing staff who are new
Have you signed and shared to critical care. It highlights
our pay petition? It only takes what it will be like for
a minute to add your name members deployed to this
to our online petition and tell area, providing knowledge
the prime minister why you and key principles to help
demand fair pay for nursing. build confidence and skills in
Visit rcn.org.uk/fairpay delivering care to critically ill
patients. It also offers advice on our website including
For an update on our Fair Pay about looking after your own employment advice, clinical
For Nursing campaign and health and wellbeing. guidance, information about
how to get involved, turn to mental health and wellbeing
page 16 and for tips on how Members can access and financial support. Visit
to campaign on social media, Introducing Critical Care at rcn.org.uk/covid-19
see page 18. rcn.org.uk/intro-critical-care
and students can access We recognise that nursing
it through Starting Out at students are also helping the
RCN Awards startingout.rcn.org.uk pandemic efforts. Student
members can find tailored
Nominations are now open Don’t forget, you can find a advice and support at
for the RCN Awards, which range of advice and guidance rcn.org.uk/covid-19-students
celebrate the hard work
and dedication of members,
and those who’ve made a
significant contribution to the
nursing profession. Awards
RCN Congress 2021
available include the three As Activate went to press the Agenda Committee and RCN
Rep of the Year awards, Council were continuing to explore moving RCN Congress
Student Ambassador of the 2021 to September to give members the best chance of
Year, the Award of Merit and meeting in person.
the RCN Fellowship.
The change, which is yet to be finalised, means deadlines
RCN President Professor for agenda and fringe submissions have been extended
Dame Anne Marie Rafferty and the new deadlines will be confirmed as soon as there
CBE FRCN said: “With is more news.
nursing staff continuing to
go above and beyond during Branch and forum committees should continue with the
this pandemic, this is your selection process for their voting members but bear in mind
opportunity to give them the the potential new dates and watch out for future guidance.
recognition they deserve.” For the latest information, visit rcn.org.uk/congress
Visit rcn.org.uk/rcnawards
5
RCN responds to expansion of temporary
register and seeks higher level of PPE
a registration application and relevant
supporting declarations.
RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary
Dame Donna Kinnair said: “With many of
the expected overseas nurses coming
from black, Asian and minority ethnic
(BAME) backgrounds, our concerns about
appropriate personal protective equipment
(PPE) in light of the new variant of COVID-19
take on a renewed importance.
“We urge government ministers and
scientists to recommend higher level PPE
as a precaution immediately. This is for all
nursing staff working in COVID-19 settings,
whether permanent or temporary members
of the NMC register.”
As Activate went to press on 14 January, the
RCN was still awaiting a response from the
government after raising concerns about the
need for increased levels of PPE.
We are also pressing the government to
On 5 January, the Nursing and Midwifery review the effectiveness of ventilation in
Council (NMC) announced it would be inviting hospitals and other buildings where health
two new groups of overseas-trained nurses care is delivered as a matter of urgency.
to join the COVID-19 temporary register. Read more at rcn.org.uk/news
They are nurses trained overseas who To find out about the expansion of the
are ready to take the final stage of their COVID-19 temporary register, visit
permanent registration application process, tinyurl.com/nmc-temp-overseas and find
and those from whom the NMC has received our PPE advice at rcn.org.uk/covid-19-ppe
Did you know?
The NMC has recently reviewed its fitness to practise strategy to make improvements
to the way it investigates concerns about nursing staff on the NMC register. Changes
include an increased emphasis on the importance of considering context, something that
is particularly relevant during the pandemic. To find out more and how the changes will
support nursing staff, read our RCN Bulletin article at tinyurl.com/nmc-context-bulletin
6 ASK AN ADVISER
COVID-19 vaccination For our
latest advice
visit rcn.org.
uk/covid-19-
With the vaccination programme now underway, here’s advice
an overview of frequently asked questions from members
and our answers at the point we went to press on 14 January
How do I get the vaccine, The vaccination programme staff such as agency or bank
and can agency workers for health and care staff workers, and those working
and students get it? is being rolled out through for independent or voluntary
organisations. Those staff health care providers.
The Joint Committee at high risk of acquiring
on Vaccination and infection, at high individual The order that the NHS
Immunisation published risk of developing serious will vaccinate everyone in
information on priority disease, or at risk of each priority group may
groups for COVID-19 transmitting infection to vary, so you may need to
vaccination in December multiple vulnerable persons wait for details of when and
2020. Priority groups include or other staff in a health where you will receive your
frontline health and social care environment, are vaccination. NHS trusts
care workers who provide considered of higher priority have compiled details of
care to vulnerable people, for vaccination than those at how many of their workers
including those working lower risk. This prioritisation are eligible to receive
in hospice care and those should be considered during vaccination, as have many
working temporarily in vaccine deployment. independent workplaces
the COVID-19 vaccination such as care homes,
programme who provide What should I do if I have hospices and independent
face-to-face clinical care. not been included in the hospitals and clinics.
list to be vaccinated?
The green book chapter We expect that most
for COVID-19 vaccination The green book advises that members will have their
provides more detail and staff working in care homes vaccination arranged
recommends that temporary for older adults should through their workplace or
staff such as bank or agency be included in the first employer in this way, but
workers, including those priority group for receiving it is possible that some
working in the COVID-19 a COVID-19 vaccination. members may be given a
vaccination programme, This includes temporary letter by their employer or
students, trainees and and agency workers as well agency to take to a GP.
volunteers who are working as permanent employees
with patients in the NHS or in working in these settings. If you believe that you have
an independent or voluntary not been included in the list
setting, must also be All other frontline health and of workers to be vaccinated
included. To read the social care workers should as part of priority group one
green book chapter, then be included in priority or two then you should raise
visit tinyurl.com/ group two. This group should this issue with your employer
green-book-14a include students, temporary in the first instance. If this
7
doesn’t resolve the issue, you to patients or clients as us on 0345 772
should contact our advice a result. 6100 for advice.
team on 0345 772 6100.
In some circumstances, I declined the
If I’ve had the vaccine, they may be able to vaccine and I’ve
do I still need to wear dismiss you. For fallen ill with COVID-19.
PPE at work? this to be fair, My employer says I
the employer won’t receive full sick
Yes; any vaccine will take at would have to
pay. What can I do?
least 10 to 14 days to develop act reasonably
an individual’s immunity and and consult You will be paid statutory
no vaccine will give 100% with you before sick pay, but your employer
protection. We also still don’t making a final decision. may try to argue that the
know if the vaccine will have They would need to consider discretionary element of sick
an impact on the rates of other alternatives, such as pay could be withheld.
transmission. redeployment to a place
where you did not present The RCN’s position is that
It’s really important that all an unacceptable risk and uptake of the vaccine is
vaccinated staff still follow consider whether risks could voluntary and should not
current COVID-19 guidelines be reasonably mitigated be connected with any sick
on personal protective through testing and PPE. pay. You should check your
equipment (PPE) and employment contract to
shielding where appropriate. Read more advice about determine what sick pay is
Staff should also advise vaccination and refusal, owed to you contractually.
patients to maintain current including advice relating to
advice on social distancing refusing vaccination because If you are unable to resolve
and not going out. Read our of a medical reason or the issue, you should contact
guidance on PPE at: religion and belief, at us for assistance and a claim
rcn.org.uk/covid-19-PPE rcn.org.uk/covid-19-advice for unlawful deduction of
wages may be considered.
Where do I stand if I refuse If you feel your employer is Call our advice team on
to have the vaccine? acting unreasonably, contact 0345 772 6100.
The NMC Code requires
nurses to take measures to More information
protect their patients and the
public as well as to protect • Read our full advice for members about
themselves against serious vaccination, including the RCN’s position
illness. The RCN actively relating to changes in the COVID-19 vaccination
encourages members to have schedule, at rcn.org.uk/covid-19-advice
the COVID-19 vaccine, but it is • Find resources and guidance on COVID-19
not mandatory for health and vaccination delivery and how to get involved at
social care workers. There rcn.org.uk/covid-19-vaccination
may be consequences for you
at work, however, if you have • Turn to page 8 for information about indemnity
not been vaccinated and your arrangements for nursing staff administrating
employer can show that you COVID-19 vaccinations.
present a risk
8 LEGAL UPDATE
COVID-19 indemnity:
what you need to know
RCN Head of Legal (Regulatory) Roz Hooper explains the clinical
negligence schemes providing protection for members throughout
the pandemic and the practice areas they need extra cover for
Members have been asking
us about their indemnity
cover during the pandemic, as
some have found themselves
redeployed into new areas,
and new challenges like
COVID-19 vaccination have
entered the discussion.
Since 2014, all registered
nurses have to have indemnity
cover appropriate for their
scope of practice to meet
the costs of any clinical
negligence compensation
claim against them. They must
confirm that they have such
cover when they apply for
admission to the Nursing and
Midwifery Council register and
every time they revalidate.
Stock image
For the vast majority of
our members, there is
reassuring news. Since April 2019, the walk-in centres and
government has provided out-of-hours services.
Anyone working in the NHS a very similar scheme for
has always had automatic everyone working in GP Employers in the independent
indemnity cover supplied practices, called the Clinical sector hold indemnity cover
by their employer, whatever Negligence Scheme for for their employees. However,
their role, temporary or General Practice (CNSGP). if an employer is refusing
permanent. This is supplied This includes locums and to provide cover, members
by the state-backed Clinical bank staff, and covers should contact us on
Negligence Scheme for organisations privately 0345 772 6100 for
Trusts (CNST). providing GP services, like further support.
9
Special pandemic provisions private basis to people who
perhaps don’t yet qualify for a
In early 2020, the government state-provided vaccine.
passed the Coronavirus Act
2020 which contains emergency Due to the uncertainty of the All staff
powers in response to the risks, the RCN is unable to secure delivering
pandemic. One section introduced cover from its underwriters and the vaccine
a new indemnity scheme called COVID-19 testing and vaccination will need
Clinical Negligence Scheme are excluded from the RCN scheme. indemnity
for Coronavirus (CNSC) for any
cover as they
pandemic-related claims that did If members undertake this work, it
do for any
not fall under any other scheme. is very important that they ensure
Whilst other schemes should cover their contract with the business clinical task
all situations, it was added to give offering the private service is
peace of mind to those taking up absolutely clear. The business
new posts at short notice at the must have adequate indemnity
start of the emergency. cover for members’ work, even if
they’re self-employed.
Now the focus is upon the vaccine.
All staff delivering the vaccine
will need indemnity cover as they
do for any clinical task. Those
working with state-supplied
vaccines will be covered under the
schemes mentioned, including all
students on placements.
Peer-to-peer vaccination in
general practice
Members working in GP practices
might be aware that the CNSGP
does not cover members of staff
administering the flu vaccine to
other members of staff. However,
staff will be deemed a patient
cohort for the purposes of
COVID-19 vaccines, and practice Roz
nurses will be covered by CNSGP
for administering the vaccine to
their colleagues. More information
Testing or vaccinating people If members have concerns, they should contact
paying privately us for advice, including guidance on the type of
contract term to be included. Call our advice team
In the future, it is possible that on 0345 772 6100
some nursing staff will administer Read more at rcn.org.uk/covid-19-advice
COVID-19 vaccinations on a
10 WORKING TOGETHER
Leading positive change
RCN steward Patrick Simbule helped secure protected
time for mandatory training enabling staff to develop
their skills and improving patient care
Staff seem
happier
and more
compassionate
too
READ
MORE
ONLINE
rcn.org.uk/
activate
Patrick
When charge nurse Patrick Simbule been a member of the RCN
first started working at BMI since 2001, it became apparent
Healthcare’s Blackheath Hospital to me that I could really make a
in south east London in 2017, there difference and make sure staff
were no RCN reps in place. were getting fair treatment.” Read more about
our Rest, Rehydrate
“One of the other nurses told One of the things that needed and Refuel initiative
me that many of the issues staff to be addressed was mandatory at rcn.org.uk/
rest-rehydrate-refuel
were reporting could change if training. Staff were finding it hard
there was a workplace rep,” says to complete this due to a lack of Words by Susan
Patrick. “They suggested that I time. Not only did it have an impact Embley. Picture by
take on the role, so I did. Having upon patient and staff safety, it Jonathan Perugia11
also meant that some staff “One of the most important rota for all to see, so it was
weren’t able to receive their things for me is to be able clear that staff were doing
annual pay rise, as completion to connect with people,” training. If it wasn’t on the
of mandatory training is a says Patrick. “I knew that rota, it wouldn’t get done,
requirement for this. speaking to the management so it was important to have
was important to get things it scheduled in as part of
“It was affecting staff changed and having an event work. Staff can also claim
morale, which can lead to within the hospital meant time back if they complete
more staff absence and that it was easier to open up training outside of their
compromising care, so this a conversation with them.” working hours.”
was something I knew had to
change,” says Patrick. The event highlighted Since the changes, Patrick
the importance of breaks has noticed that staff morale
Starting the conversation for staff and Patrick was has improved and patient
also able to reiterate the complaints have gone down.
Another area of concern was importance of time out for
that staff felt unable to take staff to complete training. “Nursing staff were very
their breaks. Taking action to stressed before,” says Patrick.
address this, Patrick hosted Patrick says: “Following the “And although this past year
a Rest, Rehydrate and Refuel event, managers agreed that has been tough with COVID-19
event as part of the RCN’s we should give protected meaning fewer opportunities
Healthy Workplace, Healthy learning time for staff. This to speak personally with staff,
You campaign. He invited meant they could take time I now see improved skills,
all staff and managers and out on a shift to complete which means better care.
used it as an opportunity to training or access learning Staff seem happier and more
address both issues. at home. It was put on the compassionate too.”
Patrick’s top tips for making a difference in your workplace
• Connect with members. “I make sure RCN so that staff feel they are being
staff know I am contactable and there encouraged and valued.”
for them. I used to walk around the
wards before COVID-19, but staff can • Build relationships. “Building
still contact me on the phone.” relationships with management has led
to improvements. It can be as simple as
• Hold regular surgeries. “Once a month saying hello to someone, but then that
I hold a walk-in surgery, so that staff opens up the communication so that
can just come and talk to me and air issues can be resolved more quickly.”
any concerns. It’s a regular thing, so
if staff feel they need to share • Build your confidence. “Becoming a
something they can.” rep has increased my confidence. It’s
about developing yourself, learning how
• Share learning. “The Rest, Rehydrate to handle cases, and how to represent,
and Refuel event was useful for me collaborate with and signpost people to
to get a conversation started. There the right support. It’s about creating
are a lot of materials to use from the a positive change.”U
DI WO
T
SP R
P L KP
N
IS
TH D
PU OS AY LA
O R A YOU
LL TE IN CE
Got a question
R
about COVID-19
and how it affects you?
See our online advice guide for all our latest information on issues related
to the pandemic. It includes frequently asked questions on topics including:
• redeployment • self-isolation
• PPE • pregnancy
• vaccination • underlying health conditions
• sick pay • mental health and self-care
• COVID-19 testing • furlough.
Visit rcn.org.uk/covid-19-adviceAlways here for you Staff in our RCND advice team can help provide the information you need at this crucial time. Our online advice guide is being continually updated in response to your queries and concerns. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, contact us online at rcn.org.uk/get-help or call 0345 772 6100
14 GETTING ACTIVE
Beyond the picket line
One year on from Northern Ireland’s nursing strikes, new RCN board
members Conor, Edna and Andrew reflect on what happened and how
their involvement inspired them to stand for election
Historic industrial action in
Northern Ireland last year
paved the way for pay parity READ
MORE
and safe staffing measures, ONLINE
but it also encouraged rcn.org.uk/
activate
many members to pursue
a more active role in the
RCN, including leadership
roles on the RCN Northern
Ireland Board.
Conor McDowell (pictured),
a clinical nurse specialist
in infectious diseases at
Belfast Health and Social
Care Trust, braced the
winter cold when he took to
the picket line outside Royal
Victoria Hospital alongside
his fellow RCN members in
December 2019.
One year later, and he
was elected onto the RCN Conor
Northern Ireland Board
for a four-year term which
started on 1 January 2021. “I’m Pushed to the limit undertook three days
absolutely delighted,” says of strike action on 18
Conor. “It was as a result of the At the time of the industrial December 2019, and 8 and
strikes, that’s what made me action, nursing pay in 10 January 2020, which
become a bit more involved. Northern Ireland had fallen resulted in the restoration
behind the rest of the UK, of pay parity with nurses in
“Certainly, for the first time and chronic short staffing England and a promise of
in my career, I felt nursing had left nurses struggling new safe staffing measures.
had comradery – a feeling of with excessive caseloads.
togetherness – so it definitely “We advocate for patients
gave me fire in my belly to RCN and other union first and foremost,” says
apply for the board.” members successfully Conor. “If we don’t have the15
staff and the resources to look after supported in what we did, and the
people going forwards, then we networking was amazing.”
don’t have a workforce, we don’t
have nurses, and we need to be able Edna’s goal as a board member
to attract a diverse range of people is to bring the voice of district For the first
into nursing.” nursing to the table and time in my
encourage nursing staff from career, I felt
Having positive role models was across all sectors to share their nursing had
a great motivator, and Conor knowledge, learn from each other comradery –
affectionately describes Pat and network.
a feeling of
Cullen, RCN Northern Ireland
togetherness
Director, as a mentor. Representing members
Conor says: “I think Pat was Andrew Hamill, a site manager at
outstanding in her leadership, in Southern Health and Social Care
how she held herself, also how she Trust, has also been elected to the
advocated for me as a nurse and board for a four-year term.
more importantly for patients.”
Andrew worked in theatres and
He adds: “I’m very passionate outpatient wards for several years,
about nursing but I think which he thinks sheltered him from
unfortunately nurses often the bigger picture. He says: “I took
struggle to speak up, and it a job as site manager at one of
is difficult. I think I’m able to the local hospitals, and I couldn’t
advocate for members, and I’m believe how much everything
looking forward to doing it.” had changed in the 10 years from
when I was a student. I was seeing
Nursing perspectives staff nurses in tears, the chaos in
the emergency department and I
Conor’s fellow new board member thought this isn’t right.”
Edna Grant, a district nursing
sister at Southern Health and Andrew adds: “I think the RCN has
Social Care Trust, says she felt shown its teeth with the strike
both “terrified” but at the same action. I think some deemed the
time “proud to be a part” of the RCN to just be there to support
strike action. management and now we’re
Words by Becky
making it clear we’re here to Gilroy. Picture by
Edna says: “When it came to the support members.” Aaron McCracken
day before the strike, I think that
was when it really did hit home
that there would be one derogated
nurse covering a caseload for
What’s happened since the strikes?
urgent calls only and everything Since the industrial action took place, pay has
else would have to be delayed. increased and the number of nursing students in
Northern Ireland has risen, but legislation ensuring
“Because I had contacts [within safe nurse staffing levels is yet to progress. Read
the RCN], we were able to do more at tinyurl.com/NI-strikes-one-year
everything safely. We were16 CAMPAIGNING
Fair pay for nursing:
where are we now?
With nursing staff working in more challenging circumstances than
ever before, our campaign to ensure fair pay has never been more crucial.
Find out how you can help
What are the latest
developments on NHS pay?
The UK government’s Health
Secretary Matt Hancock
wrote to the NHS Pay Review
Body (PRB) on 18 December
to formally begin the pay
setting process for 2021-22
for NHS staff in England.
He said this had been
“unfortunately delayed”
due to the timing of the
spending review at the end
of November.
He asked the PRB to make
recommendations by early Members Grace Milner and Kafeelat Adekunle
outside the Houses of Parliament last November
May, which would mean
NHS staff in England would
be unlikely to receive a “Nursing staff should not service is able to begin to
pay rise before summer have to wait for a pay rise,” fill the tens of thousands of
so any increase would be she stressed. “This is no nursing vacancies.”
backdated to April 2021. way to treat NHS staff
The letter emphasised still working through a What’s happening now?
that “affordability” must pandemic. At a time when
determine the size of health many experienced nurses We’re ramping up our fight for
care workers’ wage increases. are burnt out, exhausted fair pay. As Activate went to
and considering leaving the press, we were about to hold
How did the RCN respond? career they love, the link our first online pay event of the
between unfair pay, staffing year and we continue to gather
RCN Chief Executive & levels and patient safety signatures to our pay petition.
General Secretary Dame is stark. A pay increase is
Donna Kinnair blasted the vital so that existing staff We were also preparing
UK government’s approach. stay in post and the health to submit our evidence to17
the NHS Pay Review Body working during the COVID-19 make recommendations for
for England. This outlines crisis reinforce what was 2021/22. The governments
our pay claim and how we already known about the in Northern Ireland and
reached it. We want a 12.5% nursing workforce; that it is Wales are yet to make an
pay increase for all Agenda suffering from severe staff announcement.
for Change staff, a figure shortages, low morale and
that our Trade Union operating in an environment What about members
Committee set following deprived of investment working in the
extensive engagement with and resources. independent sector?
members. This included a
survey, which received the Alongside this evidence, We believe that nursing
RCN’s highest ever response, we have economic analysis, staff in all health and care
asking about members’ which we have submitted to settings should be awarded
experiences of working the UK Treasury alongside improved pay, terms and
during the pandemic and all NHS unions, that sets conditions of employment.
their pay expectations. out the affordability of a We’ve recently launched a
significant pay rise and the new strategy setting out
What else will the broader benefits for local how we’ll better engage,
evidence say? communities and economies. empower and represent
members working in the
It will make the economic Does the PRB make independent health and
case for a pay rise while recommendations for the social care sector, and
stressing the link between whole of the UK? improving pay, terms and
fair pay, recruitment, working conditions is a key
retention and ultimately It is for the government in part of this. We’re looking at
safe staffing. We will argue each UK country to decide how we can work to better
that chronic staff shortages whether to ask the PRB influence and lobby on
have further impacted on to advise on pay for NHS behalf of members working
the system’s ability to cope staff in that country. The in these settings and RCN
with the pandemic as well as Scottish government has Council is committed to
ongoing service demands. confirmed that it does not delivering this by listening
Members’ experiences of plan to ask the PRB to and engaging with members.
What can I do?
• Sign our pay petition and ask your friends, family and colleagues to do the same.
• Support our campaign on social media by using our campaign downloads to share
posts or follow our guide to record a campaign video.
• Share our new film explaining the aims and need for our campaign.
• Display and distribute campaign materials in your workplace by downloading the
posters and leaflets from our website.
• Engage with your MP by sending and responding to their emails using our templates.
• Become an e-campaigner by signing up to receive a regular email with a quick and
easy online action you can take to support the campaign.
Find all of the above and more at rcn.org.uk/fairpay18 SPREAD THE WORD
Using social media
to campaign
Social media can help you engage members, politicians and the public
in RCN campaigns and on nursing issues that matter to you. Read our
advice to help you get started and stay safe online
Follow influential
people and accounts READ
from the RCN and MORE
wider nursing community, ONLINE
such as health sector rcn.org.uk/
activate
organisations and the
nursing media. Useful
RCN accounts to follow
could include your country
or region’s account, RCN
Council members, other RCN
activists and staff – don’t be
shy about sharing their posts.
Look for interesting a list of RCN people to help issues in an accessible way
content to share. you digest what’s going on so if people are following the
Follow the RCN with our campaigns. hashtag but are new to the
on Facebook issue, they understand what
(@RoyalCollegeofNursing), Make sure you use you’re talking about.
and on Instagram and campaign hashtags
Twitter (@theRCN) to share and any available Expand your network.
our magazine articles, news resources in your posts. Social media is a
stories and blogs. For more Resources could include great way to connect
nursing-related news, follow campaign images for your with and talk to other nursing
other nursing publications social media profile or posts staff and professionals in
or profiles like Nursing for you to share on different your specialty and to expand
Standard, Nursing Times and platforms. Find information your professional network.
@WeNurses. and resources for our
current campaigns at If you’re new to social
On Twitter, you can rcn.org.uk/campaigns media, why not start
use lists to help you by becoming an RCN
save time and keep If you’re at online or e-campaigner? You’ll be
up to date. Twitter lists in-person events, sent a monthly email with
let you create a column of consider posting quick actions to take. Visit
people you want to see on about them using the relevant rcn.org.uk/become-an-e-
one page. You could create hashtags. Always discuss the campaigner19
Look after yourself online
Many of us use social media every day and
sometimes it can feel overwhelming. Take a break
from social media if you need to. It’s also helpful to
familiarise yourself with different privacy settings
for your accounts and how to use them.
Talk about issues that are important to you, but
don’t use social media to officially raise concerns Toby’s fellow
– follow your local policy and find guidance at branch members
rcn.org.uk/raisingconcerns
RCN rep Toby Kunkel
Think before you post. Sharing your own shares his advice on
experiences of nursing on social media can be using Twitter to raise
extremely powerful, especially on issues like awareness about our
unfair pay and short staffing. As a general rule, pay campaign
don’t share anything you wouldn’t want your family,
colleagues or employer to see. Posting “views are my own My Twitter account is for
and not that of my employer” in your bio will not protect professional use only – my
you if you share inappropriate or confidential information. posts are related to nursing
Read the NMC’s social media guidance at and my RCN roles.
tinyurl.com/NMC-social-media I regularly share relevant
You can find information to support members news stories, calls to action
and posts about the pay
using social media, including on dealing with
campaign and I’ve also
unacceptable behaviour, in the RCN social media
organised local photoshoots
policy. Visit tinyurl.com/rcn-social-media and scroll to help spread the word.
down to find the guidance. The photos show members
holding #FairPayForNursing
placards (see above), and
myself and other RCN
#FairPayForNursing Lothian and Borders branch
members have shared these
Your stories can make our Fair Pay For Nursing campaign widely on Twitter.
stand out, help secure fair pay and get the recognition the
I want other members
profession deserves.
to follow me and to find
Even if you’ve never done anything like this before, you my account useful and
can promote our pay campaign to your networks to interesting, so I also signpost
spread the word. followers to important
professional information and
Have you thought about recording a short video of RCN guidance and support.
yourself explaining why nursing staff deserve fair pay
My advice is to be genuine
that you can share from your social media accounts?
and always have a positive
Get tips on how to do this at rcn.org.uk/fairpaysocial. message. Twitter can be a
Here, you can also download images to update your very negative place so be
Twitter profile header, Facebook cover photo or to post on polite and professional, and
these accounts or your Instagram grid or story. above all, be kind.20 SAFE STAFFING
Vote for nursing READ
MORE
ONLINE
rcn.org.uk/
activate
Members in Wales are calling on the next Welsh government
to commit to valuing nursing. Board member Denise Llewellyn
MBE FRCN says extending safe staffing legislation is a crucial part of this
in Wales have a legal duty to
maintain and report on having
sufficient nurses to care for
patients using their services
and their compliance with the
appropriate staffing levels
in adult acute medical and
surgical inpatient settings.
“Our manifesto calls for
Denise section 25B of the act to be
extended to cover children’s
In September 2020, RCN Board and RCN Professional and mental health inpatient
Wales launched its Vote Nursing Committee. wards, and community
for Nursing campaign and “Obviously pay is important, nursing,” says Denise. “The
manifesto ahead of the 2021 especially for recruitment argument to extend this
Senedd election which is and retention. But we need to duty in the act, like the initial
taking place in May. lay these issues side by side. campaign for it, is built on
Fair pay is crucial and without evidence which makes it
The manifesto sets out five it there is a real risk of not hard to ignore.”
key policy areas and calls on having enough nurses to do
all political parties to show the job, which means nursing Research shows that poor
commitment to these to staff will still leave because nurse staffing levels increase
ensure nursing staff are able they don’t feel satisfied with mortality rates by up to 26%
to deliver safe and effective the level and quality of care compared to better-staffed
care to people across Wales. they can give.” areas, and that having
Alongside investment in safe and effective nurse
nursing, the manifesto says Clear evidence staffing levels can reduce
the next Welsh government readmissions and errors, as
must extend existing safe In March 2016, following well as help nursing staff to
nurse staffing legislation. almost 10 years of deliver compassionate care.
campaigning by members, In 2019, RCN Wales also
“Our surveys consistently Wales became the first published a report which
show the top two issues country in Europe to introduce found the act had changed
affecting members are a safe nurse staffing law. NHS culture for the better and
safe staffing and pay,” says The Nurse Staffing Levels that there were extra nursing
Denise Llewellyn MBE FRCN, (Wales) Act 2016 means all staff on every hospital ward
member of the RCN Wales health boards and NHS trusts covered by section 25B.21
Denise, previously an Denise’s role on the
executive nursing director, Professional Nursing What’s happening
says: “I’ve seen the difference Committee (PNC) means elsewhere?
appropriate staffing levels she’s involved in the RCN’s
can make. Not only can staff safe staffing work from a RCN members in Scotland
give the high-quality care they UK-wide perspective too, made a huge contribution
want to, but they can access with the committee now to shaping the Health and
Care (Staffing) (Scotland)
CPD more easily, you have overseeing this work.
Act which was given Royal
enough staff to release people Assent in June 2016.
for study leave, staff sickness Denise says: “As a committee,
reduces – all those conditions we’re looking at how we can Work to implement the
act has been paused, but
improve because there are amplify the safe staffing
we’re pressing the Scottish
enough people in the team.” message as it really does
government to commit to
go hand-in-hand with pay.” implementation by the end
Campaigning during Denise adds: “What I’m of 2021.
COVID-19 really pleased about is that
RCN Scotland Board Chair
members of the PNC work
Julie Lamberth said: “It
The pandemic has meant so closely with the Trade
was understandable that
a lot of the manifesto Union Committee. As a trade implementing the legislation
campaigning has had to take union and professional body, was paused as staff across
place online with members we’re not only looking after our health and care services
spreading the word on our members, but we’re also threw everything into
social media and attending giving them the knowledge responding to the pandemic.
online events to share their and support they need to “But the need for safe
experiences with politicians. deliver safe and effective staffing has been made
“Members are speaking with care, which is the reason why even clearer by this ongoing
huge passion about what it’s many people go into nursing crisis. We’re calling for
like to be on the frontline at in the first place; to look implementation by the
the moment,” says Denise. after patients.” end of 2021 and for the
principles of safe staffing to
be applied from now.
“Supporting members to
Our manifesto asks the raise concerns is key and I
Welsh government to: would encourage all reps to
make use of RCN resources.”
• ensure safe and effective Read our guidance on
nursing care – with enough nurses to deliver this raising and escalating
• invest in nurses working in community nursing and concerns at rcn.org.uk/
care homes raising-concerns-guide.
• support the mental health and wellbeing of the The RCN is calling for
nursing workforce staffing for safe and
• improve public health and fight to end health effective care to be
inequalities enshrined in law across all
• value nursing – fair pay and access to continuing health care settings in each
professional development (CPD). UK country.
Read more at
Read more and get involved at votefornursing.cymru rcn.org.uk/safe-staffing22 SPOTLIGHT ON...
The RCN Professional
Nursing Committee
We take a closer look at the committee responsible for leading the
College’s professional agenda and ensuring members’ views inform
this work
Who sits on the decisions on professional recognition that safe staffing
committee? issues and influencing policy is not just about numbers,
and practice in nursing. but also about skill mix,
The Professional Nursing education and training. The
Committee (PNC) has 14 How often does the RCN’s education, learning and
members. This includes one committee meet? development strategy is a key
member each from Northern priority for the committee. As
Ireland, Scotland and Wales, The committee has six well as providing governance
and one from each of the nine formal meetings a year, plus to the development of the
English regions. The other some additional sessions strategy for 2021-2024,
two members represent the for in-depth discussions on committee members
RCN’s student and nursing key pieces of work or for will go on to oversee its
support worker membership development work. implementation, continuing
categories. Members are to engage members
elected by the members What is the committee throughout the process.
they represent and sit on the working on?
committee for four years. The committee will also be
The committee is overseeing leading work to develop a
What does the the RCN’s staffing for safe UK-wide RCN professional
committee do? and effective care campaign. career framework for
A critical piece of work registered nurses and
The committee, which is within this has been the nursing support workers
accountable to RCN Council, development of a set of across all settings and levels
oversees and provides nursing workforce standards. of practice. A member of
leadership on the work The standards, which have the PNC will be co-chairing
undertaken by the RCN as been widely consulted on the expert reference group
a professional body and a across many expert groups, taking this forward with
royal college. Committee are due to be published participation from across the
members act as a conduit early this year and will be RCN’s wider membership,
of expertise for nursing applicable to all health and including forums and fellows.
staff across all specialties, care settings across the UK.
and across all parts of the This year, the committee
UK. They ensure members’ One of the key principles will also work with the RCN
views are sought and taken underpinning the safe Research Society to look
into account when making staffing campaign is the at developing a research23
strategy for the College. How does the PNC work Chair of the Trade Union
The committee works with the RCN Trade Committee Graham Revie
closely with all the RCN’s Union Committee? attends part of the PNC’s
professional forums and formal meetings to update on
networks, and is leading Although each committee the pay campaign and Chair of
a review to look at the is independent and the PNC Rachel Hollis will in
criteria by which they responsible for different future provide regular updates
are established, and the aspects of the RCN’s work, to trade union committee
resources and support the PNC works closely members on work related
available to ensure with the RCN’s Trade to the staffing for safe and
their work continues to Union Committee. effective care campaign.
contribute to and influence
the College’s professional
agenda. The committee Find out more or get in touch
is also responsible for You can find contact details for your relevant representative
ensuring that the work and on our website. If you’re logged in as an RCN member, you can
contribution of RCN fellows also take a look at agendas and key messages from PNC
is recognised and integrated meetings. Visit rcn.org.uk/professional-nursing-committee
into the RCN’s work.
Your committee members
Rachel Hollis FRCN (Chair) Siobhan Donald (Vice Chair)
Yorkshire & the Humber Northern Ireland
Professor Alison
Fiona Sommerville Sue Haines
Leary MBE FRCN
Eastern East Midlands
London
Tim Grace Sally Young Theresa Connor
Northern North West Scotland
Denise Llewellyn
Mary Codling Carly Boyce
MBE FRCN
South East South West
Wales
Professor Tracie Culpitt
Kendal Moran
Julie Green Nursing Support
Student Member
West Midlands Worker MemberReturn address
RCN Direct, Copse Walk
Cardiff Gate Business Park
Cardiff, CF23 8X
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