Becoming an RCN representative
The best way to get the most out of your membership is to become an RCN Eastern region accredited local representative.
As an RCN representative you have the chance to make a real difference to your patients, the working lives of yourself and your colleagues and even the future of nursing. The training is first class and can contribute to your own professional development, increasing your knowledge and developing new and transferable skills.
The Eastern region welcomes registered nurses and health care assistants in both the NHS and the independent sector to this stimulating and rewarding role.
Support for representatives
As an Eastern region repesentative you are part of a team, fully supported by RCN staff and other repesentatives in your place of work. Your regional officer is always there to give you support, advice, mentoring or just the opportunity to chat things through. You would only be asked to do what you feel comfortable with and what is within your capabilities and your training. You are also legally entitled to paid time off to carry out your duties and ongoing training as a representative.
Ongoing training
As a representative you will receive specialist training with your ongoing training needs being met by a continuing learning and development programme. You will be kept up to date by branch meetings where you will meet and train with other representatives, via the website and newsletters.
Types of representatives
There are three types of accredited RCN representatives within the workplace:
- RCN stewards - support, advise and represent members with employment issues, protecting rights and ensuring fair treatment on a variety of issues including grievance, sickness, bullying and harassment, discrimination and consultation. Stewards can contribute to the prevention and resolution of workplace conflict and differences, and work with other unions to maintain positive employment relations with management
- RCN safety representatives - help to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for staff and patients. Represent the RCN on health and safety committees and work with the employer to ensure compliance with legislation, safety inspections and risk assessments
- RCN learning representatives - help members to set and pursue their learning goals, training needs and career development. They also negotiate and support continuing professional development for members and act as a source of information about learning activities, opportunities and resources as well as organise events such as seminars, study days and workshops.
Want to find out more?
- You can get more information on becoming an RCN Representative from the leaflet Your chance to make a difference - becoming an RCN representative (PDF 1.55MB) - see how to access PDF files
- Complete the pink form at the back of the leaflet and return to: Reps administrator, RCN Eastern region, Abbotsgate House, Hollow Road, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 7AU. One of the regional staff will then contact you to have an informal chat about the role
- Alternatively, contact the Eastern region on 01284 763326 to have an informal chat about the role and what it entails. We can also arrange for you to talk with an existing rep at your workplace
- We provide a high quality, ongoing learning and development programme for both new and well established RCN representatives.
Don't worry, you don't have to make a firm commitment at this stage, we'll just be able to give you more information so that you can decide if it's the right choice for you.
Student information officers
Student information officers deal with specific student issues, and are on hand to signpost RCN students towards sources of professional information, advice and support. They act as a contact point for the RCN, raising any areas of concern. Access further information and a nomination form.