Honorary President's blog

Hello, my name is Margaret Wills.

I was elected Honorary President of the South Birmingham branch at the branch AGM in October 2011. As an RCN member for 38 years I am delighted to hold the position; the first member to do so in South Birmingham.

For this reason, the branch executive officers and I are being guided, in part, by Paul Vaughan, RCN West Midlands Regional Director, and we have acted on his suggestion of developing a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, which I shall lead.

Members present at the branch AGM last October were asked to suggest an organisation for the focus of this venture. After discussion regarding the various suggestions received, the branch executives chose The West Midlands Institute of Ageing and Health.

This initiative contributes to the branch fulfilling the aims and objectives of the RCN as set out in its current Strategic Plan, namely 'by embarking on new social, and learning and developmental partnerships' and building 'formal networks with other organisations to maximise benefit to members'.

The Institute of Ageing and Health is based in South Birmingham, and it is the intention of the branch to invite a representative of the Institute to each of our branch development events. The purpose is to provide opportunities for the exchange of ideas whilst focusing on the needs of the older adult within the context of the event topic.

The next development event takes place on Wednesday 23 May 2012 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital's Learning Hub, 180 Metchley Lane, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TA, and is entitled 'Energising for Excellence and the RCN Principles of Nursing Practice'.

Please do support your branch and try to come along. We look forward to meeting you there.