Forum appointments

On this page you will find out more about what forums and steering committees do, and the appointments process.

What are forums?

RCN Forums are an essential part of our organisation, enabling thousands of members to come together and help to shape the world of nursing practice and policy. They are groups of RCN members working in a similar nursing specialty.

As well as allowing members to connect with each other and share ideas, forums actively influence care and RCN and UK-wide policy through the work they do. For example, forum projects include clinical guidance publications, research and conferences on nursing specialties.

Forums are run for our members, by our members, and supported by the Nursing Department team.

What is the role of a forum steering committee?

Forum steering committees lead and facilitate the work of the forums, working collaboratively with other forums and entities where appropriate. They proactively seek, engage with and represent the diverse views of the forum’s membership.

Each steering committee has between four and seven members and is led by a chair, who they elect from amongst themselves.

What is involved in being on a committee?

As a forum steering committee member, you will be involved in organising the forum and its activities, for example by delivering a programme of national and local events that meet the needs of your forum members, and by regularly communicating with the members via electronic newsletters and the forum's online community. You will also work in partnership with your RCN Nurse Adviser to deliver guidance related to your specialty.

Steering committees meet in person at least once a year, usually at RCN HQ in London, and have regular teleconferences. The workload for each committee member depends on what projects they become involved with.

Contact requirement

As part of your role as a forum steering committee member, you will need to make yourself contactable to other forum members via email.  If you do not have an email address you are comfortable using for this purpose, we suggest you set one up using a free email hosting service such as Hotmail (www.hotmail.co.uk) or Yahoo (www.yahoo.co.uk). 

If you need help setting up an email account, please contact us at governance.support@rcn.org.uk or on 020 7647 3640.

What is the role of the forum chair?

Forum chairs provide leadership for the forum. They ensure the forum carries out its role shaping and influencing policy and practice, and do this through innovative, collaborative ways of working and effective communication.

What are the benefits?

As a forum steering committee member you will be given access to training which will enhance both your personal and professional development – benefiting you and your employer. You will be able to network with members of your forum and other forum committee members, giving you access to a vast group of experienced and passionate members.

What are we looking for?

Deeply committed to the RCN and its work, and passionate about nursing and the difference it can make, you'll have your finger on the pulse of your specialism and what your forum members need.

A team player, you'll be ready and willing to share your expertise and to listen to the views of others. You'll also be adept at addressing practical issues with your "hands on" approach.

As an experienced specialist in your field you will be able to contribute and lead cutting edge work to improve nursing practice and the delivery of care – making a vital difference to patients, service users, and the public.

How does the appointments process work?

The appointments process has been designed in consultation with members to be professional, fair and supportive – the focus is on the skills and qualities that you can bring to the forum and the RCN.

The process is member-led, with support from the RCN Nursing and Governance Departments. It ensures that the forums are led by people who are not only specialists, but who reflect the diversity of the nursing workforce – for example, making sure that the committee represents people from across the UK, and across the breadth of the specialty.

The appointments process has six stages:

  1. Applications – closing date 10 May 2012
  2. Shortlisting
  3. Interviews – held between 25 June and 17 July 2012
  4. Interview panel recommends people for appointments to the Forums Governance Group
  5. Forums Governance Group approves appointments
  6. New steering committee members take up office – 1 January 2013

Vacancies

In the 2012 round of appointments, vacancies are available on the below forums’ steering committees.  Interview dates are also published below.

Term of office

Unless otherwise stated, the term of office is four years. Once appointed, each member will be eligible to sit on the committee for up to two terms (eight years).

Can I apply?

To be eligible to join a forum steering committee, a member must:

We recommend that you speak to your employer before applying to make sure you are able to make the time commitment needed for the role, and that they are willing to support you.

How do I apply?

Applications are now closed.

More information

More information on the forums can be found on the forum communities page.

The following documents may be useful:

If you would like to ask a question about the appointments process, please email governance.support@rcn.org.uk or phone 020 7647 3640.

Equal opportunities

The RCN is committed to supporting equality and diversity. If you need help with completing this form or would prefer it in a different format, please email governance.support@rcn.org.uk or telephone 020 7647 3642.