David Dawes

I have been a branch activist, steward and forum activist since 1990 and I think the RCN is at it strongest when these 3 parts of the RCN work together. This experience over the last 19 years will help me increase members' involvement in branch and forums throughout the region and increase the number of workplace representatives. As a member of the Regional Board since its creation, I have helped make the branches in the North West stronger and better funded.  I have also campaigned for many years as a Forum Chair to make forums stronger.

I have represented the RCN regionally, nationally and internationally and know how to lobby effectively on your behalf.  With your support, I want to build on the work that we have done so far in the North West in lobbying for nurses and nursing.

I believe that there will be huge challenges facing the RCN and nursing over the next few years as health spending will be squeezed. These changes will affect all of us (in the NHS, education or independent sector) and we need a strong campaigning RCN to resist this pressure. My skills and experience of serving on the boards of NHS bodies, charities and community groups for many years will mean that I can help the RCN Council fight these pressures.