Zeba Arif

Joining the RCN, twenty two years ago, I acquired a priceless resource. I could continuously reinforce and hone my talents into nursing expertise, to deliver positive outcomes for patients.

In Forensic Psychiatry, service users are vulnerable yet challenging. As a clinician and a Team Leader, my practice has always been innovative and creative, to meet their unique needs. I aim to be a confident role model, while taking on board my colleagues' opinions and concerns.

I have also consolidated my abilities to represent members and influence policies, locally, regionally, nationally, as part of Trust, RCN, NHS forums and networks, even internationally with the World Health Organisation.

As Chair of Enfield branch and the lead RCN steward, I sought to ensure that nursing themes were at the forefront of the Trust's agenda.

As the twice elected London representative of the UK Stewards Committee and Board member, I used my skills to lobby MPs and key individuals, to influence crucial London nursing issues: Agenda for Change, Improving Working Lives, Working Time Directive, pay and pensions. I have visited European Parliament in Brussels twice, making MEPs aware of EU policies' impact on our practice. I write for Nursing Standard.

Facing significant, critical challenges ahead, knowing London's healthcare needs are unique and diverse, adding to this the RCN Governance changes, upcoming General Election and a new Government, predicted pressures on the NHS finances in 2011, London Olympics 2012: I feel confident that I possess the distinctive attributes to represent London members on RCN Council.