The public policy committee

The public policy committee oversees the RCN’s campaigns and lobbying activities and works towards the implementation of policy that improves the quality of patient care.  The committee takes decisions on behalf of Council on matters relating to social health care and public policy.

Terms of reference

The role of the committee is to support, promote, oversee and take decisions on behalf of Council in relation to matters affecting RCN healthcare policy and lobbying agenda of the RCN, and the implementation of the following aims and the relevant objectives of the strategic plan to realise the RCN's mission:

  • To influence and lobby government and others to develop and implement policy that improves the quality of patient care
  • To build on the importance of nurses, health care assistants and nursing students to health outcomes
  • To be the voice of nurses and nursing locally, nationally and internationally

Key responsibilities

  1. To undertake Council work in the policy areas delegated by Council, ensuring diversity is incorporated in all areas.
  2. To support, promote and oversee the implementation of relevant objectives and milestones of the strategic plan
  3. To support, promote and oversee the work on relevant Congress items
  4. To make recommendations to Council on strategy within the relevant policy areas

Delegated policies remit

  • Health policy
  • Social welfare policy
  • Public policy
  • International nursing and healthcare policy
  • Lobbying agenda and public affairs

Powers

  1. To take decisions within their delegated powers on behalf of Council (reporting back to Council)
  2. To commission work
  3. To set up working groups

Chaired by – a member of Council elected by Council.

Membership 

  • Committee of 12 – 15
  • Minimum of four council members
  • Members with nurse leadership and specialist expertise

Sub-committees – none

Quorum – half the number of Council members

Qualities and Experience

A diverse outlook among members is desirable to avoid over-emphasis in any direction.

Each member will possess the following qualities:

  • Capacity to dedicate sufficient time and energy
  •  Ability to give direct and honest opinions and add value to decision making
  •  The forcefulness and tenacity to ask a direct question, insist on a straight answer and hold candid discussions with management
  • Inquisitiveness and independent judgement
  • Ability to offer different perspectives and constructive suggestions
  • Ability to bring personal knowledge and experience to bear
  • A strong understanding of the environment in which the RCN operates

The Committee overall should encompass skills and experience of the following areas:

  • Nurse leadership
  • Specialist expertise

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