About the RCN

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK, representing nurses at local, national and international level. The RCN has a membership of over 370,000 (including over 35,000 members in Scotland, over 12,000 in Northern Ireland and over 20,000 in Wales) nurses, midwives, health visitors, nursing students, cadets and health care assistants. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations. The RCN has over 800 employees based at 22 locations across the UK.

RCN Mission

The RCN represents nurses and nursing, promotes excellence in practice and shapes health policies.

RCN Values and Strategic Intent

In all we do we seek to be:

inclusive
listening
caring
and respectful

We believe the work environment should offer our staff and members a high degree of challenge and support. Included in the aims of RCN Strategic Plan 2003 - 2008 (PDF, 1.65MB) [see how to access PDF files], the RCN will build systems, attitudes and resources to offer the best possible support and development to our staff.

RCN Structure

RCN Council is the organisation's governing body, and it is responsible for making policy and shaping the future work of the organisation. It consists of 29 elected members representing three national Boards in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, nine Boards in England and the RCN’s student membership. The RCN’s chief executive, the General Secretary, acts as secretary to RCN Council and is responsible for carrying out RCN policy. All RCN members elect the President and Deputy President.

RCN Scotland

The RCN has a strong presence in Scotland, with three offices (Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen) representing twenty-four branches. In addition to the aims of the RCN as a whole, RCN Scotland serves the specific needs of its geographical area and political system. This includes Scottish specific campaigns, political lobbying, media releases, policy development, research, education services, clinical leadership programmes, workplace advice and representation. RCN Scotland actively seeks opportunities to promote and enhance its services to members on a local and national scale.

RCN Wales

The Royal College of Nursing has become the authoritative voice of nursing in Wales. RCN Wales promotes nursing interests on a wide range of issues by working closely with the Welsh Assembly Government, other professional bodies and voluntary agencies and campaigning on behalf of its members and the people they care for. RCN Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government have been able to forge a constructive partnership that will continue to benefit patients, nurses and nursing in Wales. The RCN provides a range of services to support members in their professional and personal development, including legal advice and representation, counselling, insurance and educational services. The headquarters is in Cardiff and there is a North Wales office in Colwyn Bay. RCN Wales has challenged the Welsh Assembly Government to value nursing - in its actions as well as its words. We believe that an investment in nursing is an investment in quality healthcare.

RCN Northern Ireland

RCN Northern Ireland supports a membership of over 12,000 nurses, nursing students and health care assistants organised around 12 branches and 28 membership groups. A wide range of services are provided to support members in their professional practice, career development and personal life. In addition to local workplace support from RCN stewards, officers provide advice and guidance on employment relations and professional issues. The RCN Institute provides a range of education and practice development programmes, advice and information, to help with members’ continuing professional development and career progression. The RCN Northern Ireland Virginia Henderson Library includes over 7000 publications, a journal holdings collection of more than 100 titles, internet access, the on-line RCN library catalogue, CD-Rom and on-line databases, a video collection and viewer, photocopying facilities and a microfiche reader. Our Cybersuite enables members to access a full range of information technology facilities. RCN Northern Ireland works with local politicians, civil servants and health service leaders to raise issues of concern to our members and to advance the interests of nurses and nursing in Northern Ireland.

RCN Services

For more information on the services and benefits the RCN offers to our members please see benefits of membership within the membership section of this website.