Nominations for RCN Fellowships and Honorary Fellowships

What are the RCN Fellowships and Honorary Fellowships?

The Fellowship and Honorary Fellowship are the highest awards the Royal College of Nursing can bestow. They are given to those who have made an exceptional contribution to nursing or health care – whether through clinical innovation, leadership, research or practice development.

We know that people are doing great work throughout the UK and beyond, but we need RCN members to let us know about them so that we can recognise their achievements.

If you know someone who has dedicated themselves to nursing and health care – someone who makes you proud to be a nurse – then please nominate them today.  

RCN Fellowships are awarded to RCN members who are registered nurses in the UK and who have made an exceptional contribution to nursing and/or health care.

Honorary Fellowships are awarded to individuals who are not nurses but have had a significant impact on nursing or health care, or to nurses registered outside the UK who have made an exceptional contribution in their country or internationally.  Honorary Fellows cannot be members of the RCN.

Who can put forward nominations?

Any RCN member (except employees of the College), board, branch or national entity.

The nominator will also be asked to provide three referees from a range of backgrounds to demonstrate the national/international impact of the nominees' work.

The referees may support only one nomination in any single year. Referees may not be employees of the College.

The nominator may submit only one nomination in any single year.

Who can be nominated?

A nominee for FCN Fellowship can be any RCN member who is a registered nurse. Posthumous nominations are not accepted by the panel.

The nominee should have made an exceptional contribution to the advancement of nursing and/or health care through leadership, practice development or academic achievement.

A nominee for RCN Honorary Fellowship will either be:

The nominee should have made an exceptional contribution to the advancement of nursing and/or healthcare.  They will be an individual of high repute and distinction.

It is suggested that you do not make the nominee aware of the application.  This will avoid disappointment should the nomination be unsuccessful.

How can I nominate someone?

Nominations for the RCN Awards are open all year round.  When you submit a nomination, it will be considered at the next Awards Panel meeting.  To submit a nomination, complete an online application form, or download and return a Word nomination form (Word 34KB) or a hard copy PDF nomination form (PDF 150KB). 

You will need three other people to support a nomination. They do not have to be RCN members but again must not be RCN staff. It is recommended that they come from a range of backgrounds in order to demonstrate the reach of the nominee’s work. Each must submit a testimonial showing why they think the individual has made an exceptional contribution to nursing or health care. 

What should I write on the nomination form?

The nominator and supporters are asked to write testimonials about the nominee and submit these with the form. These should show how the nominee has made an exceptional contribution to nursing and health care. How have they developed practice? How have they improved patient care? What innovations have they introduced? How have they inspired you?  Download our How to write a successful supporting statement presentation (PDF 105KB) for useful information.

You also need to submit contact details and information about the nominee’s employment history. We understand that it is hard to find out details about another person – especially while keeping it a secret – so just put as much information as you can. We can, for example, find the person’s RCN membership number for you!

If you need help or advice with completing the form, please contact the RCN governance team on governance.support@rcn.org.uk or 020 7647 3640.