Learning and development for RCN representatives in Wales

Becoming an RCN representative is an exciting and challenging opportunity to 'make a difference' in the workplace. Our stewards, safety representatives and learning representatives are trained and supported to develop the competence and confidence necessary to provide first class support and representation.

The RCN in Wales runs accredited training courses that enable RCN stewards, health & safety representatives and learning representatives to support and represent members effectively.

Accredited representatives are entitled to paid time away from work to undergo training to support them in carrying out the functions of their role.

The learning and development pathway for representatives consists of:

Module one (Foundation)
Module two (Development - steward, safety representative or learning representative -　dependent on chosen role)　
Module three (Ongoing continuing professional development or CPD)

Throughout the pathway representatives are provided with individualised support from a mentor (RCN officer or assistant officer), the learning and development facilitator and wider RCN staff.

Activists Development Training dates for 2013 have already been confirmed: Activists Dates for 2013 (PDF 49.5KB) [How to access PDF files]

Module one - foundation programme

Newly accredited representatives receive

an invitation to go on the next available module　one - foundation programme

the current edition of the Guide to the learning and development pathways for RCN representatives April 2012 - March 2013 (PDF 1MB), [see how to access PDF files] details of your mentor.

Module one (Foundation) is a five day programme which is split into a block of three facilitated workshop days and two supported days where representatives return to share experiences and review their individual portfolios.　 Module one is designed as a general introduction to the RCN and is based on the RCN Generic role descriptor (PDF 30.7KB) [How to access PDF files]

Module 2 - Development programme

On completion of module　one - foundation representatives progress to module　two - development.　 Module two courses are specific to the role as an RCN steward, learning representative or safety representative.　Building on the learning outcomes achieved in module　one this module prepares participants to meet the requirements of the specific role descriptors.

Find out more about the specific RCN representative roles below:

Learning representative role descriptor (PDF 28KB)　[see how to access PDF files]

Safety representative role descriptor (PDF 32KB)　[see how to access PDF files]

Steward role descriptor (PDF 24KB)　[see how to access PDF files]

Mentorship and Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

All representatives receive ongoing support and development opportunities, initially through mentorship and later supervision. In addition to the foundation and development modules the RCN provides an ongoing programme of workshops and master classes.

Each representative also receives:

access to RCN Direct
Activate, an informative monthly newsletter
an annual subscription to Nursing Standard
the opportunity to attend national conferences
the opportunity to attend regular meetings held by RCN officers
Time off for union duties

Accredited representatives are entitled to paid time away from work to undergo training to support them in carrying out the functions of their role.

Interested?

Please contact clare.jenkins@rcn.org.uk to find out more about being active within the RCN either as a representative or by becoming active within your branch