RCN Learning Representatives
Learning representatives support the learning and career development of RCN members in the workplace through enabling members to meet continuing professional development requirements for safe and effective practice.
With full support from the RCN they:
- Support and provide information for members on the planning and managing of their learning and development.
- Contribute to the development of a training organisation through negotiating and supporting CPD in the workplace.
- Keep up to date with learning opportunities and promote information, resources and support available to members to meet their learning needs.
Find out more in the: Learning representative role descriptor (24.1KB) [How to access PDF files].
The RCN provides learning and development opportunities for all learning representatives. This starts with completing the learning and development programme for newly accredited representatives through to advanced masterclasses and bespoke workshops for experienced representatives.
Where the RCN has a recognition agreement, accredited representatives have a legal entitlement to reasonable paid time off for trade union duties, including learning and development. If your employer does not recognise trade unions and you believe there is sufficient support, then contact your RCN regional or national office, or RCN Direct on 0845 772 6100 who can advise you further.
From learning representative to RCN Council - Brenda McIlmurray
Brenda has been an HCA for 15 years but didn't think too much about helping others develop their career until someone suggested that she become an RCN learning representative. She enrolled on a course and despite first-day nerves, she found the experience really exhilarating.
"Mingling with people on the course gave me so much spark. It made me realise my own worth," Brenda says. "I've always had the hunger to learn more, and do more, and the course, though challenging, provided the perfect platform. I began to regain the enthusiasm I started my career with."
As her role developed, Brenda found her confidence rocketed and she learned something new every day. "I've always been passionate but shy with it. Being a learning rep gave me a great sense of pride in what I do. It's empowering to bring out the skills in others," she says.
Brenda is constantly looking to learn as much as possible to improve patient care. "Learning is infectious", she says, "I've helped so many colleagues, and when students and staff nurses come up to me for advice it's so rewarding to be able to assist them. I'm not afraid to take on new challenges anymore, so many doors have opened".
Becoming a learning representative encouraged Brenda to get even more involved in the work of the RCN. After serving a term on the RCN's HCA and AP Committee, Brenda applied and succeeded in becoming the very first HCA member of RCN Council, the RCN's governing body which is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the whole organisation. This puts her in a great position to showcase her passions, regulation and adequate training standards for HCAs and APs, at the national level.
Brenda is eager to encourage other HCAs to become learning representatives. "HCAs make up the spine of nursing," she says. "The more HCAs are involved, the louder the voice is, the better the care. It's time for HCAs to step up and realise how vital they are."
Brenda admits that becoming a learning representative is often challenging, but offers you this advice: "Don't be afraid to come forward. Nothing worthwhile is easy, but if I can do it, anyone can."