RCN Political Leadership programme

The UK Political Leadership Programme (PLP) is an innovative action-orientated programme designed to develop the political skills and policy know-how of active members and builds upon the successful Forum PLP which has now run for six years.

Participants take forward campaigns at a number of levels in the RCN ranging from working with members to lobbying politicians on specific policy points. The best way to start a campaign is to describe what you want to achieve and then think about which campaigning tools are most appropriate. The UK PLP will help you to do that.

Duration

Six days of facilitated workshops over 12 months and two additional days for mentoring and coaching activities.

Audience

Thirty places are available for members from the RCN's BME Forum, RCN's Specialist Forums, RCN Boards and the National Stewards, Safety and Learning Representatives Committees, with two places available for Health Care Support Workers.

Purpose

Participants will:

• develop and sustain their political leadership ability with the support of a political mentor and coach
• use a 'live' policy issue to have direct policy impact
• develop and action strategies to shape policy goals
• communicate clear messages to gain the support of stakeholders
• learn how to lobby effectively
• gain direct access to policymakers, politicians, Assemblies and Parliaments
• engage successfully with the media
• identify and work with a constituency of support and build coalitions that work
• understand the workings of government
• clarify how ministers and civil servants draw up health and social policy.

For further details contact Lynn Smith either by e-mail lynn.smith@rcn.org.uk or by telephone 01204 552440.