RCN Research Strategy

RCN Integrated Vision for Research

Research activity across the RCN is recognised as coherent, strategic and relevant.

The RCN Integrated vision for research incorporates Research Policy for Nursing, Knowledge generation by the RCN and Knowledge use in Policy and Practice.

The RCN Integrated vision for research incorporates Research Policy for Nursing, Knowledge generation by the RCN and Knowledge use in Policy and Practice.

Introduction

Task and finish groups

Key dates

Implementation

Towards an integrated RCN Research Strategy

A vision for the future of research within the RCN was agreed by RCN Council in July 2006 In the shared vision, research activity across the RCN is recognised as member led, coherent, strategic and relevant. There are three overlapping themes in this vision, namely: research policy for nursing; knowledge generation by the RCN; and knowledge use in policy and practice. Developing and agreeing a shared vision for the future of research within the RCN is the first phase of a four-stage process. The development of an integrated, fully costed RCN-wide research strategy is the second phase, implementation the third phase and evaluation the fourth and final phase.

To realise this vision, a strategy is being developed which maps out current activity within each of these areas and provides costed proposals for making the vision a reality. The process of developing the strategy is being project managed. Three 'Task and Finish Groups' have been established to progress each theme. Their purpose is to develop recommendations and an implementation plan to move research within the RCN from its current position toward the aspirations set out within the vision. To ensure synergy between groups a virtual project board has been established.

Each Task and Finish group is co-chaired by two RCN Research Society members and facilitated by a member of RCN Staff. Each group consists of approximately six to ten additional members who have been appointed following a stakeholder analysis. Each group includes at least one RCN Fellow. In addition, a wider expert reference group has been established to support each group and this webpage has been set up to brief members (and any interested party) of developments and to seek their views.

A member of the RCN Finance Department is assisting in the costing of the recommendations of the Board and an RCN expert is advising on communications. Each task and finish group is conducting an audit of current and planned activity across each theme in readiness for the launch.

The development of the strategy was formally launched on 15th February 2007, and the Task and Finish Groups reconvened on 29th May 2007 to report their recommendations and implementation proposals.

The project Board presented the report to Council in July 2007, and it was approved in principle.

If you have any queries about this piece of work, please contact the Project Team via Dave O'Carroll, Project Manager, email: david.ocarroll@rcn.org.uk