Purpose of the RCN Research Society

To provide research leadership and expertise to support the RCN's strategic intent to influence the development of practice and policy from an evidence base
To provide support to and meet the needs of members of the Research Society providing a network for sharing experiences and learning and development opportunities

Research Society Steering Committee

Main responsibilities

To provide research leadership and expertise to develop policy and guidance from an evidence base and to provide Research Society members with learning and development opportunities through sharing practice and experience.

Main tasks

To influence research and development policy across the UK and internationally; to increase investment in research into the concerns of nursing practice; and increase research capacity and capability in nursing within the context of robust, sustainable career frameworks
To increase the impact of nursing research
To identify those priority areas of work where members should work with other parts of the RCN structure to develop practice and policy and deliver the best possible patient care
To provide research expertise to support and inform the work of the RCN’s governance committees and task and finish groups to ensure all policy and guidance is developed from an evidence base
To proactively seek and engage with members of the society and represent their diverse views and ensure that the professional work of the RCN reflects its priorities and meets the needs of the members working within research
To support and mentor RCN research networks across the UK and internationally to provide local knowledge and research and scientific expertise
To facilitate access to learning and development to enhance skills of members of the society
To represent the RCN on research and development issues internally and externally at a UK and international level
To submit project bids to the Research and Development Governance Group for approval and funding from the RCN or the new RCN Foundation

Reporting and ways of working

Each member of the steering committee will carry a portfolio of work and lead on/contribute to specific aspects of the Research Society’s remit adopting the new ways of project working piloted by the forums
The steering committee will regularly update Council through the Research and Development Governance Group and NPPC about its activities
Through the Research and Development Governance Group and NPPC ensure Council is aware of research matters that may significantly impact on the strategic position of the RCN

Evaluating performance

To evaluate the committee’s own performance both of individual members and collectively, on a regular basis and provide for ongoing training needs; and to make appointments to the committee to augment the skill set of the existing members as required
To assess the achievements of the responsibilities specified in the terms of reference and report the findings to Council through the Research and Development Governance Group and NPPC

Membership

The RCN now uses an appointments process, which it feels helps to ensure that the membership of the various groups reflects the diversity of the nursing workforce and the broadest possible mix of skills and experience.