RCN Research Society (Northern)
- Introduction
- Steering committee
- Regional activities
- Aims and Terms of Reference
- Action plan and annual report
- Useful resources
Aims and Terms of Reference
The RCN Research Society (Northern) exists as a sub-group of the UK RCN Research Society and exists to promote and encourage links, education and training, networking and collaborative opportunities among its members in the Northern region.
The purpose of the group is to promote a research culture in nursing through the promotion of research and development activities wherever health care is delivered. To this end, the steering group, which is membership-led, will actively:
- Plan networking activities to celebrate good practice and nursing achievements in R&D
- Develop and implement lobbying strategies to increase the funding base for R&D in nursing
- Share activities and achievements with the wider R&D nursing community through the RCN weekly research e-bulletin and other relevant publications
- Recruit RCN members to the RCN Research Society, identify experts and issues that members wish to pursue
- Contribute to the development and strengthening of the role of clinical research nurses.
The group is committed to collaborative working with other nursing, midwifery and multi-professional networks across the Northern Region and will work towards improving the R&D capacity, capability and clinical effectiveness of nurses and nursing. The group is inclusive and will represent nurse-led researchers, midwife-led researchers and clinical research nurses.
The maximum number of committee members will be 20. Membership will include at least one representative from nursing research, midwifery research and clinical research. Geographical representative is important and would include at least one representative from Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Sunderland, Durham, North Tyneside/Northumberland, Darlington/Tees Valley, Carlisle/Cumbria, Northumbria University, Research Networks and Primary Care. Should a committee member not be able to attend the meeting there is no requirement to send an alternative representative. Members who do not attend and have not sent apologises will be recorded on the minutes as non attending. After three consecutive absences (excluding long term sickness and maternity leave) and subject to discussion and agreement with the chair, the non attending committee member will asked to step down from the committee.
The key roles will include a chair, vice chair, secretary, treasurer and communication officer. Official positions and steering group membership to be elected for a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 years. It is preferable for members to have been on the group for a minimum period of 1-year prior to being nominated to undertake an official position. The group to be mindful of succession planning for official positions.
Six members to be present for the meeting to go ahead and decisions made.
The group has aimed to meet bi-monthly since January 2008. Meetings are held at the Northern RCN Headquarters in Sunderland.
Minutes to be taken, recorded and circulated to steering group members and once agreed by the group as correct, to be placed on this website.
The terms of reference are reviewed on an annual basis.