AGM 2009 logoAGM 2009 - members agree to amend charter

The RCN AGM took place on 28 October 2009 at RCN HQ, Cavendish Square, London. 

Members backed a resolution debated at the AGM that the RCN should no longer be a charity and that a charitable foundation should be established.  The vote means that the legal structure of the RCN will change but the services to members will remain the same.

AGM vote detail

  1. Re-appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as professional auditors for the year 2009/2010.

    Votes in favour - 22,047
    Votes against - 650
    Abstentions - 1,363

    97.14% in favour and the resolution is carried.
  2. The RCN should no longer be a charity and that an RCN charitable foundation be established as a separate legal entity.

    Votes in favour - 22,488
    Votes against - 1,047
    Abstentions - 525

    95.55% in favour and the resolution is carried.
  3. Agreement to two technical amendments to the Royal Charter to add reference to the benefits provided by the RCN to its members as a professional trade union and to remove reference to the College being a charity.

    Votes in favour - 22,639
    Votes against - 820
    Abstentions - 603

    96.5% in favour and the resolution is carried.

The change in legal structure is necessary to comply with the Charity Commission requirement that all the objectives of a charity have to be charitable. The RCN has one charter objective that is no charitable - its trade union objective.

As a result of the AGM vote, the RCN will continue to fulfill its professional and trade union functions. The RCN will also be able to apply to the new Foundation for grants to fund the activities it carries out that are charitable.

The RCN will now seek Privy Council approval for the changes agreed by members.

Sandra James, Chair of RCN CouncilSandra James, Chair of RCN Council, said: "This is one of the most important pieces of work RCN Council has ever had to lead. This fundamental change ensures the College is fit for the future. I would like to thank members for voting for this change."

Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary

Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the RCN said: "These changes are essential to the future of the RCN. While the amendment means a change to the legal structure of the RCN, members should be reassured that they will continue to receive the same high quality services as now."

More information about what the change means for RCN members can be found in the About us area of the RCN website. 

Background information for members

Here is the background information that we gave to members to inform them before they voted: