AGM 2010

The RCN Annual General Meeting was held on Wednesday 20 October 2010 at the Royal College of Nursing, 20 Cavendish Square, London.

Read the official notice and agenda of the AGM
Read the Draft 2009 AGM minutes (PDF 47.4KB) [see how to access PDF files]
Read the Annual report and consolidated accounts 2009/2010 (PDF 2.4MB)
Read the Statement to RCN members on the union's annual return issued as required by section 32A of Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992

The 2010 AGM included important votes on changes to our Royal Charter and bye-laws.

RCN members voted for a revised Royal Charter and a new set of standing orders that are up to date, relevant and easier to understand. They not only reflect the RCN as it is now, including its role as a trade union, but will also improve the way the RCN works and takes decisions.

While the overwhelming majority of RCN members voted in favour of all the changes, Special Resolutions 4 and 5 fell just short of the two-thirds majority required. These resolutions related to the wider nursing family and subscription rates and the implications of these votes will be considered by Council in due course.

The new charter and standing orders have now taken effect after approval by the Privy Council in May 2011.

You can find out more information on the proposals on the AGM 2010 vote page.

AGM vote in detail

Special Resolutions require 2/3 majority of those voting to be carried.

Ordinary Resolution

That PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP be reappointed as Professional Auditors for the year 2011/2012 and that Council be authorised to determine their remuneration.

Votes in favour - 14,027
Votes against - 414
Total number of votes cast - 14,441
97.13% in favour and the resolution is carried.

Special Resolution 1

That the charter is amended to update, clarify or simplify the current wording and include a new schedule of rules subject to Special Resolution 2.

Votes in favour - 14,578
Votes against - 180
Total number of votes cast - 14,758
98.78% in favour and the resolution is carried.

Special Resolution 2

That article 11 be adopted to make it possible for the AGM and Congress to be held together if members decide in the future they would like this to happen.

Votes in favour - 11,639
Votes against - 3,335
Total number of votes cast - 14,974
77.73% in favour and the resolution is carried.

Special Resolution 3

That the new standing orders for the College are adopted in place of the bye-laws which are hereby revoked, subject to the final form of the standing orders reflecting the decision of the members on Special Resolutions 4, 5 and 6.

Votes in favour - 13,519
Votes against - 470
Total number of votes cast - 13,989
96.64% in favour and the resolution is carried.

Special Resolution 4

That standing order 5.2 is adopted to make it possible for all members of the nursing family to become full members of the RCN if members decide in the future this should happen.

Votes in favour - 9,404
Votes against - 5,238
Total number of votes cast - 14,642
64.23% in favour and the resolution is not carried.

Special Resolution 5

That standing orders 6.1 and 6.2 are adopted to enable Council to approve annual subscription increases over the current rate of up to 2% above RPI in June in any given year. Any change to this would have to be approved by the membership in General Meeting.

Votes in favour - 9,451
Votes against - 4,852
Total number of votes cast - 14,303
66.08% in favour and the resolution is not carried.