11. It's up to you

East Dorset Branch

(MFD) That this meeting of RCN Congress discusses how to secure better levels of engagement by members in RCN ballots and elections

Debate report

“We need to challenge apathy”, was a key message in this vocal debate over low member engagement with the RCN ballots and elections. Proposer Kathy Moore, from the East Dorset branch, cited the turnout for RCN elections, which is generally less than 10 per cent. She asked: “As a member organisation, is it correct that we are led by so few?”

Many pointed out that issues with low member engagement go beyond election turnouts, and raised concerns over access to member information, which is not currently provided to RCN activists due to data protection laws. Greg Usrey, however, argued that it was easy to communicate through official RCN bulk emails, but “members don’t care about the RCN unless they need a service”.

A face-to-face approach was championed by Jonathon Craig from the North Staffordshire branch, who said that his branch has achieved a significant increase in meeting attendance thanks to a programme of local learning events.  This sentiment was echoed by Martin Tuckett from the Devon branch, who stressed the importance of listening: “we need to look at how we can do things differently, get out there and talk to people.”

Kathy thanked members for their contributions and closed the debate with a strong parting message: “stop moaning, do something about it.” 

Background

Voter turnout has been declining in many parts of the developed world over the past 50 years, with research suggesting this may be linked to reduced participation in civic life. Poor turnout may be due to a number of economic, demographic, cultural and technological factors (Phelps, 2006). Figures indicate turnout is higher amongst those who began voting before 1960.

The RCN conducts a range of ballots and elections, some of which are subject to statutory requirements, for example industrial action ballots and Council elections. The RCN must also abide by the rules in its Royal Charter and standing orders.

Turnouts depend on the issue being voted on and its importance to members. The highest recorded turnout was 39 per cent in 1995 when the RCN’s rule on industrial action was amended. The Agenda for Change ballot in 2000 saw a turnout of 32 per cent and in the ballot on NHS pensions in 2012, turnout was 16 per cent.

Industrial action ballots held by other trade unions have an average turnout of 33 per cent.

Since 1987, turnouts at annual general meetings (AGMs) for votes related to member subscriptions have mostly been less than 10 per cent. At the 2012 AGM it was only 4.3 per cent.

Turnouts for elections are also generally less than 10 per cent. The average turnout for the last three president elections was 9.14 per cent. Figures from Electoral Reform Services (ERS) for the election of similar roles in other trade unions indicate this is slightly below average.

Engagement by students in voting is lower than for other member groups. The average turnout in the election for the student member of Council for the years 2008 to 2012 was 5.28 per cent.

Engagement is also measured by numbers of candidates standing. Analysis in 2010 showed that, of 152 potential elections for seats on country and regional boards, only 18 (11.84 per cent) were actually held. Of the remainder, 67 seats (44 per cent) were filled by an unopposed candidate and another 67 seats (44 per cent) remained unfilled because no candidates stood.

In 2012 there were 140 places for election across RCN boards and UK committees. In total 109 candidates stood and 61 were elected unopposed. Consequently, elections were re-run in 2013 to fill the vacant places.

In February 2012, due to rising costs and continued low turnouts, RCN Council decided to conduct ballots and elections electronically where possible or to insert voting papers with mailings such as RCN Bulletin. The intention is to give members more information and context to inform their vote and encourage participation. Other technology and social media are also used to encourage members to participate and vote.
 

References and further reading

Phelps E (2006) Young adults and electoral turnout in Britain: towards a generational model of political participation, Brighton: Sussex European Institute. Available at: www.sussex.ac.uk/webteam/gateway/file.php?name=sei-working-paper-no-92.pdf&site=266 (accessed 14/03/13) (Web).

Royal College of Nursing (2013a) RCN elections, London: RCN [online]. Available at: www.rcn.org.uk/aboutus/get_involved/rcn_elections (accessed 14/03/13) (Web).

Royal College of Nursing (2013b) Royal charter and standing orders, London: RCN [online]. Available at: www.rcn.org.uk/aboutus/our_constitutional_documents (accessed 14/03/13) (Web).