1. What makes a good topic?
An engaging topic can mean the difference between queues at the mic or a quick snooze for Congress delegates. So what makes a stimulating debate and how can you ensure that your issue gets members rushing to the microphone to have their say?
Try to choose something that’s:
Topical and current
A useful tool is PEST analysis. Think about your item in terms of:
- Political factors – eg is it something affected by the change in government, is new legislation needed?
- Economic factors – eg is the current economic situation impacting on it in terms of direct or indirect cuts, is it in need of protection?
- Sociocultural factors – eg is a certain section of society affected, perhaps age, gender, religion, race or sexuality is acting as a barrier?
- Technological factors – eg has new technology affected practice, for better or for worse?
Relevant with broad appeal
If your topic is too narrow, for example about a specialty that involves few members, it will not engage sufficient delegates. The more people who have an interest the more valuable the debate will be.
A new or emerging issue, or a new angle on an existing issue
New topics are well placed to stimulate debate, but existing issues can also throw up new challenges as they develop. For example, in 2006 Congress was asked ‘That this meeting of RCN Congress urges Council to lobby government to address the serious financial crisis facing the NHS’ - we’re now facing new cuts under a different government – are there new questions to be asked?
Something where members’ views could make a real difference?
There are certain issues where people are keen to hear the views of nurses. For example, assisted suicide has caused great deal of debate in the public arena. As an issue that closely involves health care staff, the public are interested in what we have to say and people are prepared to take notice of our views and opinions.
Possible to achieve and not already happening
It’s much more valuable to debate something where our resulting actions could make a difference, so being realistic about what you want to achieve is important. One nurse for every patient may be your dream, but adequate staffing on the ward is a more realistic goal. Similarly, it’s up to you to check action hasn’t already been taken – double check that legislation isn’t in the pipeline etc.
Got a four-county perspective
National uniforms for everyone! While nursing staff in England’s ears might prick with interest, members in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be quick to point out that they already have national uniforms. However, that’s not to say a uniform debate is off the table. Members from the three countries already in uniform could contribute to a debate where they could contribute their experiences.
Not recently been debated at Congress
Double check that your topic hasn’t already been debated here.
Other factors
Every year RCN Council decides its priorities for the coming year at its July Council meeting. It’s useful to look at these and see where your topic might fit in – both in terms of being complementary or in helping to highlight important gaps.
Though not solely a criteria for inclusion on the agenda, an important consideration also is how your item will be received by the media.
Think about:
- has it stimulated debate in the media before or is it likely to generate interest in the future?
- is it current?
- is it relevant to the public?
- does it affect people’s lives/have a human interest angle?
- will it affect how people see nursing or the RCN and how?
Go to step 2 - Resolution or matter for discussion?
