Reminder: member views on Rule 12 needed

Published: 30 September 2008

RCN members are being reminded to have their say on issues surrounding Rule 12. This follows a debate at Congress in April 2008 where those present voted to set in place arrangements to ‘amend Rule 12’. At this stage, this is not a consultation on a particular change to the Rule. Any change to Rule 12 would involve a full member ballot and the Rule could only be changed if two thirds were in favour of amendment.

Rule 12, states in the main that RCN members will not act “in any way which is detrimental to the well being or interests of their patients or clients”. With this in mind RCN Council is able to authorise industrial action.

RCN Senior Employment Relations Adviser, Gerry O’Dwyer said:

“The last time Rule 12 was looked at was in 1994. It is important for members who have a view on this issue to engage in the consultation and make their views known".

RCN members are asked to send their comments to RCN Senior Employment Relations Adviser, Gerry O’Dwyer by 31 December 2008. Email: gerry.o'dwyer@rcn.org.uk or write to:

Gerry O’Dwyer
Senior Employment Relations Adviser
RCN Headquarters
20 Cavendish Square
London W1G 0RN.