Go ahead for new branch structure
Published: 15 April 2009
The number of RCN branches in the West Midlands is to be reduced from 22 to ten to create a stronger, sustainable structure for the future.
The RCN West Midlands Regional Board approved the new configuration at its meeting earlier this month following consultation with branches and individual members which revealed a clear preference for the ten branch model over an alternative seven branch structure.
The new structure will come into effect in October 2009 following transitional work involving mergers of most current branches. The ten new branches (and how they will be composed from the merger of existing branches) are:
- South Birmingham (unchanged)
- East and North Birmingham and Solihull (East Birmingham, North Birmingham, Solihull)
- Birmingham West and Sandwell (West Birmingham, Sandwell)
- Black Country (Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton)
- Coventry and Warwickshire (Coventry, North Warwickshire, South Warwickshire, Rugby)
- Herefordshire (unchanged)
- North Staffordshire (Stoke and District, St Edwards/Cheddleton)
- South Staffordshire (Stafford, South East Staffordshire)
- Shropshire (unchanged)
- Worcestershire (Worcester, Kidderminster and District, Bromsgrove and Redditch)
A Regional Board sub-group which has overseen the branch boundary review process so far will continue to work with branch executive committees to implement the new structure.
A transitional workshop for branch representatives is planned for 24 June 2009 at the RCN regional office, with a further development day scheduled for after the new branches have been established.
Patricia Marquis, RCN regional director, said: "Branches are an essential and local link between the RCN and its members and the new structure in the West Midlands aims to protect and strengthen their role.
"The ten branch model provides for branches that are big enough to deliver against the RCN's new branch constitutional requirements and local enough to retain a strong identity with members."