We want members' views on a new branch structure

Published: 19 January 2009

RCN members are being consulted on plans for a stronger and more sustainable network of local branches in the West Midlands.

Branches are a key part of the RCN’s structure, enabling the organisation to deliver a truly local service to members – as well as giving members an opportunity to participate in the RCN and influence its work.

All regions in England are currently reviewing their branch boundaries, or implementing new ones, to ensure that the most effective structure is in place for the future.

There are currently 22 branches in the West Midlands. The RCN Regional Board, which is overseeing the restructure in the region, has recommended two options for consultation with members. They are:

  • Seven branches based on counties and metropolitan areas, namely Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry and Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and Worcestershire;
  • Ten branches based on ‘health economy’ areas, most of which are similar to the areas in option one but with Birmingham divided into three areas and Staffordshire into two.

Patricia Marquis, Director of the RCN in the West Midlands, said: "The aim of the review is to ensure that every member, regardless of where they live or work, gets the same high standard of service from - and opportunity to engage with - their local branch.

"The Regional Board does not have a preferred option and believes that each model will provide for branches that are big enough to deliver and local enough to retain a strong identity with members.

"As a member-led organisation, we’re really keen to hear the views of members on which option they prefer. Naturally, we are consulting with branches direct, but we also want individual members to take advantage of this opportunity to shape the future structure of the branch network."

A formal consultation paper and response form have been produced to outline the proposals and record the views of members. If you wish to respond to the consultation, you can download these documents from the Branches page of the RCN website at http://www.rcn.org.uk/aboutus/england/westmidlands/branches_officers. You can post or email the completed response form to the regional office. The closing date for receipt of responses is 23 March.

Following the consultation exercise, the final structure is due to be ratified by the Regional Board in April, ready for implementation from branch AGMs in the autumn.