RCN members agree to amend charter at AGM

Published: 28 October 2009

Members of the Royal College of Nursing today (28th October) voted in favour of a resolution that the RCN should no longer be a charity and that a separate charitable foundation be established. The vote took place at the College's Annual General Meeting in London.

The vote means the legal structure of the RCN will change but services to members will remain the same.

The change in legal structure is necessary to comply with a new Charity Commission requirement that all the objectives of a charity have to be charitable. As it stands, the RCN has one charter objective that is not charitable - its trade union objective.

Following the amendment to the Charter, the RCN will continue to fulfil both its professional and trade union functions. It will also be able to apply to the newly established RCN Foundation to fund those aspects of the RCN's work that are charitable.

The RCN will now seek Privy Council approval for the changes agreed by members.

Sandra James, Chair of RCN Council, said:

"This is one of the most important pieces of work RCN Council has ever had to lead. This fundamental change ensures the College is fit for the future. I would like to thank members for voting for this change."

Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the RCN said:

"These changes are essential to the future of the RCN. While the amendment means a change to the legal structure of the RCN, members should be reassured that they will continue to receive the same high quality services as now."

Further information about what the change means can be found at:
http://www.rcn.org.uk/aboutus/gov/the_rcns_legal_and_governance_review/frequently_asked_questions

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Notes for Editors

1. For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media

2. Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.