Our international alliances

The RCN works on behalf of our members to influence policies which impact on health care and nursing. Our international alliances are key to this process.

RCN membership of international organisations enables us to exchange information and share best practice amongst a much larger audience than we would be able to reach on our own. Through membership of international alliances the RCN works collectively to influence decision-makers in governments and institutions across the world to improve the health of communities.

Key partners

Some of our key partners are:

International Council of Nurses

The International Council of Nurses is a federation of over 130 national nurses' associations (NNAs), representing nurses around the globe. It works to ensure: quality nursing care for all; sound health policies globally; the advancement of nursing knowledge; and the presence worldwide of a respected nursing profession and a competent and satisfied nursing workforce. Further information is available on its website: www.icn.ch

European Federation of Nurses Associations

The European Federation of Nurses Associations (EFN) represents the nursing profession and its interests to the European Union institutions.  It focuses mainly on nurse education, the mobility and protection of health care professionals, and EU health policies. EFN is the independent voice of the nursing profession in Europe, representing more than a million nurses from national nurses' associations in 30 countries. Further information is available on its website: www.efnweb.org

Commonwealth Nurses Federation

The Commonwealth Nurses Federation (CNF) is a federation of national nurses' associations in Commonwealth countries. It aims to influence health policy throughout the Commonwealth; enhance nurse education; develop networks; strengthen nursing leadership; and improve nursing standards and competence. Further information is available on its website: www.commonwealthnurses.org

European Health Management Association

The European Health Management Association aims to improve health care in Europe by raising standards in health care management. It is a forum through which policy-makers and senior managers can network and share information, and where academic institutions and research organisations can share experience and develop joint projects. Further information is available on its website: www.ehma.org

European Public Health Alliance

The European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) represents over 100 non-governmental (NGO) and other not-for-profit organisations working in support of health in Europe. It aims to promote and protect the health interests of all people living in Europe and to strengthen the dialogue between the EU institutions, citizens and NGOs in support of healthy public policies. Further information is available on its website: www.epha.org

European Federation of Public Services Unions

The European Federation of Public Service Unions is a federation of independent trade union organisations for employees in public services in Europe. It covers various industries and vocational categories within the public service sector including health. It liaises with the ETUC and the European Institutions to establish suitable industrial relations structures with public sector employers at EU level to reach collective agreements on employment issues. Further information is available on its website: www.epsu.org

International Confederation of Midwives

The International Confederation of Midwives is an international non-governmental organisation uniting 85 national midwives’ associations from over 75 countries. The Confederation’s aim is to advance the aspirations of midwives in the attainment of improved outcomes for women, their newborns and families during the childbearing cycle.  Further information is available on its website: www.internationalmidwives.org

European Forum of Nursing and Midwifery Association and WHO Europe

The Forum aims to exchange information, ideas and policies between nursing/midwifery associations and the World Health Organization; to improve health and the quality of health care in Europe; to integrate policies for health into nursing practice and education; and to formulate recommendations on health and nursing/midwifery issues.  Further information is available on the website: www.euro.who.int/efnnma

Relevant organisations