How to become a representative

The RCN welcomes applications from members to become an accredited RCN trade union representative. We are looking for registered nurses and health care assistants, from all areas of nursing, and throughout the UK, who can dedicate time to their own learning and development, and to making a real difference to the workplace, the working lives of our members and nursing in general. The work of our representatives can be fun, but it can also be very challenging so we need people who are committed to the aims, objectives and activities of the RCN.

Interested in becoming a representative?

If you are interested in becoming an RCN representative:

  • Contact your representative or local RCN branch. Their contact details will be on the RCN notice board.
  • Contact RCN Direct on 0845 772 6100, or your regional or national office to request an application form.
  • For more information and to get an application form, complete the online form

To apply to become an accredited trade union representative, you need to be nominated by two RCN members. These are people who believe you would make a good representative, and may be a colleague from your branch or a work colleague. After you have completed the application form, indicating what type of representative you wish to be, it should be sent to the branch secretary. There will be a workplace election, after which the branch will ratify your nomination as an elected trade union representative, and the regional or national office will inform your employers that you are an accredited RCN representative.

Learning and development programme

You will then be invited to attend the learning and development programme for representatives. The programme is divided into two modules. The first, foundation module, will give you an introduction to the work of the RCN and the role of representatives. Once you have demonstrated that you have completed this module through assessment of your portfolio of learning, the second, development module focuses on the specialist pathways, where representatives learn about specific aspects of each of their respective roles.

How long will it take?

It can take up to 12 months from you being accredited by your branch to you becoming fully active. During this time you will complete the foundation and development modules of the representative’s learning and development programme. A mentor will provide support and advice, and help you with your work-based learning activity, as well as help you in gaining confidence and competence in supporting and representing RCN members.