The Policy and International Department
The Policy and International Department has established a number of processes that help RCN members and other interested parties to understand and engage in the process of policy development. For further information on our role, go to the May 2012 newsletter (PDF 183KB) [see how to access PDF files].
What we do
- We work proactively with a range of governmental and non-governmental organisations to analyse, understand, and influence the development of health and social care policy.
- As part of sharing learning with members, and encouraging involvement, the team produces briefings on a number of issues that impact on nurses and nursing.
- The department also manages the process of allocating all policy consultation documents received by the RCN to the staff member with the appropriate expertise to lead a response.
For more information on international/EU health and social care issues, visit the international section of the policy and international web pages. Members can also share their views on policy in the Discussion Zone or by emailing: policycontacts@rcn.org.uk.
Team members and areas of work
Please follow the links on the team members' names to find out more about them and to get in touch with them directly.
Howard Catton, Head of Policy and International
Areas of work covered:
- managment of the Policy and International Department department
- health, social and nursing policy reform
- support for RCN Council and Executive Team.
Susan Williams, Senior International Adviser
Areas of work covered:
- managment of the EU/international team
- relations with EU/international partners
- global health services reform and patient mobility issues
- EU policy on free movement of professionals.
Stuart Abrahams, Policy Adviser
Areas of work covered:
- co-ordination and management of specific strands of health policy
- the RCN Health and Social Care Project Group.
Leela Barham, Policy Adviser
Areas of work covered:
- health care system regulation
- economic regulation in the NHS
- competition in the NHS and plurality of providers
- payment by results and incentives for quality.
Andrew Wardle, Assistant International Adviser
Areas of work covered:
- international development partnerships related to the Millennium Development Goals
- promotion of volunteering
- promotion of understanding of global health issues.
Matthew Hamilton, EU/International Adviser
Areas of work covered:
- EU and international nursing and health policy
- lobbying on nursing issues at EU and international level
- EU workforce and health and safety policy
- EU research and innovation.
Emily Pollinger, Policy Adviser
Areas of work covered:
- the future nursing workforce and policy
- staffing levels and skill mix.
Mark Platt, Policy Adviser
Areas of work covered:
- patient and public involvement and engagement
- patient experience
- patient choice.
Laura Aylett, Assistant Policy Adviser
Areas of work covered:
- monitoring NHS economic climate
- RCN Frontline first campaign.
Alex Callaghan, Assistant Policy Adviser
Areas of work covered:
- foundation trusts
- health inequalities
- alcohol policy.
Laura Clarke, Assistant Policy Adviser
Areas of work covered:
- reform of social care and support services
- care homes and integration
- personal health budgets.
Loren Mathias, Assistant International Adviser (Nursing)
Areas of work covered:
- identifying nursing best practice internationally on policy and practice issues
- organising international visits
- relations with nursing associations and international organisations.
Nandh Rehal, Office Manager
Areas of work covered:
- PA to Howard Catton, Head of Policy and International
- administration support to the unit
- assistance with the consultation process.
Jasmine Belgrave, Project Administrator
Areas of work covered:
- administration support to the department
- administration support to the Future Nurse Future Workforce Project Group (future nurse policy)
- assistance with the consultation process.
Annabel Hibbert, International Administrator
Areas of work covered: