Members working outside the NHS or in large national organisations
Employment relations work has focused on developing working partnerships and recognition agreements with national and cross-border organisations (this includes both independent sector organisations, but also some NHS and non NHS public sector organisations). The employment relations department works closely with organisations to provide the best employment conditions for nurses and health care assistants through collaborative working.
Recognition agreements are formal agreements signed between trade unions and employers. Agreements outline and describe the types of issues the organisations will discuss in partnership. Recognition agreements also provide trade union representatives with the mechanism to request time off to undertake their duties.
The RCN has worked with employers on a range of issues including redundancies, mergers, organisational buy-outs, service reorganisations, changes to terms and conditions and implementation of Agenda for Change. Many of the issues that the RCN needs to deal with on behalf of members are challenging. The role we take when in discussions with employers is ensuring that members' views are taken into account and that by working with employers we ensure the best outcome for the members.
Recognition agreements prove to be useful where there is a large workforce with a comprehensive terms and conditions package and where an employer has a personnel department.
The RCN currently has national recognition agreements with:
Independent sector organisations:
- The Marie Curie Cancer Care
- Nuffield Group
- Sue Ryder Care
- General Healthcare Group/BMI
- Partnerships in Care.
Public sector organisations:
- Care Quality Commission
- Prison Health
- NHS Blood and Transplant
- NHS Professionals
- NHS Direct
- Health Protection Agency.
The RCN's influence within the independent sector and the public sector is influenced by the size and breadth of the membership and the number of activists at ground level. Therefore we always welcome more members and activists in this sector, especially more healthcare assistants.
If you are employed by any of these organisations and want to know more about becoming a workplace representative then please contact the Employment Relations Department on 020 7647 3574.
If you want to know more about how the RCN can work in partnership with your employer, or you need support and advice, please contact your local RCN office.