RCN briefings
Policy briefings, parliamentary briefings and consultation responses on the issues that matter to nursing staff
The RCN works with government, think tanks and other stakeholders to ensure the voice of nursing is heard. You can get involved in policy development by taking part in surveys, workshops, seminars and briefings.
-
23 Jun 2025
CONSULTATION RESPONSE: Oliver McGowan draft code of practice
RCN response to Department of Health and Social Care's (DHSC) consultation on the Oliver McGowan draft code of practice.
-
12 Jun 2025
BRIEFING: Westminster Hall debate on child poverty and the No Recourse to Public Funds condition
RCN briefing on the Westminster Hall debate on child poverty and the No Recourse to Public Funds condition.
-
10 Jun 2025
MSP briefing - Scottish Labour Debate: Addressing Scotland’s Medical and Nursing Workforce Crisis
The Scottish government has committed to protecting, strengthening and renewing our NHS but this must be underpinned by a robust workforce strategy and cannot be achieved without investment and a recognition of the unique contribution that each profession makes.
-
10 Jun 2025
MSP briefing - Scottish government debate: A Migration System that Works for Scotland
Internationally recruited nurses play an invaluable role in Scotland’s health and care services. Our talented and dedicated colleagues from across the globe who choose to come to the UK to work in our health and care systems must be valued and treated fairly.
-
13 May 2025
Assisted Dying Bill Stage 1
MSPs debated and voted on the general principles of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill today (13 May). We published a briefing ahead of the debate, explaining how neutral stance on the principle of the Bill does not mean we have been silent about its provisions. Most importantly, we believe the Bill needs improved safeguards for nurses.
-
6 May 2025
The Nursing Workforce in Scotland
The report shows that while the gap between planned staffing and actual staffing has reduced, at no point has NHS Scotland employed the number of nursing staff needed to deliver safe and effective care. In social care, the gap is widening as clinical need increases and the number of registered nurses working in care homes continues to decline.
-
27 Mar 2025
RCN BRIEFING: MODERN SLAVERY ACT 2015, 10TH ANNIVERSARY DEBATES
RCN Parliamentary Briefing on the general debate of the tenth anniversary of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 on 27th March 2025, and Debate on Report from the Modern Slavery Act 2015 Committee: 'The Modern Slavery Act 2015: becoming world-leading again' on 28th March 2025.
-
27 Mar 2025
REPORT: Student Attrition
A research report into nursing student attrition by Community Research for the RCN.
-
19 Mar 2025
CONSULTATION RESPONSE: Equality at work, paternity and shared parental leave
RCN submission to the Women and Equalities Committee's inquiry on Equality at work: paternity and shared parental leave.
-
19 Mar 2025
CONSULTATION RESPONSE: NHS Standard Contract 2025/26
RCN response to NHS England's consultation on NHS Standard Contract 2025/26.
