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.
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26 Feb 2026
The Gloves are Off - Briefing on palliative and end of life care
Nursing staff across the NHS, independent and third sector services play a crucial role in the delivery of palliative and end-of-life care services, in a variety of settings including hospitals, individuals’ homes, care homes and hospices. However, too many people are dying without the support they need and there is an urgent need to improve access to palliative care across Scotland and to secure the vital contribution of Scotland’s hospices.
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26 Feb 2026
The Gloves are Off - Briefing on care homes
Successive Scottish governments have aspired to a policy of shifting the balance of care from hospital services into community settings, which include social care. We firmly support this ambition, recognising it as essential to meeting population needs and ensuring long-term sustainability. But this shift cannot be realised without strengthening the nursing workforce in social care.
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26 Feb 2026
The Gloves are Off - Briefing on valuing the nursing profession
The new Scottish government must implement key measures that will help value the profession better to promote retention of today’s workforce and to attract the workforce of the future. We believe nurses deserve better, a belief supported by the evidence.
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26 Feb 2026
The Gloves are Off - Briefing on better health for everyone
Improving the health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland is key to reducing inequality, driving economic growth and creating a sustainable future. However, the dial is moving in the wrong direction. Action is needed to turn around the health of the nation and nursing staff play a vital role. From hospitals to homes, schools to GP practices, care homes to prisons, registered nurses and nursing support workers have unique access to promote health and deliver preventative care, in the places people spend their time.
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24 Feb 2026
POLICY: Scottish Government draft AI Policy Framework for Health and Social Care
RCN comments on Scottish Government draft AI Policy Framework for Health and Social Care
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12 Feb 2026
The Gloves are Off - Manifesto
Longstanding pressures have compounded, workforce shortages and long waiting times continue, and our members are working harder than ever while feeling less valued. The impact this all has on nursing staff is huge. They are unable to provide the best possible care to Scotland’s population. Find out what we are calling on the new Scottish government to do to value nursing properly.
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11 Feb 2026
PARLIAMENTARY SUBMISSION: Autism Act 2009
RCN submission to the Autism Act 2009 Committee's inquiry on the Autism Act 2009.
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11 Feb 2026
CONSULTATION RESPONSE: Legislative and Guidance Proposals for the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
RCN response to Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) consultation on legislative and guidance proposals for the control of asbestos regulations 2012.
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11 Feb 2026
CONSULTATION RESPONSE: Make Work Pay - Enhanced Dismissal Protections
RCN response to the Department for Business and Trade's consultation on making work pay and enhanced dismissal protections for pregnant women and new mothers.
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11 Feb 2026
CONSULTATION RESPONSE: Regulation of AI in Healthcare
RCN response to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency's (MHRA) call for evidence on regulation of AI in healthcare.
