Congress recommendations
How we're meeting the recommendations of Bruce Carr KC, KPMG and other independent reviewers
See the progress we’re making
We're committed to meeting all 38 recommendations raised through independent reviews of the culture of our College.
3 of these recommendations relate to RCN Congress – our annual network and learning event. They're helping us to provide more support for our members and staff at Congress, and to improve how our members vote on key decisions.
Recommendations may not appear in consecutive order.
Recommendation 28
Provide more support for attendees at Congress.
Progress
In the foreword to the Independent Review of the Culture of the RCN, Bruce Carr KC said: "It is right that I acknowledge that at the 2022 Congress, significant safeguards were put in place and appear to have been effective in ensuring that the event was one at which participants were protected from any risk of exploitation." The RCN supports and promotes a culture of reciprocal respect and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or any form of misconduct across all our activities
We have introduced new policies, Safety and Conduct at RCN Events and Code of Conduct for RCN Events, that set out the approach to this specifically in relation to events, including RCN Congress. We provide these to all attendees, and they clearly lay out what attendees should do if they have any concerns. In addition, a wellbeing hub has been introduced at Congress, which offers: a safe space, where you can talk to members of RCN staff if you encounter any challenging situations; a quiet/prayer room; access to mental health first aiders, and a qualified counsellor
There were 3 elements to this recommendation, all of which are complete.
Recommendation 29
Progress
Bruce Carr KC has concluded the full investigation into sexual misconduct at Congress.
There were 2 elements to this recommendation, all of which are complete.
Recommendation 32
Review voting arrangements at Congress to ensure that all voices are heard.
Progress
Following the results of an internal audit from Evelyn Partners on the current voting arrangements at Congress, an action plan for the implementation of the five findings was drafted. Guidance for branches and forms on the allocation of voting places was issued in readiness for Congress 2025, and the RCN policy and process document on RCN Congress was approved by Council in January 2025. All five findings are complete, and were presented to the Group Audit Committee in April 2025. Further work will continue via the strategic review of Congress.
There were 3 elements to this recommendation, all of which are complete.
Page last updated - 25/07/2025
