Council’s report to members on Congress 2023

You discussed abortion protest buffer zones and their potential impact.

This Matter for Discussion was proposed by Anthony McGeown of the Greater Glasgow Branch. It links in with Goal 1 of our 5-year strategic plan: The RCN as the Voice of Nursing.

Key messages

Across the UK, there’s evidence of rising anti-abortion activity. In some areas of the UK, measures are being put in place to protect individuals and staff; however, these are limited in their effectiveness.

National legislation is required to address outstanding patient and professional protection issues. Legislation has been put forward in each country of the UK, and we'll monitor the implementation. 

How we’ll deliver on this item

We'll produce a position statement, approaching the work differently from each of the 4 countries in the UK.

Scoping across England, Scotland and Wales to better understand the issue and identify where our voice can make an impact, as legislation progresses. In Northern Ireland, legislation was introduced in 2023. 

Status 

RCN Council has agreed that this work will form part of our business-as-usual work.

The proposer has been contacted.

You discussed if clinical audit is something to be embraced or endured.

This Matter for Discussion was proposed by Paige Simmons of the Norfolk Branch. It links with Goal 1 of our 5-year strategic plan: The RCN as the Voice of Nursing.

Status

This Matter for Discussion had no actions and Council agreed that no further work was required at this time.

You called on RCN Council to lobby for a Commissioner for Older People in England and Scotland, as there are in Wales and Northern Ireland.

This Resolution was proposed by Rosemary Oji of the Eastern Board and links in with Goal 1 of the RCN’s 5-year strategic plan (The RCN as the Voice of Nursing).

Key messages

To ask the Westminster and Scotland governments to appoint a Commissioner for Older People for England and Scotland, as there are in Northern Ireland and Wales.

How we’ll deliver on this item

• We'll use strategic opportunities to lobby the Westminster and Scottish Governments to introduce Older People’s Commissioners. 
• We'll join the existing coalition, led by Age UK.
• Develop campaign materials in easy read format, including a letter template to lobby local MPs.

Status

RCN Council has agreed that this work will form part of our business-as-usual work.

We have met with the proposer and assembled a project team. We have also met with Age UK.

You debated lobbying government to completely abolish corridor care and ensure that the respect and dignity of patients is upheld. 

This Resolution* was proposed by Matthew Stewart of the Gloucestershire Branch and links to goal 1 of our 5-year strategic plan (The RCN as the Voice of Nursing).

*This agenda item was changed from a Matter for Discussion to a Resolution at Congress.

Key messages

• Corridor care is concerning and an important factor for staffing for safe and effective care. Patients are being assessed and cared for in inappropriate locations with insufficient nursing workforce, equipment or facilities to maintain safety, privacy and dignity.
• As well as the negative impact for patients and their carers, there is also the detrimental effect on the health and wellbeing of staff, as well as on the ability of nurses to carry out research activity and other broader nursing duties. 

How we’ll deliver on this item

• We'll define what is meant by corridor care
• We'll raise awareness of the problem by developing robust media and communications campaigns 
• We'll commission a literature review with Sheffield alliance to look at international and UK evidence.

Status

RCN Council has agreed that this will be a new project.

A steering group has been set up and project plan developed. This work will report into the UK Safe Staffing Board and the proposer is involved in this activity.

You discussed the cost of going to work.

This Matter for Discussion was proposed by Evan Keir of the Dumfries and Galloway Branch and links to goal 1 of our 5-year strategic plan (The RCN as the Voice of Nursing).

Key messages

The rising cost of living across the UK, alongside the diminishing spending power of nursing wages and additional costs many nursing staff face just to support their employment have reached unsustainable levels.

How we’ll deliver on this item

• We'll provide resources for local reps and officers to deliver on our position statement on free parking and sustainable travel to work for the whole nursing workforce 
• Recognise the value of pension provision.

Status

RCN Council has agreed that this work will form part of our business-as-usual work.

The proposer has been contacted.

You discussed the successes and learning from the current Fair Pay for Nursing campaign.

This Matter for Discussion was proposed by Jason Warriner of the Public Health Forum and links to goals 1 and 2 of the RCN’s 5-year strategic plan (The RCN as the Voice of Nursing and The RCN has an engaged, thriving and diverse membership).

Key messages

Since this Congress discussion, we’ve carried out ‘lessons learned’ activity across all key areas of the Fair Pay for Nursing programme. We’ve focused on the industrial action period between November 2022 and May 2023.

How we’ll deliver on this item

• We'll evaluate the effectiveness of our communications through different channels
• Improve our data quality for statutory balloting
• Take a deep dive into equalities data to explore how different demographic groups could better access the campaign. 

Status

RCN Council agreed this work would form part of our business-as-usual work.

The first phase of the learning across key workstreams has been undertaken.

The proposer has been contacted.

You asked RCN Council to lobby the UK government to comply with its international and legal obligations in ensuring health.

This Resolution was proposed by Siobhan Bryant of the Nursing in Justice and Forensics Forum (and Public Health Forum) and links to goal 1 of our 5-year strategic plan (The RCN as the Voice of Nursing).

Key messages

In the UK, conditions within asylum processing centres and detention facilities present significant challenges to the provision of health care.

As the voice for nursing, we have a key role to play in advocating for all patients, including those within immigration detention facilities and temporary asylum accommodation.

How we’ll deliver on this item

• We have lobbied on the health impact of the Illegal Migration Act as it was passing through parliament. 
• We have signed a joint letter on the health consequences of the Illegal Migration Act, which highlights the position of detainees
• We'll continue to highlight issues in health care provision for asylum seekers and refugees and governance in immigration detention facilities.

Status

RCN Council has agreed that this work will form part of our business-as-usual work.

The plan has been agreed with the proposer.

You asked RCN Council to explore the culture around incident reporting and the impact this can have.

This Resolution was proposed by Siobhann Leviton of the Norfolk Branch and links to goal 1 of our 5-year strategic plan (The RCN as the Voice of Nursing).

Key messages

We'll produce a position statement to encourage nursing staff to report all incidents, accidents and near misses. This will reflect and reference existing RCN tools, such as the Raising concerns toolkit, and various RCN guidance materials. It will also refer to research carried out on workplace culture, including compassionate leadership and ‘just culture’.

How we’ll deliver on this item

We'll develop a clear position statement as referenced above aiming to support psychological safety ensuring the language is inclusive and the document accessible to all.

Status

RCN Council has agreed that this work will form part of our business-as-usual work. 

The plan has been agreed with the proposer.

You demanded that RCN Council supports the role of nursing in supporting people from LGBTQ+ communities who are victims of hate crime.*

*Amended at Congress 2023, from ‘That this meeting of RCN Congress discusses the role of nursing in supporting members of the LGBTQ+ communities who are victims of hate crime’.

This Resolution** was proposed by Jason Warriner of the Public Health Forum and links to goals 1 and 2 of our 5-year strategic plan (The RCN as the Voice of Nursing and The RCN has an engaged, thriving and diverse membership). 

**This agenda item was changed from a Matter for Discussion to a Resolution at Congress.

Key messages

We’ll provide resources for our members to aid them in supporting people from LGBTQ+ communities.

How we’ll deliver on this item

A range of activities will take place in 2024, including an article in the RCN magazine podcasts and an equality and inclusion conference.

Status

RCN Council has agreed that this work will form part of our business-as-usual work.

The plan has been agreed with the proposer.

You called on RCN Council to fully commit to strengthening the undeniable power of the membership voice and to further increase members’ influence and positive public opinion.

This Resolution* was proposed by Zeba Arif of the Mental Health Forum and links to goals 1 and 2 of our 5-year strategic plan (The RCN as the Voice of Nursing and The RCN has an engaged, thriving and diverse membership).

*This agenda item was changed from a Matter for Discussion to a Resolution at Congress.

Key messages

RCN Council, the Executive Team and the entire organisation should do everything they can to support, encourage and enable members to use their voice to influence policy and public opinion.

How we’ll deliver on this item

We'll report back to Congress 2024 the range of activities over the last year, including our work building up to the next general election.

Status

RCN Council has agreed that this work will form part of our business-as-usual work.

The proposer has agreed our approach and will be involved in the content of the report.

You debated on withdrawing from the NHS Pay Review Body. 

This Resolution was proposed by Geoff Earl of the Lothian and Borders Branch and links to goal 1 of the our 5-year strategic plan (The RCN as the Voice of Nursing).

Key messages

We’re not a member of the NHS Pay Review Body (PRB).

The NHS PRB may ask us to submit evidence to assist the NHS PRB in delivering its remit and recommendations to the UK governments on NHS pay.

We base any decision to submit evidence or engage with the NHS PRB on the best interests of our members and we'll always consider all the available options.

We did not submit evidence to the PRB for the 2023/24 pay round. Other trade unions also took this position.

How we’ll deliver on this item

• We have raised significant concerns about the NHS PRB process with the Westminster government and they agreed to review the NHS pay setting process. The RCN has been invited to contribute on:
• The timing of the NHS PRB process
• NHS PRB appointments process
• NHS PRB use and availability of data 
• NHS Staff Council involvement in NHS PRB process 
• As part of their governance responsibility, the Trade Union Committee will continue to be involved in decisions relating to improving pay, terms and conditions of RCN members.

Status

RCN Council has agreed that this work will form part of our business-as-usual work.

The proposer has been contacted.

You discussed the impact of the registered nursing associate role.

This Matter for Discussion was proposed by Greg Usrey of the Greater Glasgow Branch and links to goals 1 and 2 of our 5-year strategic plan (The RCN as the Voice of Nursing and the RCN has an engaged, thriving and diverse membership).

Key messages

We should examine and discuss the impact of nursing associates in England.

We are the lead body for nursing and represents nursing associates in its membership.

How we’ll deliver on this item

We have updated our position statement, which addresses the role and scope of practice of the nursing associate. 

Status

RCN Council have agreed that this will be a new project.

Meetings have taken place with the proposer.

You discussed the availability of courses and resources for nursing support workers.

This Matter for Discussion was proposed by Ilva Jones of Nursing Support Workers’ Committee and links to goals 1 and 2 of our 5-year strategic plan (The RCN as the Voice of Nursing and the RCN has an engaged, thriving and diverse membership).

Key messages

Equal access to quality educational and learning resources is key for the nursing support workforce.

Our membership consists of many diverse roles.

The outcomes of this work will shape the future educational offer. We intend to align this with our professional framework developments.

How we’ll deliver on this item

• We'll consider, as part of our plans for the RCN Institute, additional educational resources for nursing support workers, including nursing associates and assistant nursing practitioners. 
• We'll build on the care certificate standard and competencies required for health care assistants.

Status

RCN Council have agreed that this will be a new project.

The proposer has agreed the plan.

You called on RCN Council to lobby employers to ensure the welfare and occupational safety of older health care workers.

This Resolution* was proposed by Adrian Williams of the Greater Liverpool and Knowsley Branch and links to goals 1 and 2 of our 5-year strategic plan (The RCN as the Voice of Nursing and the RCN has an engaged, thriving and diverse membership).

*This agenda item was changed from a Matter for Discussion to a Resolution at Congress.

Key messages

To ensure the welfare and occupational safety of older health care workers.

How we’ll deliver on this item

We'll update our Valuing Older Workers publication, which was last reviewed in February 2021. This will include increasing awareness of new flexibilities.

Activities

RCN Council have agreed this will be a new project.

The UK Health and Safety Committee and proposer will be involved in the revised publication.

You asked RCN Council to lobby UK governments for minimum standards for employment terms and conditions for all nursing workforce in any organisation, funded by the public purse.

This Resolution was proposed by Katherine Gerrans of the Outer North Central London Branch and links to goals 1 and 2 of our 5-year strategic plan (The RCN as the Voice of Nursing and the RCN has an engaged, thriving and diverse membership).

Key messages

Wherever members work across the health and social care landscape, they can be assured that we are arguing for parity with employers, and lobbying UK governments.

How we’ll deliver on this item

• We'll launch the “RCN Nursing Employment Standards”, which will set out expectations for members in all settings.
  
• We have established a UK wide working group to support work on this item, which meets bi-monthly.

Status

RCN Council have agreed this work will form part of our business-as-usual work.

The proposer is aware of this work and the work will be overseen by the Trade Union Committee.

You discussed the role of private health care in a modern health system.

This Matter for Discussion was proposed by Evan Keir of the Dumfries and Galloway Branch and links to goals 1 and 2 of our 5-year strategic plan (The RCN as the Voice of Nursing and the RCN has an engaged, thriving and diverse membership).

Status

This Matter for Discussion had no actions and Council agreed that no further work was required at this time.

You debated that RCN Congress should affirm the strength of the Royal College of Nursing arising from our dual function as both a professional body and a trade union.

This Resolution was proposed by Rachel Hollis of the Professional Nursing Committee and links to goals 1 and 2 of our 5-year strategic plan (The RCN as the Voice of Nursing and The RCN has an engaged, thriving and diverse membership).

Key messages

The strength of the Royal College of Nursing continues to be in its dual function as both a professional body and a trade union.

How we’ll deliver on this item

We'll reinforce Congress’ affirmation of the strength of our dual functions through a comprehensive report of current RCN activities to Congress 2024. 

Status

RCN Council have agreed that this work will form part of our business-as-usual work.

The proposer and seconder have agreed this approach.

You called for all our members to be given equal democratic rights within the RCN. 

This Resolution was proposed by Geoff Earl of the Lothian and Borders Branch and links to goal 2 of our 5-year strategic plan (The RCN has an engaged, thriving and diverse membership).

Key messages

To be agreed.

How we’ll deliver on this item

• We have set up a Governance and Culture Review Joint Partnership Board, which is responsible for reviewing and monitoring implementation of the 38 recommendations from the governance reviews. 
• As at end of September, we had implemented 50 of the 217 deliverables.

Status

RCN Council has agreed that this work will form part of our business-as-usual work.

The proposer has been contacted.

You condemned rostering of student nurses and student midwives to cover gaps in staffing. 

This Resolution was proposed by the Students’ Committee and Greg Usrey of the Glasgow Branch. It links to goal 1 of our 5-year strategic plan (The RCN as the Voice of Nursing).

Key messages

We have a responsibility to support equal and inclusive access to high quality learning opportunities across health and social care. Student and apprentice nurses and nursing associates should be empowered to raise concerns about their practice and learning experiences and opportunities quickly and effectively.

How we’ll deliver on this item 

• We'll cultivate shared responsibility for the delivery of safe and effective learning opportunities across health and social care, working collaboratively with students, academic and practice providers.
• We'll embed our workforce standards in this work.

Status

RCN Council have agreed that this will be a new project.

A project group has been established and the proposer and seconder are involved in this work.

You asked RCN Council to lobby employers to ensure that female employees are supported with specific women's health and wellbeing needs such as menopause, menstruation, fertility care, pregnancy and childbirth.

This Resolution was proposed by Francesca Steyn of the Fertility Nursing Forum and links in with Goals 1 and 2 of the RCN’s 5-year strategic plan (The RCN as the Voice of Nursing and the RCN has an engaged, thriving and diverse membership).

Key messages

Our aim is to support members with a range of reproductive conditions in the workplace. There is a big focus currently on the menopause, but the aim is to raise awareness of a range of reproductive conditions, including endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome and miscarriage. Overarching these conditions is the link to mental health.

How we’ll deliver on this item

We'll produce a position statement and guidance on female reproductive health, including advice for managers. 

Status

RCN Council have agreed that this work will form part of our business-as-usual work.

A working group has been established, with representatives from the Midwifery, Fertility and Women’s Health forums and the proposers are involved in this work.

You asked RCN Council to examine the case for the RCN to join the Trades Union Congress.

This Resolution was proposed by Mike Travis of the Greater Liverpool and Knowsley Branch, and links to goal 1 of our 5-year strategic plan (The RCN as the Voice of Nursing).

Status

This Resolution was not passed at Congress.

You discussed how to support and improve awareness of unconscious bias within health care.

This Matter for Discussion was proposed by Natalie Brooks of the Eastern Board, and links toto goals 1 and 2 of our 5-year strategic plan (The RCN as the Voice of Nursing and the RCN has an engaged, thriving and diverse membership).

Key messages

To be agreed.

How we’ll deliver on this item 

• We'll continue to provide comprehensive unconscious bias learning and development as a core part of or commercial Cultural Ambassadors programme 
• 2024 activities will include exploring the evidence base around the effectiveness of unconscious bias as a tool for structural change and explore its relevant for tackling wider health inequalities. 

Status

RCN Council have agreed this work will form part of our business-as-usual work.

The proposer has been contacted.

You asked to acknowledge the 75th anniversary of the creation of the NHS and the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Windrush generation to staff the service.

This Matter for Discussion was proposed by Carmel O’Boyle, Chair of the Greater Liverpool and Knowsley Branch, and links to goals 1 and 2 of the our 5-year strategic plan (The RCN as the Voice of Nursing and the RCN has an engaged, thriving and diverse membership). 

Status

This Matter for Discussion had no actions and Council agreed that no further work was required at this time.

You called on RCN Council to ensure that the RCN is an anti-racist organisation. 

This Resolution was proposed by Jim Blair, Chair of the RCN London Board, and links toto goals 1 and 4 of our 5-year strategic plan (The RCN as the Voice of Nursing and the RCN's governance and positive culture underpin the delivery of the strategy).

Key messages 

This Resolution commits us to a transformational programme that will take time to deliver.

How we’ll deliver on this item 

• We'll develop an evidence based approach to delivering an anti-racist organisation and ensure the lived experience of global majority members is central to shaping that transformational process
• We'll support RCN Council and other governance committees to lead effective learning and development. 

Status

RCN Council have agreed that this work will form part of our business-as-usual work.

The proposer is engaged in this transformational work.

You called on RCN Council to lobby for the implementation of an evidence-based, integrated suicide prevention programme for the nursing workforce across the UK.

This Resolution was proposed by Ruth Bailey, of the East Sussex Branch, and links to goals 1 and 2 of our 5-year strategic plan (The RCN as the Voice of Nursing and the RCN has an engaged, thriving and diverse membership).

Key messages

It’s our collective responsibility to foster a health and care system that embraces diversity and extends effective support to those within marginalised groups.

We'll work collaboratively to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, promoting greater understanding and empathy.

We must hold our profession and the systems in which we work accountable through transparency and responsibility. Working together can cultivate a culture of civility and compassion within our teams and organisations.

How we’ll deliver on this item

We'll work with partners and key stakeholders across the UK to promote and engage with activities that support implementing evidence based, integrated suicide prevention programmes for the nursing workforce.

We have identified 4 workstreams to underpin this work:

1. Enhance equity in access to opportunities and support for marginalised groups
2. Work to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide 
3. Move organisational and team-level culture towards civility and compassion 
4. Use statutory leverage towards influence and accountability. 

Status

RCN Council have agreed this will be a new project.

A steering group has been established and the proposer is involved in this work.

You called on RCN Council to lobby all governments across the UK for production or review of dementia strategies. 

This Resolution was proposed by Lorretta Johnson, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear Branch, and links to goal 1 of our 5-year strategic plan (The RCN as the Voice of Nursing). 

Key messages

Across the UK, there is variation in the level of strategic oversight covering the treatment and support for people living with dementia. As the voice for nursing, we have a key role to play in working with stakeholders and coalitions to call for dementia strategies where relevant.

How we’ll deliver on this item

• We'll scope within each country to better understand the issue and identify where our voice can make an impact. 
• We'll agree a plan for each country in early 2024.

Status

RCN Council have agreed that this work will be part of our business-as-usual work.

You urged RCN Council to lobby health care providers and commissioners to mandate appropriate and sufficient provision, to avoid inappropriate placement for autistic people.

This Resolution was proposed by Sarah Jackson, Learning Disability Forum, and links to goal 1 of our 5-yearstrategic plan (The RCN as the Voice of Nursing).

Key messages

Across health and social care, autistic people are not receiving the support they need. Too frequently this results in them being inappropriately placed in other services, which can be detrimental to their health and autism needs in general.

How we’ll deliver on this item

We'll produce a position statement in 2024.

Status

RCN council have agreed that this will be part of our business-as-usual work.

The proposer has been contacted.

You discussed the case for a separate nursing pay spine within Agenda for Change.

This Matter for Discussion was proposed by Denise Kelly, Chair of the Trade Union Committee, and links to goals 1 and 2 of our 5-year strategic plan (The RCN as the Voice of Nursing and the RCN has an engaged, thriving and diverse membership).

Key messages

A commitment to explore the potential for a separate nursing pay spine within the NHS was part of the 2022-23 and 2023-24 pay offer and award. We continue to explore this commitment with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

How we’ll deliver on this item 

• We have had initial meetings with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) since the Westminster government wrote to us following the negotiations in 2023.  These have been exploratory discussions and progress is slow. 
• We'll host regular pay workshops with the Trade Union Committee, reporting on pay issues, setting the governance framework for progressing actions. 

Status

RCN Council have agreed this work will be part of our business-as-usual work.

The proposer has been contacted.