Your web browser is outdated and may be insecure

The RCN recommends using an updated browser such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome

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.

  • 25 Mar 2014

    Social care in England: A guide for nursing staff

    This summary paper provides a brief overview of the current state of play regarding social care provision in England including: the current system and its problems; changes consequent from the Health and Social Care Act 2012; recent proposals for reforming the system and RCN policy positions in relation to some of the proposed changes.

  • 5 Mar 2014

    CONSULTATION RESPONSE: Consultation on the time limits for completion of education across all NMC education standards

    The RCN has responded to the Nursing and Midwifery Council's consultation on proposals to amend its standards for the training of nurses and midwives by removing the current mandatory maximum time limits allowed for the completion of pre and post-registration programmes, to allow for unforeseen interruptions.

  • 1 Mar 2014

    POLICY: RCN in Scotland - Principles for delivering the integration of care

    The RCN Scotland’s position on delivering integrated care in Scotland

  • 7 Feb 2014

    New fundamental standards in England

    The Department of Health are consulting on new legislation that will underpin the work of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England. They are proposing new fundamental standards of care as recommended by the Francis Inquiry. This briefing provides more details on the proposed fundamental standards and asks for your views on them.

  • 5 Feb 2014

    RCN briefing on the NMC consultation on a proposed model of revalidation

    The Nursing and Midwifery Council are consulting on proposals for the revalidation of nurses and midwives. This briefing is intended to provide background to these proposals and to highlight the key issues for nurses to consider.

  • 30 Jan 2014

    The weaknesses of voluntary regulation for health care support workers

    The RCN has updated the December 2012 briefing on the weaknesses of voluntary regulation of support workers, calling for mandatory regulation underpinned by the law.

  • 22 Jan 2014

    Monitor and regulating the independent sector

    Monitor is consulting on the best way to scrutinise the financial sustainability of independent sector providers who are providing essential services.

  • 17 Jan 2014

    Registration of overseas trained nurses in the UK

    International nurses and midwives have become an important part of the workforce in many western countries and the United Kingdom (UK) has long benefited from their skills and expertise. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is undertaking a review of its registration process for overseas trained nurses and midwives. This briefing provides a discussion of the experiences and systems used in other countries that also have a heavy reliance on the intake of ONTs. The purpose is to give an overview of the key issues and reflect on the experiences of other countries, highlighting opportunities to learn from some of their challenges and successes.

  • 18 Dec 2013

    The independent sector: History and role in England

    This briefing provides an overview of the independent sector involvement in health care in England from the past to 2012 including key positions that the RCN has taken on these important issues.

  • 16 Dec 2013

    Moving Care to the Community

    Updated December 2014. Moving care out of hospitals and into the community has been a UK wide priority for over a decade; however despite the government's commitment to invest in the community, there is a mismatch between reality and rhetoric. The RCN has worked closely with our sister nursing organisations in Canada, Australia, Norway, Sweden and Denmark to learn from their experiences relating to shift. This report sets out the current policies and initiative in the above-mentioned countries to move care closer to home; outlines the impact of these reforms on the nursing workforce; and offers recommendations for key stakeholders in the UK.