Nursing across independent health and social care
We’re here to support all our members, no matter what sector or setting you’re employed in.
A significant and growing number of our members work in independent health and social care (IHSC). This diverse group includes all nursing staff employed in settings outside the NHS. That could be care homes, nursing agencies, private hospitals or somewhere else entirely. It also includes members – such as general practice nurses – who may provide NHS services but not be employed on Agenda for Change contracts.
This page signposts you to some of our most popular resources. Many of these will be relevant to all members working in IHSC, while others are tailored to particular roles or workplaces. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please get in touch by emailing ihsc@rcn.org.uk.
Key IHSC resources
Pay, terms and conditions in IHSC
Find information about pay, terms and conditions, including resources for starting conversations with your employer and requesting a pay rise.
Our fight for fair pay in IHSC employers
View a timeline of our recent campaigns for fair pay at a range of IHSC employers.
How we work
Read about the different ways we support our members in IHSC and find out who’s leading this work in your country or region.
News and Events
News and Blogs
Upcoming IHSC events
IHSC Employment Standards
Our Employment Standards for Independent Health and Social Care Sectors set out what we expect employers in these settings to deliver for the nursing workforce.
Whether you are a nurse, an employer, or a commissioner, these standards are your definitive guide to creating a fair, safe, and supportive workplace.
Funding opportunities for IHSC
Read our list of funding opportunities across the UK open to IHSC professionals.
General nursing resources
Most of the resources on our website are relevant to all members – no matter what sector or setting you’re employed in. This includes many of our advice guides and subject guides, as well as the clinical information on RCN Learn.
Advice guides
Advice for nursing staff about problems at work, ill health, careers, legal issues, money matters, counselling, and more.
Subject guides
These guides provide key resources, books and journals related to various subjects and nursing specialties in your area of practice.
Workplace-specific resources
We also have a range of resources tailored to specific roles and workplaces within IHSC. You can access these resources through the relevant forum or network:
We're here for you
If you're an RCN member who needs help with any aspect of your employment, you can access online advice or contact us directly.
We're here to help – wherever you work.
Upcoming events
Member blogs from independent health and social care settings
Here you will find a range of interesting blog articles by contributing members and our IHSC team, covering various topics within their areas of practice.
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blog posts
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23 Sep 2025
Compassion at the core: A visit to PIPS (Positive Individual Proactive Support)
Last month, as part of our regional Independent Health and Social Care (IHSC) work, we had the privilege of visiting PIPS (Positive Individual Proactive Support) – a service that supports people with learning disabilities and complex needs to lead fulfilling lives.
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23 Sep 2025
Building a career in care: Rebecca’s path through apprenticeship and beyond
Registered learning disability nurse Rebecca Conlon shares her inspiring journey from support worker to deputy team manager at Positive Individual Proactive Support (PIPS). Her story highlights the power of values-driven care, the impact of apprenticeships, and the importance of supportive leadership in nurturing nursing talent.
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19 Jun 2025
Social Care Nurses: A Call to Lead
Pam reflects on the inspiring social care nursing events she recently attended and calls for action in raising the profile of nursing in social care.
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18 Jun 2025
Guidance on Statutory Compliance for Care Home Managers – Buildings and Premises
Following a 2024 RCN Congress resolution, we have developed practical guidance to help care home managers meet statutory responsibilities related to buildings and premises. Many care homes operate in ageing environments that can pose serious risks. This resource provides clear advice, a compliance checklist, and signposting to support safe, legally compliant care settings.
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17 Jun 2025
A gentle revolution: Namaste Care
The word ‘namaste’ carries a beautiful meaning – ‘to honour the spirit within’. In care homes across the world, this profound concept has transformed into a revolutionary approach to caring for our older people.
