RCN Reps
As an RCN rep you are a vital link between the RCN and its members. You are the RCN's ambassador in the workplace, helping to influence policies, assist members and shape the nursing profession. Use this guide to find information resources about working as an RCN rep and how RCN library services can support you.
Last updated:
04/02/2022
COVID-19
RCN: COVID-19 (coronovirus) -
Includes employment advice, guidance on redeployment, employment guidance for NHS staff and what you need to know (FAQs).
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Library benefits for RCN reps
Please mention that you are a rep when requesting the relevant service.
RCN Library and Archive services for RCN representatives
Prioritised literature searches
Reps are entitled to free postal loans, please be aware you are responsible for the cost of returning the books. Reps also have extended loan periods of 8 weeks, any renewals are for 4 weeks.
Library promotional resources
Poster: Library and Archive Service -
A4 poster which reps can print out and display in the workplace.
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Key Resources
LRD Publications: booklets-
Labour Research Department booklets on trade union and employment relations issues. RCN reps can access for free.
View page (login required) - Contact RCN Library and Heritage Centre for login details
Royal College of Nursing (2021) RCN nursing workforce standards. Briefing for RCN reps and branch executive. London: RCN.
Royal College of Nursing (2021) RCN reps guidance for holding virtual meetings. London: RCN.
Royal College of Nursing (2020) A safety representative's resource staffing for safe and effective care. London: RCN.
Royal College of Nursing (2019) Improving continuing professional development: how reps can make a difference in the workplace. London: RCN.
Royal College of Nursing (2017) Making the case for facilities time and facilities agreements in the NHS. London: RCN.
Royal College of Nursing (2020) The menopause and work: guidance for RCN representatives. London: RCN
Royal College of Nursing (2019) Employment survey 2019. London: RCN.
Royal College of Nursing (2015) Ask. Listen. Act. Questioning and influencing to improve workplace conditions: practical guide for RCN representatives. London: RCN.
Royal College of Nursing (2015) Healthy workplace toolkit: health workplace, healthy you. London: RCN.-
The healthy workplace toolkit supports you to create healthy working environments.
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Nursing and Midwifery Council (2019) Raising concerns: guidance for nurses and midwives and nursing associates. (Revised edn.) London: NMC.
Nursing and Midwifery Council and General Medical Council (2015) Openness and honesty when things go wrong: the professional duty of candour. London: GMC/NMC.
Nursing and Midwifery Council and Cygnor Medyggol Cyffredinol (2015) Gweithredu mewn ffordd agored a gonest pan fydd pethau yn mynd o le: dyletswydd broffesiynol gonestrwydd. London: CMC/NMC.
Books
Ash A (2016) Whistle blowing and ethics in health and social care. London: Jessica Kinglsey.
Barsky A E (2017) Conflict resolution for the helping professions: negotiation, mediation, advocacy, facilitation, and restorative justice. 3rd edn. New York: Oxford University Press.
Burchill F (2014) Labour relations. 4th edn. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Cotton E (2017) Surviving work in healthcare: helpful stuff for people on the frontline. London: Routledge.
Johnstone S and Ackers P (2015) Finding a voice at work? new perspectives on employment relations. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Mitchell B and Gamlem C (2015) The essential workplace conflict handbook: a quick and handy resource for any manager, team leader, HR professional, or anyone who wants to resolve disputes and increase productivity. Pompton Plains, NJ: Career Press.
Rowell O (2020) A guide to employment law: the Easyway. Brighton: Straightforward Publishing.
Simms M, Holgate J and Heery E (2013) Union voices: tactics and tensions in UK organizing. Ithaca: Cornell University Press.
Trades Union Congress (2017) Facility time: a TUC guide to defending the right to represent members. London: TUC.
Trades Union Congress (2019) Pocket guide to organising and campaigning. London: TUC.
Book subject searches
Use these links to see details of books the RCN libraries hold on each topic.
Journal articles
Use these links to see details of journal articles on each topic.
Journals
Journals of interest for RCN reps.
RCN reps can access these specialist journals from LRD Publications for free.
- Contact the Library for LRD Publications login details
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Labour Research is a UK monthly that keeps you right on top of what's happening in the unions - from how they're responding to the impact of government policy on unions and working people to union initiatives on recruitment and growth.
Labour Research (LRD Publications login required) -
Workplace Report covers the latest developments in pay and conditions, best practice and news on pay deals. Its centre section provides a unique update on case law developments in two areas of employment law each month.
Workplace Report (LRD Publications login required)
Explore
RCN Reps making a difference
The value of reps: what we give
The value of reps: what we gain
The value of reps changemakers conference
The value of reps: what we give
The value of reps: what we gain
The value of reps changemakers conference
Royal College of Nursing (2018) Becoming an RCN representative, London: RCN.
Royal College of Nursing (2018) Being a modern, progressive, professional trade union: the value of reps and active members, London: RCN.
Royal College of Nursing (2017) The value of reps: in our own words, London: RCN.
ACAS (The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service)
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Information on rights at work. The ‘Advice and Guidance’ section includes an advice A-Z and ACAS Helpline for England, Scotland and Wales.
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Equality and Human Rights Commission
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The Commission has responsibility for the promotion and enforcement of equality and non-discrimination laws in England, Scotland and Wales.
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Equality Commission for Northern Ireland
Labour Relations Agency (Northern Ireland)
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Provides an impartial and confidential employment relations service to those engaged in industry, commerce and the public services in Northern Ireland.
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NHS Employers
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Aims to keep employers up to date with the latest workforce thinking, the information on this site is also useful for reps.
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TUC150: 150 years of changing the world of work for good
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The Trades Union Congress presents a set of trade union stories from the past 150 years, snapshots of trade unionists.
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Cathryn Peppard
Editor of this guide
RCN Library and Archive staff
Page last updated - 04/02/2022
