Got something to say? Get it on the RCN Congress agenda

Every year, RCN Congress becomes the beating heart of nursing debate, where members shape the future of the profession, spotlight urgent issues, and influence the RCN’s policy and future direction. Those powerful debates start with you.

Whether you’re fired up about safe staffing, passionate about student nurse support, or want to celebrate the unsung heroes of our profession, submitting an agenda item is your chance to make waves, in the best possible way. And it’s easier than you think.

Each year at Congress, we debate approximately 30 subjects. These debates are submitted by you, the member, on behalf of a forum, committee, branch, region or country. 

The deadline for submissions is Wednesday 7 January 2026.

How can I submit a potential agenda item?

Suggestions for potential agenda items can be submitted by RCN boards, branches, forums or representative committee members by completing this form.

If you have a bright idea or there is an issue you feel strongly about but don't know who your branch or committee members are then please email congressagenda@rcn.org.uk and we will put you in touch.

What makes a great agenda item?

An engaging topic at Congress can mean the difference between long queues to speak or a quick snooze for delegates. So, what makes a stimulating debate and how can you ensure that your issue gets members talking?

• Keeping it topical and current.
  A useful tool is a PEST analysis. Does your item have Political, Economic, Sociocultural or Technological factors?

• Relevant with broad appeal.
  Is it relevant and widely relatable? The more members it touches, the more powerful the debate.

• New or emerging issue?
  Is it fresh? New issues – or new takes on old ones – can often spark the most interest.

• Can it make a difference?
  Choose something where member voices can drive real change.

• Realistic and achievable.
  Be realistic about what you want to debate. It's more valuable to debate something where our resulting actions can make a difference. Check action hasn't already taken place, too.

• UK context.
  Does it have a four-country perspective? Think UK-wide, even if the issue begins locally.

I have an idea. What next?

Once you’ve got your idea in place, you’ll need to decide if it’s going to be a resolution or a matter for discussion.

• A resolution calls for action. (“That this meeting of RCN Congress calls on…”)
• A matter for discussion opens up a conversation. (“That this meeting of RCN Congress discusses…”) Keep your wording sharp and clear – no waffle, no jargon.

Is my item competent?

By competent we mean have you answered all the questions on the form correctly and made sure that you have supplied the relevant information. Unfortunately, many items are rejected by the Agenda Committee because they are not competent – examples of why items are rejected include:

• there is no supporting information provided – supporting information is crucial as it provides the Agenda Committee with the background and context as to why you consider the item to be important
• the wording of the resolution or matter for discussion is not clear or is too “woolly” – make sure your wording is crystal clear, short and succinct
• no-one has authorised the item – your item must be authorised by an officer from the entity which is submitting it.

What are some previous agenda items that have been accepted?

In 2025, our debates included:

• celebrating a nursing career – submitted by Dorset Branch
• accountability for patients in the back of ambulances – submitted by Northern Branch (Northern Ireland)
• international student nurse hardship – submitted by Students Committee
• assaults on nursing staff and employer accountability – submitted by UK Health & Safety Reps Committee
• tackling health inequalities – submitted by CYP Acute Care Forum.

What happens if my agenda item is accepted?

All submitters will receive feedback letters, and for those who have had their item(s) accepted, this will contain details of next steps.

You’ll need to attend Congress, first and foremost, to present to delegates. This includes explaining the purpose, relevance, and desired outcome of your item.

Delegates will debate the item. If it’s a resolution, it will be voted on. If passed, it becomes part of the RCN’s work for the next year. You’ll then work with the RCN to further this resolution. That could be anything from lobbying the government or stakeholders, to participating in working groups or creating a resource.

Consider this before you submit an agenda item. You’ll be expected to stay engaged beyond Congress. This is a long-term commitment, not a one-off event.

RCN Congress isn’t just a stage – it’s a platform for change. So, if there’s an issue that keeps you up at night or a bright idea you can’t shake, don’t wait. Submit it. Debate it. Shape the future of nursing.

Let’s make 2026 the most powerful Congress yet. Find out more.