Candidates for RCN President election announced and Deputy President re-elected

RCN members will choose from four candidates when they vote for the new RCN President later this year. 

The candidates are: 

• Professor Julie Green FRCN 
• Tristan Griffin 
• Sheila Sobrany 
• Maria Trewern.

Current RCN Deputy President, Tracey Budding, has been re-elected unopposed to the role and will start her second term of office on 1 January 2023.  

The decision has been taken to postpone the voting period of the election so it will not coincide with an important postal ballot on industrial action, which opens on 15 September. In that ballot, which closes on 13 October, members working for the NHS in England and Wales, on Agenda for Change contracts are being encouraged to vote in favour of strike action. 

All RCN members can vote for their next President by post from 24 October. Please complete and return your vote in the pre-paid envelope provided.  

For more information about each candidate, visit our election web page and look out for details about an online hustings event which will be in advance of voting opening.    

Chair of RCN Council, Carol Popplestone, said: “Nursing has been in people’s minds like never before and now is a hugely important time for all of those in it.  

“The President is an ambassador not just for the RCN, but for the whole nursing profession both in the UK and around the world. I would urge you to have your say on who you’d like to see represent you when voting opens on 24 October.”  

Current RCN Deputy President, Tracey Budding, will now remain in post until December 2024 following her re-election She said: “During my time so far as RCN Deputy President, I’ve been actively involved in key RCN campaigns and strategies that have led to fundamental changes to how we engage, represent and support our members.  

“I feel privileged to continue in this role and will dedicate myself to speaking up for nursing, working with colleagues and members to ensure that all nursing staff are valued, respected and paid at a level which recognises their dedication and professionalism.”  

The successful candidates will be announced on 29 November and will hold office for two years from 1 January 2023.