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Key RCN leadership roles up for election
Members will be able to put themselves forward for positions including President and Chair of Congress
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Elections are taking place over the coming weeks for a number of key leadership roles at the RCN.
We are proudly member-led, and our member leaders play an essential role in the life and work of the RCN – setting strategy, monitoring performance and ensuring accountability.
Members will be able to put themselves forward for the chance to be our next President, Deputy President, Chair of Congress, Vice-Chair of Congress, and for the various seats on RCN Council.
There are different eligibility criteria for each role, and different periods during which you can nominate yourself (details below).
We’re also running workshops on the roles, where you can hear from members currently in those positions.
Nomination periods and eligibility
Roles: Chair and Vice-Chair of Congress.
The Chair and Vice-Chair of Congress convene our largest and most influential event of the year, RCN Congress. They will also take a leading role in delivering and implementing the outcomes of the Congress review.
Nomination period: 30 April to 1 June.
Key eligibility criteria: Nurse members who have attended at least two out of four of the most recent RCN Congress events (including 2026).
Roles: President, Deputy President.
Our President and Deputy President embody the vision and ambition of our College, working closely with our General Secretary and Chief Executive and Chair of Council to lead change.
Nomination period: 11 May to 15 June.
Key eligibility criteria: Nurse members with five years’ continuous membership.
Roles: Council.
Our Council is made up of 17 elected members. 14 of these members are elected directly to the role. President, Deputy President and Chair of Congress are the remaining three. Council represents our more than half a million members, working on their behalf.
Seats up for election: Scotland, South East, South West, Wales, West Midlands, Yorkshire & the Humber, Student.
Nomination period: 11 May to 15 June.
Key eligibility criteria: Nurse members in the above countries/regions (for the country/regional seats) with at least three years’ membership and student members qualifying on or after 1 July 2027 (for the student seat).
Dates for your diary
There are more elections later in the year with nomination periods as follows:
- Nursing Support Worker Committee: 22 June to 27 July
- Country and regional boards: 24 August to 21 September
- UK Stewards Committee: 1 September to 13 October
- UK Health and Safety Representatives Committee: 1 September to 13 October
- UK Learning Representatives Committee: 1 September to 13 October
- Students Committee: 14 September to 19 October
Candidate development workshops
Thinking about standing?: for members wanting to learn more about the roles available, hear from members currently in roles and improve their understanding of what they can do in an RCN governance role.
- 26 May, 12-1pm
- 1 June, 6-7pm
Campaign with confidence: for members standing, or planning to stand, in an RCN election, to develop their campaigning skills.
- 3 June, 6-7pm
- 4 June, 12-1pm
The RCN is committed to maintaining a diverse governance group in its governance operating framework. We aim to ensure that, where possible or applicable, those holding governance positions within this framework are reflective of the membership that they serve.
Our approach aims to foster inclusivity, equity, and encourage a broad spectrum of perspectives so that we attract and involve the best possible members in our decision-making processes for the benefit of the whole membership and the profession.
