This week, RCN North West has launched a major campaign to recruit more local members to become NHS workplace representatives. The ‘A Rep Like Me’ campaign seeks to highlight the great many professional and personal advantages of taking up a position representing your fellow members, shining a light on the different roles available and busting some myths around how the work is managed (for example – being a rep is not a voluntary role, all NHS employers will provide union reps with time to carry out their duties). 

I can speak from personal experience when I recommend becoming a rep. 

When I returned to the UK from India to take up a role in the NHS, one of my very first choices was to join the RCN. As an internationally educated nurse, I knew that the vast educational resources, professional guidance and on-hand support would be invaluable. 

Only a short time later I knew that I wanted to be able to help others to benefit from what I had learned and chose to train as an RCN Learning & Development rep. The training was comprehensive and ongoing, making sure that I always knew the latest developments, and the support I received from my supervising RCN officer meant I never had to worry that I was out of my depth when supporting other members. 

My specific role enabled me to help my colleagues to realise their career potential by guiding them towards the targeted learning to help them achieve their goals. When members feel discouraged about their current role, a Learning Rep can help them to access support and to help break down barriers to further progress. 

The L&D role is one of three options to consider should becoming a rep be of interest to you. Our Health & Safety reps champion safe and appropriate work and practice conditions, helping members to speak out if they fear that standards are falling below what is acceptable. 

Stewards are there to support members when they face employment issues, helping them to feel empowered to engage in a formal process and to trust that they will get a fair hearing. 

Each role has a distinct set of objectives but all share common goals – to provide our members with an all-round support and development package and, for the reps themselves, to give them the confidence and knowledge to speak on behalf of their colleagues and their profession and to advance their own career aspirations.  

Becoming a rep is also an excellent way to become more involved in the RCN, from both the professional body and trade union standpoints. You are invited to attend national conferences and events and are encouraged to seek election to our many member-led committees and forums. My predecessor as Chair of the North West regional board, Carmel O’Boyle, began her RCN ‘career’ as a rep and now serves as the Chair of RCN Council. There should be no limit to ambition for where becoming a rep can take you. 

There is plenty more detail about what each role involves on our Become an RCN Rep webpage, along with information on how to express an interest in becoming a workplace rep. Take a look and then take the first step towards a new stage in your professional development.