I was really pleased to see so many of our members at our welcoming event as I attended my first RCN Congress as regional director for the Eastern and East Midlands regions in a warm and sunny Liverpool. It was great to see everyone networking and sharing their experiences and backgrounds with each other. For many, this was their first time at Congress and, for some, their first time as voting members.

Monday started with well-deserved recognition of some of the amazing work and achievements among our members in the RCN Awards. Ian Graham, from the East Midlands, won steward of the year, and Matt Hull, from the same region, won health and safety rep of the year. Over in the Eastern region, Jia Amada was awarded learning rep of the year. Well done to everyone involved in supporting these members to grow and flourish in their roles.

Throughout the week it was great to see and feel the passion of our regions with many members getting up to speak, debate and support the discussions. The Eastern board led a discussion on losing direct nursing skills and opened up much debate around “skill decay”, with both regions taking part in many of the early items.

There was a very positive session about the Supreme Court’s Equality Act ruling, with members engaged in helping to formulate the RCN's response. Members brilliantly and compassionately described the issues the ruling has caused for their care giving. The RCN’s work on this area is ongoing.

Nicola Ranger, the RCN’s chief executive and general secretary, gave a keynote speech which was well received, taking the opportunity to celebrate our international nurses who might be feeling less valued following the Government’s immigration announcement. She spoke about the strength of the nursing voice which ministers should not ignore, emphasising the need to continue to speak up and be united so nursing staff can have their value recognised. Nicola also highlighted the challenges facing nursing and the continued fight for fair pay.

Tuesday saw a real focus on our student members, with many speaking passionately about the difficulties they face while studying and getting their first job. RCN Eastern student committee member Natasha Green spoke eloquently as she led debates on the issues facing students, including the financial challenges while completing their studies.

Congress also saw the launch of a petition calling on governments across the UK to commit to review the financial support available for nursing students. If you haven’t already, please sign here.

On Wednesday, Carmel O’Boyle, RCN Chair of Council, led members through Council’s report on last year’s Congress. This was followed by important debates on assaults on nursing staff, health and safety at work and stopping the decline in LD nursing. I also met again with members from both regions to catch-on the week.

On Thursday, Derbyshire branch managed to get an emergency agenda item approved. Student nurse Alex Knight led a passionate debate on the lack of jobs for newly qualified nurses. Eastern region also led a debate on the use of the term internationally educated nurse (IEN).

Our regions achieved some good media coverage during the week. David Kirwan, head of operations for RCN East Midlands, was interviewed by BBC East Midlands today, while RCN Eastern member on RCN Council Natalie Brooks featured on BBC Radio Suffolk. Both covered key issues round financial cuts in the NHS and the challenges around nursing pay and recruitment.

I would like to thank everyone who has supported me in the short time since I started working at the RCN and for making me feel so welcome. I am really looking forward to working with you as we take on the challenges facing nursing now and in the future.