It was a privilege to attend the RCN Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Conference at RCN HQ in London as Chair of the RCN Eastern Region EDI Network, alongside Hannah, our vice chair. Attending this national event was about meaningful representation and responsibility, ensuring that the lived experiences of our members are reflected in wider conversations on inclusion, civility and equity in nursing and health care practice.

The conference provided a powerful space to examine how societal division, polarisation and discrimination are increasingly influencing workplace culture and nursing practice. Sessions highlighted the real impact of incivility, bias and exclusion on staff wellbeing, professional identity and patient care, reinforcing the need for compassionate, values-led leadership across the profession.

Hannah attended “Stepping up as an inclusive colleague”, which focused on practical actions individuals can take to challenge inappropriate behaviour and support colleagues with confidence and clarity. Key learning included understanding personal spheres of influence, responding proportionately to behaviour and recognising how stress can affect communication and judgement in the workplace.

I attended “Tackling culture wars in the workplace: how we win”, which explored how divisive narratives in wider society are filtering into health care environments. The session focused on recognising the impact of misinformation and heightened emotion, and how leaders and colleagues can respond with empathy, professionalism and calm authority. Practical communication approaches were discussed to help de-escalate conflict while maintaining organisational values and professional standards.

Later I attended “Transforming cultures for inclusion in nursing”. This session focused on cultural transformation within nursing, emphasising accountability, inclusive leadership and the importance of addressing structural inequalities alongside individual behaviours. The discussion reinforced that sustainable inclusion requires consistent action, reflection and courage from leaders at all levels.

Hannah attended “The perpetual cycle of racial bias in health care and health care education”, which explored how racial bias can be embedded and perpetuated within systems, education pathways and professional cultures. The session highlighted the importance of recognising patterns of disadvantage, listening to lived experience and actively interrupting cycles of inequity to create fairer outcomes for staff and patients.

Attending parallel sessions throughout the day as chair and vice chair strengthened our shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the profession. The combined learning reinforced that equity, diversity and inclusion is not an optional agenda, but a core element of safe, effective and compassionate nursing practice.

As the RCN Eastern EDI Network, our role is to translate national learning into meaningful regional action. Equity must be embedded in everyday practice, supported by informed leadership and empowered colleagues. Events like this reaffirm why EDI leadership matters, because when staff feel safe, respected and valued, the care we provide improves for everyone.

If you’d like to get involved in the Eastern region group for internationally educated nurses (IEN Network), please email the regional office with your expression of interest.