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I have just three points to make...

Ashleigh Taylor 7 Jul 2025

How is it July I ask myself? Congress seems just last week, yet here we are in the middle of a heatwave… I thought I would try and try and give you a succinct blog and I have just three points to make… 

RCN Council member for the South West Ashleigh Taylor talking to RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger and a group of RCN members in front of an RCN Bath Branch stand
I was very sad to hear the news that the amazing Dame June Clark passed away in June this year. I met June several times at Congress, and she always gave sage advice. She was my best friend’s head of the School of Nursing in Swansea and believe me, she was a force to be reckoned with. Whenever she came to the microphone she would always start with the words: "I have just three points to make," – and so I dedicate this blog to her. For more information on June please read: Remembering June Clark.

Congress seems a while ago, but Council has already started work on some of the items that were discussed. I am particularly interested in people’s thoughts around the Supreme Court Judgment and will be attending the in-person event in London. Please do reach out if you have any thoughts and questions on this. I must stress that this is a very sensitive matter and I want to make sure that all of our members are heard and supported. For more information on this please visit: RCN invites members to share views on Supreme Court judgment.

The AGM is coming and I invite you to either join online or visit in person. Having been elected on a mandate to ensure good governance I am keen to ask members to support the proposed resolutions. In essence we are asking members to allow the RCN Executive Team (which includes the General Secretary and executive directors) to be permanent members of Council in a non-voting capacity, rather than the present system, which is that they are invited. This is not only good governance but also allows the RCN to mirror most traditional executive boards in its board structure. The executive team would remain non-voting, but would be there to give guidance and advice. 

Finally, I wish to finish with saying I enjoyed my most recent visit to the Royal United Hospital in Bath with our General Secretary & Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger. It was great to get out and meet people and discuss their thoughts and experiences working on the front line as well as encourage people to #GetOutTheVote. If you have not voted yet please do go here: Have your say.

I hope you all have an enjoyable summer and as ever if you have any questions or queries, or would like me to visit your branch please do contact me via: Council.SouthWest@rcn.org.uk.

Take care - Ashleigh
 
Ashleigh Taylor

Ashleigh Taylor

RCN Council member representing South West members

Nurse

Ashleigh Taylor is the South West member of RCN Council, the College's governing body. 

Page last updated - 07/07/2025