When I volunteered to attend the RCN Forums and Nursing Activism Conference 2026 on behalf of the RCN Rheumatology Steering Committee Forum, I was unsure what to expect. The term activism evokes images of campaigning, protests, and lobbying for major political or social change, which aligns with the traditional definitions many of us hold. However, the conference changed my perspective, demonstrating that activism can be far more subtle, personal, and embedded within everyday professional practice.

The day began with an inspiring welcome from Abigail Bartlett, Chair of the Forums Chair Group. Her opening remarks prompted me to revisit a long-held belief: that the Royal College of Nursing’s Professional Body and Trade Union functions are strongest when they work collaboratively. Too often these two aspects are viewed separately, yet both ultimately share the same goal of advancing nursing, supporting nurses, and improving patient care. Bringing these perspectives together creates a powerful platform for meaningful change.

This theme was further developed by Professor Lynn Woolsey, RCN Chief Nursing Officer, who encouraged delegates to think about activism beyond demonstrations and public campaigns. Instead, she invited us to recognise the countless small actions nurses undertake every day when speaking up for patients, service users, colleagues, and themselves.

Her message resonated strongly with me. Reflecting on my own practice, I realised that many of the decisions we make as nurses—challenging unsafe processes, advocating for patients, supporting colleagues, or raising concerns—can be viewed as acts of activism. Individually these actions may seem modest, but collectively they create momentum that can influence systems, cultures, and outcomes.

One concept that particularly stood out was the idea of activism as a “refusal to compromise” with situations that negatively affect patients or staff. Whether advocating for safer nurse-to-patient ratios, fair remuneration, improved wellbeing, or higher standards of care, activism involves challenging a status quo that falls short of what we know is possible.

At the same time, the conference acknowledged that speaking up can be difficult. Activism requires confidence, commitment, and often a willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone. This led me to reflect on the barriers many of us face. How much of our reluctance to challenge arises from workplace culture and group dynamics? How much stems from personal factors such as personality traits, expectations, self-doubt, or even impostor syndrome?

These questions highlighted the importance of peer support. If we want to encourage engagement in activism, we must create environments where colleagues feel valued and supported. Recognising each other's contributions, however small they may appear, strengthens confidence and fosters a culture where positive change becomes everyone’s responsibility.

The conference then shifted towards the relationship between activism and research through an engaging session led by Professor Jane Ball, Director of the RCN Nursing Institute for Excellence. Her presentation explored how evidence underpins the credibility and influence of nursing and midwifery.

We were reminded that nursing has travelled a remarkable journey over the past two centuries, developing a robust scientific foundation that strengthens our profession. Yet there remains considerable work to be done in ensuring that this evidence is recognised not only by the public and wider healthcare community, but sometimes within our own professions.

The discussion felt particularly relevant in the context of contemporary nursing careers. Enhanced, advanced, and consultant roles place research alongside clinical practice, leadership, and education as one of their core pillars. Despite this, research often remains an afterthought, overshadowed by immediate clinical demands and service pressures.

I can appreciate why this happens. Healthcare organisations are frequently measured against clinical performance indicators, creating understandable pressure to prioritise direct service delivery. However, when research activity is neglected, there is a risk that standards stagnate and services fail to evolve alongside advances in science and changing societal needs.

One statement from the session stayed with me throughout the day: people lose faith when substandard care is normalised. Whether spoken directly by Professor Ball or emerging through audience discussion, the message was powerful. When poor practice becomes accepted or unquestioned, trust in healthcare organisations and professions inevitably declines.

Research-driven activism offers an alternative. Rather than accepting the status quo, it encourages curiosity, challenge, and continuous improvement. Many of the advances we now take for granted originated because someone questioned existing practice, sought evidence, and advocated for change.

This left me reflecting on the importance of exercising activism not only through research itself but also by championing research within our workplaces and professional networks. If nursing is to continue advancing, research must remain a fundamental component of our professional identity and a vital tool for improving care.