This is my first blog. I’ve often thought about writing one to share the work I do on behalf of NSW members, but like many things, it’s easy to say, “I’ll do it tomorrow.” This anniversary has given me the motivation to finally do it. I hope you’ll find it interesting and informative. Most importantly, I hope it helps you feel valued and heard within our union and professional body.

A brief history of NSW membership

Following research in the 1990s, it was found that health care assistants (HCAs) were contributing to improved standards of care delivery, increased patient satisfaction and better outcomes.

In 2000, RCN members voted to open membership to the non-registered health care workforce and Health Care Support Workers (HCSWs) were formally recognised as part of the nursing team within the RCN. Initially, there were strict requirements: members needed higher-level vocational qualifications (a minimum Level 3 NVQ) and had to be supervised by a registered nurse. On 31 May 2001, the first HCA joined the RCN as a Health Care Associate Member.

It wasn’t until 2011 that HCAs were admitted as full RCN members following a vote at the AGM. This provided full voting rights in RCN elections and led to the creation of an NSW seat on Council to represent this growing membership group. Between 2016 and 2024, NSW membership became the fastest-growing group within the RCN.

Initially, a working group was established to represent HCAs. This evolved into the NSW Committee in 2020 following a resolution passed at RCN Congress in 2019, which also prompted a change in the membership name to better reflect the diverse roles within it. The NSW category now includes HCAs, HCSWs, Assistant Practitioners and Registered Nursing Associates (although the latter role is not yet established in Wales).

Significant progress has been made over the past 25 years. NSWs are now a recognised and valued group with representation at every level of the organisation. We have access to the full range of RCN services and a platform to have our voices heard within our workplaces and the RCN. The journey we’ve taken to achieve full membership status and representation hasn’t always been straightforward; challenges along the way have required determination and advocacy from many individuals. But we’ve reached this point and that is something to be proud of.

Learn more about membership for nursing support workers.

The RCN’s UK Nursing Support Workers Committee

Until I joined the UK Nursing Support Workers Committee in 2023, I must admit I wasn’t actually aware it existed. Like many members, I initially joined the RCN for its trade union support. However, I eventually realised there’s so much more to the RCN and I was delighted to discover the NSW Committee already felt professional, organised and well-established.

Today, the NSW Committee consists of 15 members: 12 representing each RCN region or country, alongside three ex-officio members from the Trade Union Committee (TUC), Professional Nursing Committee (PNC), and the NSW Council member. All committee members are elected volunteers, ensuring they can act in the best interests of NSW members both regionally and across the UK.

In 2020, the committee played a key role in establishing Nursing Support Workers’ Day, celebrated annually on 23 November. Each year, the RCN hosts a national NSW Day conference, organised and delivered by the NSW Committee. Many regions also host their own events, ranging from conferences to workplace celebrations.

This anniversary represents recognition of NSWs as an integral part of the nursing profession. It highlights the importance of working as a collaborative and unified workforce. Together, with the rest of the nursing workforce, we deliver the best possible care and outcomes for our patients.

Celebrating 25 years of NSW membership

At RCN Congress earlier this month, we held a small celebration at our NSW reception. For the official anniversary on 31 May, I encourage you to mark the occasion in your workplace or local RCN branch. Perhaps a lunch together, a piece of cake or a quick tea break to reflect and celebrate. However small the gesture, be proud of this achievement – it’s more significant than you might think!
Nursing Support Workers’ Day on 23 November will be our main celebration event for this 25-year milestone. Plans are still under way and we’ll share updates as they progress. As always, the conference will celebrate achievements, showcase success and provide opportunities for learning and development. We’d love to see you there.

To stay up to date, you can join the RCN Nursing Support Workers Facebook group, run by the NSW Committee. It’s a great space to connect, ask questions and stay informed.

Don’t forget:
• you are qualified
• yours is as important as any other role within nursing
• you can be proud of who you are, the contribution you make and the difference you create every day.