RCN Council is committed to driving change following the Carr review

I would like to personally thank every one of you who has contacted me and my colleagues on RCN Council in recent days, to share your thoughts on the independent review into RCN culture, conducted by Bruce Carr KC.

I am grateful to everyone who attended the recent member meeting called to discuss the report, for the questions you asked, and the issues you raised. RCN Council accepts all recommendations in full and is committed to taking forward the necessary immediate actions. These include urgent discussions with both Bruce Carr KC and the NMC in relation to him sharing the names of those who are implicated within the report and the actions which will follow. RCN members can view a recording of the member event here.

There is no doubt that this substantial report is very difficult to read, and Council is committed to entering a new chapter of the RCN with a focus on bringing justice and raising standards.
I and several Council colleagues attended the recent Reps conference in Manchester where we discussed the report, its findings and the changes needed with members from across the UK. We are committed to working with all members in leading the RCN through these times alongside our General Secretary Pat Cullen and President Denise Chaffer.

I would like to reiterate our unreserved apology to all those affected by this review.

It is clear to RCN Council that everyone who came forward to give a testimony to Bruce Carr KC showed great courage. An independent and confidential help and support line is available to any member who has been affected by issues related to the Carr review: 0800 783 1157. The line is open every day of the week, 24 hours a day and managed by the Validium Group, with strict policies and procedures to ensure confidentiality.

Any member wishing to report anything of concern may use 0800 028 2511. Calls are handled by Safecall, who specialise in safe and confidential reporting systems.

Members are also encouraged to contact Bruce Carr KC directly with further information at RCNreview@devchambers.co.uk

In addition to the recent member meeting, we will be holding a formal Extraordinary General Meeting where members can put further questions to Bruce Carr KC and discuss with us the way forward for the College. This will be held on Tuesday 29 November and more details will follow. Members can sign up for updates on the work resulting from the Carr review.

We are grateful to Bruce Carr KC for his report and that he is now taking further evidence as he leads investigations. I speak for all of Council when I say that, once in receipt of evidence, we will act with determination to bring justice and raise standards.