Nursing pay spine and safe staffing are key issues for year ahead

I am incredibly proud to have been elected vice chair of RCN Council. I believe it is essential that we respect the past and take the learnings from recent governance reviews into the future. I will work with Council to build on the RCN’s reputation as a representative voice and a trusted education and development resource of what’s best in modern nursing.

The first issue I'd like to raise in this blog is that the UK government has launched a consultation to explore the creation of a separate pay spine for nursing staff working for the NHS in England. It is calling for evidence to consider the benefits and challenges of a separate nursing pay spine, and to explore other potential approaches to support the career progression and professional development of nursing staff. The consultation is open for 12 weeks and will close on 4 April. In our consultation response we will consider what a nursing pay spine would mean for all nursing roles, between bands 2 to 9. From the newest health care assistant to chief nurses, we are one profession. The government’s consultation will gather evidence and opinions from many organisations and individuals to understand the problem and possible solutions – so it's important we make our voices heard.

So my ask is that you participate in the RCN’s consultation to enable us to feedback on your behalf. You can find out more on the website and there is also a helpful FAQ section.

Secondly, safe staffing and staffing ratios remain a key focus of activity. In December the RCN hosted an international meeting looking at nurse to patient ratios. We have the data to demonstrate that workforce modelling must be risk based, not task based. Led by RCN Chief Nurse Nicola Ranger, I do feel that this is a pivotal moment for the nursing profession and we are working together to commit to actions that will ensure nurse staffing levels are safe.  Please have a look at Staffing for Safe and Effective Care in England, which has useful resources for you to utilise within your workplaces. I will keep you updated on progress on the staffing ratios work.

I am looking forward to seeing you at regional events and meetings and particularly excited to be seeing you at RCN Congress in Newport, flying the flag for the region with great professionalism and aplomb.