Becoming a member of the Board will make a real contribution to the governance and accountability of the RCN. Each Board is accountable to Council and demonstrates this through adherence to the Board Terms of Reference. 

We are the largest and slightly more complex region as we include the Crown Dependencies, namely the Channel Islands. I am proud that we have a very engaged Board and work with a supportive and well led team of full-time regional staff.

In considering standing for nomination, it shows that you already have an interest in contributing to the function of the RCN and most importantly to our members across the South East.
It is a privilege and honour when your fellow members vote to elect you to represent them as a Board member. It is also important to understand the likely commitment from you, especially as you undertake this role in a voluntary capacity.

Before you complete your nomination form, please do take the time to read the Board terms of reference and the role descriptor. Do your homework, consider your motivation and why you want to stand, you might want to read a copy of the Board minutes, get to understand the terminology of the terms of reference by sharing and discussing them with a colleague. Similarly read through the role descriptor and take time to reflect on your motives, the qualities, skills and knowledge you have and how you feel these match. It's unrealistic to have a 100% match, however what is important is what you feel you can contribute as a member, together with the potential learning opportunities. You can also contact the Board member linked to your Branch and contact Ellen McNicholas, Regional Director.

Just as the RCN reflects a broad and diverse membership from across the NHS, Social and Independent sector, education and students so does the Board. As a member of the Board you bring your own unique experience and contribute to its effectiveness. There can be a slight challenge in understanding that we are not on the Board to represent our own individual interest or specific issue. We work together to represent the wider members interests across the South East. As a Board member you will be linked to a named branch and this provides the opportunity to both share the work of the Board and feedback issues and good practice from branches.

So... what is the workload and expectations? The Board meets formally three times a year at the RCN Headquarters in London. Mostly these are held face to face for a day, and we do of course accommodate virtual attendance as well. The agenda covers a range of items incorporating governance reports, responding to consultations, finance, and key messages to share with Council. This does mean you have to make time to do some reading and preparation before the meeting. There are also ad hoc meetings at certain times of the year such as approving applications pre-Congress and reviewing and approving branch plans and funding. We also have approximately 5/6 online hour early evening events during the year where Board and Branches meet for a catch up and invite a guest speaker.

By having an appreciation of the commitment needed, this should help you think about any conversations you may need to consider with your manager or employer.

This may sound a bit daunting, particularly if you are not familiar in participating within a formal committee or meeting.  Please don't let this deter you from standing for election, as you will be supported from existing Board members together with the South East regional team and making connections with other RCN Committees and Forums.

Standing for election and participating as Board member is both humbling and a great achievement. It is a unique experience where you will learn about yourself and develop new knowledge and skills. Most importantly, you could positively contribute to the governance of the RCN.

I wish every person who nominates themself and stands for election every success.

Find out more about the Board nomination process.