As Chair of the Nursing Support Worker (NSW) Committee and a South East member, I am proud to share our excitement for this year’s RCN Congress (18–21 May) which is a particularly special one as we celebrate 25 years of NSW membership.

Join us at Congress

If you are attending Congress, I warmly encourage you to come and say hello. The NSW stall will be open every day throughout Congress, providing a welcoming space to:

• Connect with fellow NSWs
• Share your experiences and ideas
• Learn more about the work of the NSW Committee
• Explore opportunities to get involved

Whether you are new to Congress or a returning attendee, we would love to meet you. Your voice, insight, and contribution are what continue to strengthen our community.

If you are unable to attend in person, please remember that you can still join Congress online. This ensures that everyone can be involved, wherever they are. You will find all the information on how to connect via the RCN Congress webpage.

A special celebration 

A key highlight of the week will be the NSW event on Monday 18 May, where we will be celebrating 25 years of NSW membership. This is a moment to recognise the invaluable contribution NSWs have made and continue to make across health and care settings.

This celebration is more than just a milestone; it is a recognition of the professionalism, compassion, and dedication that define NSWs. It is also a chance to reflect on how far we have come and to look ahead at how we continue to advocate for recognition, development, and inclusion within the wider nursing workforce. 

Why this matters

Reaching 25 years of NSW membership is a testament to the resilience, dedication, and progression of this vital workforce. It reflects ongoing efforts to ensure that NSWs are recognised, supported, and empowered in their roles.

Looking ahead to November

Our celebrations do not stop at Congress. We are also looking forward to a significant event on 23 November, where we will continue marking this 25-year milestone through a dedicated conference.

This conference will:

• Showcase the impact and evolution of NSW roles
• Highlight best practice and innovation
• Provide a platform for shared learning and professional development
• Celebrate the achievements of NSWs across the UK

It will be a meaningful opportunity to bring our community together once again—this time with a focused lens on our journey, our growth, and our future.

As we gather at Congress and beyond, it is important that we continue to:

• Build confidence within the workforce
• Strengthen our professional identity
• Promote inclusive and person-centred care
• Advocate for opportunities that support career development

A personal reflection

As I reflect on this milestone, I feel incredibly proud to represent such a dedicated and compassionate workforce—not only as a NSW myself, but also in my role as NSW Committee Chair. I have had the privilege of hearing your stories, your challenges, and your successes, and I recognise these through both lived experience and leadership. I see every day the difference NSWs make to patient care, to teams, and to each other.

Reaching 25 years of membership is not just a number - it represents growth, recognition, and the strengthening of our collective voice. It reflects how far we have come as a profession and the increasing value placed on the essential role we play within healthcare. I am truly honoured to stand alongside you in celebrating this achievement, and I am excited for what we will continue to accomplish together as NSWs.

Final thoughts

Congress is always a highlight of our calendar, but this year carries an added sense of pride and celebration. I encourage you to make the most of the experience and attend sessions, engage in discussions, and take time to connect.

Most importantly, please come and visit us at the NSW stall - we would love to meet you, hear your story, and celebrate this milestone together.

Here’s to recognising our past, celebrating our present, and shaping a strong and inclusive future for NSWs.

We look forward to seeing you there.