It’s been an extremely busy start to the year for the RCN – I want to start by thanking you all for speaking up - you are the voice of nursing and the voice of your patients. Your latest testimony on corridor care has made sure that it stays at the top of Ministers’ priorities. I’ve told Ministers that now is not the time to look away, now is the time to act. Please continue to raise your concerns, to show why corridor care must not be normalised and why it demands urgent action. 

As the world’s largest nursing union and professional body, the global family of nursing is one of our great strengths. No health system exists in isolation - and no profession thrives without partnership. And one of our key partnerships is with the International Council of Nurses (ICN) - who we’re committed to sharing our expertise with and building the nursing profession globally.  

This week, I’ve had the pleasure of joining colleagues at the ICN International Workforce Forum in Japan. It's been a wonderful opportunity to share challenges and successes among nursing associations from around the world – and forms a valuable part of our international network. We know that across the globe, there are many similar issues for the nursing profession, and once again I have been struck by how far this is the case. But by working together, our profession is stronger in the face of these challenges.  

Our International Academy, part of the RCN’s Institute of Nursing Excellence, is also playing a key role in developing and leading nursing across the world. Because we know that when you invest in global nursing, you invest in better health outcomes for all. You can read more about the highlights and achievements of the International Academy and the wider work of the Institute in our new report.  

I also know that at the moment in the UK, it’s a worrying time for internationally educated nursing staff. Last week the RCN released a new report focused on UK government plans to overhaul the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) system. We’ve analysed the impact of the proposed ILR changes on the nursing workforce including findings from our supporting survey, where you have voiced your concerns about these proposals. For more information on the report, and what the proposals may mean for you, read our explainer here. 

Rest assured - the RCN is strongly opposing the indefinite leave to remain proposals which could significantly affect IENs working across health and social care - as well as failing to recognise the incredible value you bring. We will formally be responding to the government’s consultation and you can also write to your MP, whether you are affected by the proposals or not. Please make your voice heard. 

I know that these proposals create uncertainty, and I am really worried that they make the UK a less attractive place for the highly-skilled international nursing professionals who are the backbone of our NHS. Just this week, the NMC’s Spotlight on Nursing and Midwifery report showed many staff reporting bullying and harassment as well as discrimination at work, with much of it directed at those from a minority ethnic background. It’s absolutely not acceptable and we have repeatedly raised the alarm on this appalling treatment – it is a national emergency. We need leadership and action from politicians and service leaders now.    

We know that highly skilled nurses are crucial to improving patient care. Just this week we’ve seen the launch of the National Cancer Plan in England, and if it is to be successful, then the reality is that it needs nursing staff at its heart. That includes highly skilled Advanced Nurse Practitioners and cancer nurse specialists who devise and deliver person-centred treatment plans, and community, district, and palliative care nursing staff who help people recover and live with cancer from home. Read more about the important and skilled role Advanced Nurse Practitioners have in patient care here.  

And finally, I want to remind you that Congress booking is now open – I cannot wait to consider and debate the burning issues for the nursing profession with you, so please book your place. Voting has also now opened for the Scotland Nurse of the Year awards, and the Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year awards. Please take a moment to vote for your colleagues – these awards are designed to recognise and celebrate the dedication and outstanding professional care of nursing staff.