‘A Rep Like Me’ launches this month on the region’s social media channels, aiming to give an insight into why some of our established workplace reps decided to take the step into representing their fellow members on professional issues.
In a series of short videos, reps from across the region will tell us their motivation in taking the role and the benefits that they have experienced by becoming an RCN rep.
The campaign launches with Kieran, a dual role rep covering both the Learning & Development and Steward roles at The Christie NHS FT. Having first qualified as a rep two years ago, he tells us how he feels the role has improved him as a nurse, saying:
'I feel like a better nurse, I'm more compassionate with both my colleagues and patients and I understand their issues coming in to work.
'[Becoming a rep] is a fantastic opportunity to learn and to get involved with different areas of work that you might not see within your day to day practice. You get an opportunity to learn about how employment matters really do matter when you're working in a trust and you also get the opportunity to comment on policies that improves the lives of RCN members.'
The campaign which will run throughout the summer, aims to encourage members to find out more about becoming a rep and highlights the different rep roles available. ‘A Rep Like Me’ aims to give an insight into the scope and diversity of the role, detailing the personal and professional benefits discovered by existing reps.
Further reps involved in the campaign are long-standing Liverpool rep Pauline, Pamella who works in Cheshire and Lisa, who is a Healthcare Assistant based in Blackpool. Members will also hear from Chief Nurses in North West organisations who champion the role and talk about the benefits of having an RCN voice in their organisation.
Watch Kieran’s film here.
Current reps in the North West interested in getting involved in the campaign can email our Regional Communications Managers on danielle.scapens@rcn.org.uk or kelly.dooley@rcn.org.uk to find out more.
Interested in becoming an RCN rep? Find out more about what's involved and how to apply here
