The RCN’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) took place today (5 June) at the Scottish Event Campus, Glasgow, held in-person for the first time since 2019.
The AGM is an opportunity to reflect on what the RCN has achieved over the past year and for members to ask questions and hear discussions about the running of the College.
This year, the AGM included a short update on the independent review of the RCN’s organisational culture being led by Bruce Carr QC. He pledged that the review will be completed this summer and thanked members for their patience.
Members also heard from Geoff Earl, Chair of the RCN Governance Support Committee, with an update on progress made on key recommendations in the RCN governance review. He said, “we will not shy away from this report” and that the recommendations from it will fit into a wider programme of change following the Bruce Carr review.
The meeting was opened with a welcome from RCN President Dr Denise Chaffer. In her opening remarks, she told members that the past year had been a very challenging time for all.
Delegates also heard from Chair of RCN Council Carol Popplestone, who ran through the 2021 annual report. She noted how the past year has been “incredibly challenging for our profession” and highlighted the “immense pressure on us all”.
She paid tribute to all members for supporting each other “through the difficult couple of years we’ve all lived and worked through”. She added: “I want all members to know that you have a place in the College – you can and should engage, and your voice will be heard,” she said.
Carol then passed over to Honorary Treasurer Professor Rod Thomson who ran through the 2021 financial statements set out in the annual report.
RCN members were able to submit questions in advance of the meeting and during it. Topics covered included equality and inclusivity, supporting overseas nursing staff, and reports of nursing staff turning to foodbanks.
Members will be able to watch a video of the event being made available shortly. Answers to questions submitted by members will be published on our website soon. Find out more.
