The RCN and the International Council of Nurses (ICN) have signed a partnership agreement to boost nurse education and continuing professional development.

The partnership will see ICN collaboration on learning and accreditation resources. The collaboration aims to influence the quality of nurse education and professional development on offer to an increased number of nursing staff globally.

The RCN believes accreditation of education and continuous professional development is central to not only improving access to learning opportunities, but also in improving standards across the world.

RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger said: “Nursing is an incredible career and giving even more of those in the profession access to world-class learning and development opportunities will, I hope, strengthen us even further.

“Being part of the ICN means the voice of nursing is heard even louder by governments and health leaders around the world. This collaboration makes us even stronger as we work together to give access to even more nursing staff to grow and develop their careers.”

The ICN is a federation of more than 140 national nurses’ associations, representing millions of nurses worldwide.

ICN Chief Executive Officer Howard Catton, pictured above with Nicola, said: “ICN is thrilled to launch this exciting and impactful partnership with the RCN. We have an opportunity and also a responsibility to enable the world’s nurses to lead the change we so urgently need, which is why it is so important to create these strong, accessible pathways for nursing education and professional growth.”

The agreement was signed at the ICN annual Congress in Helsinki taking place this week, which a number of RCN members and staff have joined. This has included RCN President Bejoy Sebastian and Chair of Council Carmel O’Boyle, as well as RCN UK student committee members and RCN Nurse of the Year award winners from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.