The RCN has announced the appointment of Nicola Williams as its new Executive Director of RCN Wales. Nicola will take up the post joining the RCN Executive Team in April.
She joins the RCN from Velindre University NHS Trust, where she is Executive Director for Nursing, Allied Health Professionals and Health Care Scientists. With 38 years of nursing experience and more than six years at executive board level, she is widely recognised across NHS Wales for her commitment to improving patient outcomes.
A strategic nurse leader with experience across a wide range of clinical and organisational settings, Nicola has led large‑scale transformation programmes, strengthened national clinical leadership networks and championed innovation and evidence‑based improvement. Her work has contributed to service changes adopted nationally, and she has been recognised through national award wins.
Reflecting on her appointment, Nicola said: “I feel so privileged to be appointed as Executive Director of RCN Wales. I’m a proud nurse, passionate about patient safety and improving care standards. I know that delivering the best care is only possible by ensuring all nursing staff are able to work in safe, inclusive and supportive environments. I’ll be standing alongside you and your patients.
“Nursing staff are the backbone of health and care. I’m determined to help our members in Wales, no matter where they work, meet challenges head on, and forge a new path for our profession in the modern world.
“I look forward to meeting members and being out and about as much as possible across Wales. I want our work in the coming years to be informed and inspired by your experiences and expertise.”
As Executive Director of RCN Wales, Nicola will have a broad portfolio leading the organisation’s work in Wales as well as strategic leadership of RCN priority areas spanning across the UK.
She succeeds Helen Whyley, who has been Executive Director of RCN Wales since February 2019 and is moving into the new role of Director of Service Innovation at the RCN.
