Dr Carolyn (Lyn) Middleton MBE, Wales Board Member and Welsh Member on the RCN Professional Nursing Committee
Tell us, how did it feel to be elected as a Board member?
When elected as a Welsh Board Member I felt super excited but daunted. I knew it would be a huge learning curve and a great responsibility.
What motivates you in this position?
Why is it important to play an active role in promoting the voice of nursing and representing the RCN? My key motivation relates to a lifetime of nursing and being a member of the RCN. I started my nurse training in 1978 and throughout my long nursing career I relied on RCN resources and support. I applied to be an RCN Board Member not only to give something back to the RCN but I feel very strongly that if you want to influence the future direction of the organisation you have to be prepared to work hard within it to be effective. Being involved, promoting the voice of nursing and representing the RCN is very important to me.
What are your main responsibilities as a Board member?
The three main responsibilities as a Board Member are firstly governance; the Board Chair and all Board Members provide oversight to ensure that the aims, objectives and standards are met, manging risk as well as providing scrutiny relating to appropriate use of finances and resources. Secondly, supporting organisational strategic priorities; every Board Member brings a vast amount of experience and knowledge to contribute to and support the RCN Wales’s strategic vision, underpinning with policy development. Thirdly providing a link between the RCN UK Council, the Welsh Board and the RCN members in Gwent, being aware of the RCN members views and concerns, advocating and representing members in all matters that impact on nursing and patient care.
What would you like to achieve, or what are your priorities?
I would like to have a positive influence on nursing and nurses, being an effective advocate to ensure that there are equal opportunities for all nurses in Wales and the UK in order to continue to provide the highest standards of safe and effective patient care.
You have been a Board member since January 2021. What work are you most proud of, or what are your highlights?
I am very proud and feel very privileged to have been elected as the Wales representative on the Professional Nursing Committee. Both as a Board Member and a PNC member I have had the opportunity to work with some inspirational nurses. My highlights are promoting and championing professionalism and working to ensure fair and appropriate standards for internationally trained nurses gaining registration in the UK. I am very much looking forward to supporting the development of an RCN research strategy
What would you say to members who might be interested in becoming a Board member?
I would absolutely encourage other RCN members to put themselves forward to become Board Members. I have learned so much and have had excellent support from the Director of Nursing and all the staff as well as the Chair of the Board and Board members. It is a great role.
What representation would you like to see going forward on the RCN Wales Board?
Going forward it is important that the Board is representative of the Welsh members. This will ensure their voice is heard, help shape workstreams being undertaken and ensure the Board reaches its maximum potential in terms of effectiveness.
