The independent health and social care sector includes a wide range of roles for nurses and nursing support workers outside the NHS, spanning many different settings and types of care.

So if you working in a nursing role in independent health and social care in Scotland—whether that’s in a care home, independent hospital, general practice, nursing agency, university, local authority, or other organisation in this diverse sector - we’re here to support you.

As the voice of nursing, we’re committed to connecting, engaging and representing nursing staff, no matter what sector or setting you’re employed in. This page signposts to useful information and resources about IHSC in Scotland. For more general information about IHSC across the UK, please see our ‘Nursing across independent health and social care’ page.

As RCN Lead Nurse for Independent Health and Social Care in Scotland, Carol Dale's job is to champion you and your colleagues, no matter your role or setting. She brings specialist experience across all areas of independent health and social care.

Her work involves:

• Providing expert advice, guidance, and support on professional, clinical, and workplace matters
• Facilitating learning and development opportunities for nurses, support workers, and teams
• Connecting members to resources, networks, and communities of practice
• Helping shape RCN strategy, campaigns, and policy to reflect the real issues you face
• Representing your interests with key national and local stakeholders—including Scottish Government, regulatory bodies and employers
• Promoting equality, inclusion, and a positive work culture everywhere nursing happens

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please contact Carol Dale, our Lead Nurse for Independent Health and Social Care in Scotland, at Carol.Dale@rcn.org.uk

We support a wide range of professional communities and we’re always looking to connect and support members from every setting and specialty.

One example is our newly established RCN Community of Practice for care home nurses working with older people in Scotland. This community is a place for passionate care home nurses to come together, share ideas and build a professional support network. At meetings throughout the year, members come together to hear from experts and discuss and reflect on what matters to them.

Whatever your field, there’s a place for you in the RCN.

Contact Carol Dale to discuss how the RCN can support your area of practice.

Most of the resources on our website are relevant to all members – no matter what sector or setting you’re employed in. This includes many of our advice guides and subject guides, as well as the clinical information on RCN Learn.