Discover learning resources, ways to connect and opportunities to get involved as a member employed in independent health and social care in Scotland.

If you're working in a nursing role in independent health and social care (IHSC) in Scotland, whether that’s in a care home, independent hospital, general practice, nursing agency, university, local authority, or other organisation - we’re here to support you.

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

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.  

Find more information and resources about IHSC across the UK.

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

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

Our awards are designed to recognise, highlight, and celebrate the dedication and outstanding professional care of nursing staff across Scotland.

From rural communities to the big cities, from the NHS, independent hospitals, care homes and others in the independent health and social care sector our finalists demonstrate the best of nursing in Scotland – through innovation, excellence in practice, leadership, and commitment.

In 2025, the highest honour of being named Scotland Nurse of the Year was given to Kirsty Cartin, a care home manager and passionate advocate for IHSC nursing.

Kirtsy is but one of the amazing IHSC finalists we’ve had over the years and you can read more about all of them on our awards web pages.

Nominations open each year in the autumn.

Could you or one of your colleagues be a winner? With 12 categories to nominate in covering all aspects of nursing, including a specific Care Home Nursing Award, we’re sure you’ll find the right category to celebrate all that is great about working in IHSC in Scotland. Find out more on our awards pages.