On Wednesday 25 November, Council decided that Nurses United is a competitor organisation for the purposes of Rule 10 of the ‘RCN elections – policy & process’ document.
This states that in order to hold an elected RCN position, members must not; “hold office in any organisation which competes with the RCN for members or which, in the opinion of RCN Council, propounds policies which are in conflict with the main objects in the RCN’s Royal Charter and its overall philosophies – for example if they are a representative in another trade union.”
This change affects those who hold office with Nurses United and who also wish to take up an elected RCN position. Those affected by this change have been contacted directly by the Chair of Council to discuss their position.
Dave Dawes, the Chair of RCN Council, said:
"Members of Nurses United can still get fully involved in the RCN’s work and hold governance positions.
“This change only affects people who hold official roles in Nurses United. This approach is consistent with restrictions placed on officers from other similar bodies and trade unions.
“We have constructive relationships with them and we hope to have a similarly constructive relationship with Nurses United.”
