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This has been a point of discussion for several years but has become more relevant over the last six months due to neither branch being unable to hold a quorate Annual General Meeting or RCN Cheshire East having a full executive team in place for the branch.

These are both requirements for an active branch within the ÌÀÍ·ÌõÎÛÁÏ.

FAQs

What are the benefits of the merger?
A newly merged RCN Cheshire branch would be able to fully support members across all the main employers (both NHS and independent sector) and ICB within the same branch.

It would also mean:

• Learning and development across the whole county could be included in branch meetings and plans;
• A countywide approach could be developed around employer policies etc.
• Increasing numbers at branch meetings as both experience low turnout;
• Joint meetings and events held previously have successful; 
• Improved communication and collaboration across both branches; 
• Pooling of resources and shared executive responsibilities preventing duplication of work;
• Simplification and ease of identification of branch for members. 

What are the disadvantages of the merger?
We recognise that a merged branch could create challenges in bringing people together face-to-face. However, the past four years have shown us that virtual meetings and events can work extremely well. If these were interspersed with occasional face-to-face events, particularly if we can perhaps include a learning event with a branch meeting, we are confident we can meet this challenge.

The other possible concern would be increased responsibility for active branch members and executives. However, we would hope a newly relaunched branch will bring in new activists to help with that workload.

How will a branch function over such a distance?
A hybrid approach with some virtual and some face-to-face events, with branch leads perhaps dispersed throughout employers. The regional staff team would certainly be keen to help with enabling this. We would commit to ensure technology is available to the branches to enable hybrid events to take place.

Face-to-face branch meetings could be held at various locations within the county utilising the main locations of Stockport, Macclesfield, Chester and Warrington which all have good transport links. The Branch Committee would be responsible for planning these.

Potential issues

My concern is the fear of getting help when it is needed might take much longer than necessary.
The vast majority of members obtain initial support via RCN Direct and the Regional Office team, who then direct members to either workplace Stewards or the Regional Officer team. A merged branch should not impact on this process and may well lead to additional workplace Stewards, Learning, and Health and Safety reps in place.

Will there be fewer voting places and less opportunities for members at Congress?
There would be one less voting place at RCN Congress.

The workload to run a branch is not insignificant and is in addition to any substantive work duties or other RCN roles that we carry.
This is absolutely true and is recognised. It is hoped that a larger branch would encourage more members to become involved to ease that workload. 

Consultation period
There will be an eight-week consultation period from Monday 3 June - Monday 24 July 2024. 

How can I give feedback?
If you have any concerns or questions, you can contact:

• RCN Senior Regional Officer (Cheshire and Wirral) – Kath Morgan (kath.morgan@rcn.org.uk)
• RCN Cheshire East branch chair – Nichola Martin (nichola.martin@reps.rcn.org.uk)
• RCN Cheshire West branch chair – Rachael Browning (Rachael.Browning@reps.rcn.org.uk)

All feedback and responses will be uploaded to this webpage.

What happens after the consultation period?
The outcome of the consultation will be brought to the RCN North West Regional Board. Their recommendation will then need to be referred to RCN Council for consideration before being confirmed with the branch executive team. 

RCN Senior Regional Officer Kath Morgan will then write to all branch members to advise of the next steps.