THE ENTIRE leadership of the Royal College of Nurses (RCN) union have announced yesterday they are to stand down, following the results of the Emergency General Meeting EGM vote of no confidence last Friday.
The RCN said: ‘While the EGM vote of no confidence was advisory, the Council recognises the moral weight of the vote, and has acted accordingly.’ RCN members are furious that their union leaders recommended that they vote for a ‘pay deal’ that, when inflation is taken into account, was in fact a pay cut.
The RCN promised a 3% uplift in salaries which was not received in its entirety – instead, nurses will have to wait for the next portion of their pay rise. Many nurses received no raise at all! In July, RCN chief executive Janet Davies was forced to issue an apology to members. Soon after, she quit.
Formal election processes will begin next week, with elections taking place as soon as possible and a new Council taking up office on 1st January 2019. The current Council will remain in position until 31st December 2018 in order to ‘provide an effective transition for the College’.
A detailed timetable for this process will be announced next week, the RCN said.
Five of the 17 current Council members will not be standing down:
• The President, Deputy President, and Student Council Member, whose terms come to an end on 31st December 2018.
• The newly elected Council Member for the Eastern Region, who is yet to take up office.
• The Chair of Congress (non-voting position), who joined Council in August 2018.
Donna Kinnair, Acting Chief Executive and General Secretary, said: ‘The last two months have been some of the most challenging in the organisation’s history. Our elected Council members have taken a difficult decision and have shown great personal integrity.
‘I wish to thank Maria for her leadership and all Council members who gave loyal service. The College is already changing to ensure it engages the full breadth of its membership. A new elected Council and a permanent Chief Executive and General Secretary will bring that fresh perspective and energy.’
