Posted 23 October 2020 - 17:33
Posted 23 October 2020 - 17:33
News
Next RCN deputy president announced
Tracey Budding urges college members to unite around campaign for better nurse pay
Election victory for nurse with a long career in the NHS and RCN activism
The RCN’s next deputy president has been elected.
Tracey Budding will take office in the new year and called her election by college members a ‘huge honour’.
Four decades of nursing experience
Ms Budding has an NHS career that goes back almost 40 years and works at Birmingham Women’s Hospital as a specialist nurse in gynaecology, having previously been a neonatal intensive care sister there.
She has experience in RCN activism too, having served on the college’s ruling council, its stewards and safety committees, and most recently as vice-chair of the trade union committee.
‘The skill and professionalism in nursing has been demonstrated in a way never seen before in the last year and now is the time for this to be recognised at the highest level’
Tracey Budding, RCN deputy president elect
She won the month-long poll ending on 22 October, standing against Michelle Forde and Mike Travis. She succeeds Yvonne Coghill.
The deputy president elect said: ‘I look forward to helping to represent nursing staff wherever they may be working.
‘Nursing is facing real challenges right now and as the pandemic grows again and winter approaches, I know there will be further challenges ahead.’
The fair pay agenda
Ms Budding urged members to come together to hold the government to account for fair pay.
She added: ‘The skill and professionalism of all those in nursing has been demonstrated in a way never seen before in the last year and now is the time for this to be recognised at the highest level.’
RCN council chair Dave Dawes, congratulated Ms Budding on her election.
‘She brings a deep passion for nursing and the RCN to this role and I know she will work tirelessly on behalf of members,’ he said.
Decision pending on postponed presidential election
Election campaigns for the RCN’s next president and deputy president were suspended in August after two presidential candidates, incumbent Anne Marie Rafferty and Stuart McKenzie, were disqualified.
A decision to resume the presidential election will be made pending the outcome of an extraordinary general meeting on 27 November.
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