RCN names its next general secretary

The RCN has appointed Janet Davies – its current director of nursing and service delivery – as the next chief executive and general secretary.

Ms Davies, who has been an RCN director for the past nine years, and has 20 years’ experience as a hands-on nursing leader, will take over from Peter Carter in July.

Before joining the RCN she was chief executive of Mersey Regional Ambulance Service.

Michael Brown, chair of the college's ruling council, said: 'It was a unanimous decision to appoint Janet. She will be a strong general secretary and I believe with her as our chief executive we can continue to be powerful as a royal college and trade union.

'There is no mistaking her ambitions for the organisation, her passion for nursing and healthcare and her commitment to the RCN and its future,' he added. 'I very much look forward to working with Janet in her new role over the next few years.'

Ms Davies said: 'I am delighted and honoured to be given the opportunity to lead the world’s largest professional union of nursing staff.

'These are challenging times for nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants, and I will work to ensure their talent and dedication is properly recognised and their voice continues to be heard loudly and clearly in the debate about the future shape of healthcare in the UK.”

Dr Carter said: 'I am delighted Janet will be taking over from me. She has been an inspiring and energetic colleague, who has put nursing at the forefront of everything she does.'