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Former chair of the RCN council expelled from college membership

College terminates membership of Dave Dawes following the conclusion of its investigations 

College statement announced that the membership of Dave Dawes has been terminated after the conclusion of its investigations and internal processes

Dave Dawes, former RCN council chair
Dave Dawes, former RCN council chair. Picture: John Houlihan

The former chair of the RCN council has been expelled from the college following an investigation into his conduct.

The RCN said in a statement that the membership of Dave Dawes has been terminated and that he has been excluded from the college after the conclusion of its investigations and internal processes.

A college spokesperson said: ‘The investigations and internal RCN processes in respect of the previous chair of council Mr Dave Dawes have now concluded. He has been expelled from membership of the college.

Independent review to examine culture of the RCN

‘In the period since last summer, the RCN’s new elected and executive leadership collectively have made progress on changing the organisation’s culture. Behaviours that fall below the standard that members can expect of their college will be challenged.’

Mr Dawes was last year suspended as RCN council chair following complaints about his behaviour. An investigation was then launched into his conduct.

An independent review was later announced into the culture of the organisation, headed up by Bruce Carr QC.

The inquiry will examine a wide scope of key areas, including financial management at the RCN, allegations of sexual harassment, equality and inclusion, and process of staff and elected members’ departures.

Mr Dawes launched two complaints via the RCN’s whistleblowing policy

The RCN confirmed to Nursing Standard the findings of the Carr inquiry are due to be published in a report in the coming weeks.

Following his suspension last year, Mr Dawes launched two complaints via the RCN’s whistleblowing policy about the way the inquiry into the RCN had been handled.

He told the Nursing Standard that his expulsion was a result of whistleblowing in relation to the Carr inquiry and the circumstances of Dame Donna Kinnair’s resignation, who stepped down as general secretary after a period of ill health.

He added: ‘An employment tribunal claim for victimisation of a whistleblower was lodged several months ago and the truth will emerge at that hearing. I fully expect that hearing to reinstate me.’

The RCN refuted Mr Dawes claims ‘in the strongest possible terms’, adding that the college has ‘taken decisive action in relation to his conduct and behaviour’.

‘This relates to a range of complaints that were raised against him. Due process has been followed and considered by independent panel members, which has resulted in his expulsion from the RCN on a number of counts.’


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