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I vow to champion nurses’ pay and safe staffing – next RCN president

Denise Chaffer says she is determined all areas of nursing get the recognition they deserve
Denise Chaffer, who has been elected the next RCN president

Denise Chaffer promises to harness research evidence to put college’s case for better pay, nurse recruitment and retention practices and staff well-being support

Denise Chaffer, who has been elected the next RCN president
Denise Chaffer, who has been elected the RCN’s next president

A pledge to champion fair pay for nurses, safe staffing and measures to recruit and retain staff is being made by the RCN’s new president Denise Chaffer.

Dr Chaffer, who is director of safety and learning at NHS Resolution, will assume the role on 1 July. She has held a number of senior positions, including director of nursing for the north west London area team at NHS England and led on patient safety in London.

She was elected in a ballot of college members and her term of office will run until the end of 2022.

Influencing national nursing policy

She said: ‘I’m committed to using this role to influence national policy on what is needed to recruit and retain nursing staff, using research evidence to demonstrate the need for fair pay, safe staffing, fairer processes and increased well-being support.

‘I’m also determined to help drive improvements in equality, diversity and inclusion and ensure all areas of nursing care are valued and recognised.’

‘Denis Chaffer brings vast experience to role’

College acting general secretary Pat Cullen said: ‘RCN presidents have embodied the ambition, vision and values of members for more than a century, influencing nursing and improving patient care.

‘I warmly congratulate Denise and know she will uphold these attributes, bringing vast experience, energy and commitment to the role.’

Dr Chaffer succeeds outgoing RCN president Dame Anne Marie Rafferty.


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