RCN governing body elect new chair and vice-chair

NHS Professionals head of workforce insight Maria Trewern to take over RCN council chair in January – with the aim to speak out and ‘prioritise safe staffing’ – and Richard Jones elected vice-chair 

The RCN’s governing council has elected Maria Trewern to be its new chair. 

She will take over from Michael Brown in January, and will chair the council for the next two years.

Richard Jones, who represents Wales on the council, has been elected council vice-chair taking over from Lors Allford.

Ms Trewern has extensive experience in the NHS and independent sector specialising in workforce strategy, development and staffing levels, and has an MSc degree in healthcare management.

RCN dual role a ‘unique strength’

Currently NHS Professionals head of workforce insight, her trade union experience includes being an RCN lead steward, safety representative, chairing local branches and sitting on the congress agenda committee.

Ms Trewern said she wanted the RCN to be ‘a powerful organisation whose dual role as a trade union and professional body continues to be its unique strength’.

‘I want to use my experience as a manager to help drive the RCN forward. I’m not afraid to challenge and speak out.

‘We must see nursing being properly valued, have equality for temporary workers and prioritise safe staffing,’ she said.

40 years’ nursing experience

Mr Jones has over 40 years’ experience in nursing and nursing education. He has worked for worked for RCN Wales, latterly as the deputy director and head of employment relations, with responsibility for introducing Agenda for Change into the NHS in Wales.

RCN general secretary Janet Davies welcomed the breadth of nursing knowledge and governance experience of both Ms Trewern and Mr Jones.

‘They have been supportive and productive council members and I look forward to working with them in their new roles,' she said.

She also praised outgoing council chair Mr Brown as a ‘passionate champion of members’ who had led the college into a new era with a new governance structure strengthening the professional and trade union roles.

2018 crucial year

Ms Davies said: ‘2018 will be a crucial year for the college.

‘We will be working with new professional education models, supporting nurses’ development with serious obstacles to overcome on nursing pay, staff shortages and the outcome of the Brexit negotiations. 

‘The work of our council will be more vital than ever as we tackle these issues.’

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