RCN members support vote of no confidence in governing council

Resolution at extraordinary general council meeting called for relevant council members to step down and refrain from running in future elections

Members of the RCN have supported a vote of no confidence in its governing council over its leadership during the time period investigated as part of Bruce Carr KC’s review.

More than 15,000 members who voted – or 93% – supported the motion over the RCN council’s leadership.

Action on the vote to be announced in the coming weeks

The resolution, put forward at an extraordinary general council meeting (EGM) on 30 November, called for current and relevant council members to step down and refrain from running in future council elections.

In an update to members the RCN said action on the vote would be announced in the coming weeks.

Leading barrister Bruce Carr KC was asked to carry out the review of the culture at the nursing union in September last year following allegations of sexual harassment, poor governance and financial mismanagement.

• RELATED: RCN culture inquiry finds 'division and distrust'

The RCN published his findings on 10 October and pledged to overhaul its processes after the independent inquiry found the organisation was ‘riddled with division, dysfunction and distrust’ and recommended further investigation into sexual conduct at its annual conference.

Creation of new equality, diversity and inclusion strategy for college

At this week’s EGM members heard directly from Mr Carr as a chance to discuss his findings.

Members heard from chair of RCN council Carol Popplestone on what action has been taken in response to the issues highlighted in the review. She highlighted the creation of a new equality, diversity and inclusion strategy for the organisation, due to be published next month, and a commitment to act on the review’s recommendations.

RCN president Denise Chaffer presented a transformational plan, comprising seven themes to create a renewed sense of purpose for the organisation and drive change.

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