Posted 27 May 2022 - 14:51
Posted 27 May 2022 - 14:51
News
RCN told it needs to make major improvements to how it is run
Independent review makes 25 recommendations on governance and addresses issues relating to members’ input in decision-making, and scope of senior leaders’ roles
Independent review makes 25 recommendations on governance and addresses issues relating to members’ input in decision-making, and scope of senior leaders’ roles
An independent review of governance at the RCN has called for significant change to the way the college is run.
The report, conducted by consultants KPMG and only accessible to RCN members, makes 25 recommendations about strategy, leadership, governance structures and supporting mechanisms.
The recommendations call for clear communication of member involvement in decision-making and greater definition of senior member and staff roles and how they operate.
Roles, responsibility and accountability in RCN
In response, the RCN announced it will set a five-year strategy by this autumn. Last month, the college’s ruling council approved a programme that will examine roles, responsibilities and accountability. A review of the terms of reference for all its governance committees has begun.
‘I am committed to ensuring we value and practise inclusivity in all we do, improving our ways of working together’
Pat Cullen, RCN chief executive
RCN council chair Carol Popplestone said: ‘We are working closely with the executive team who are leading the planning and delivery of this vital work. The report helps to identify where more work is needed but members can be assured progress has already been made on many fronts.’
Further work to improve governance will be considered by the council this month.
Why is the RCN’s governance and culture under scrutiny?
The KPMG review was commissioned following an extraordinary general meeting in November 2020.
The review was conducted alongside a separate external review of the culture of the RCN, being conducted by Bruce Carr QC. This was set up after serious claims of sexual harassment were made and will also look at decision-making and accountability, financial management, equality and inclusion, and the roles and responsibilities of staff and elected members.
The report is due to be published in late summer.
‘Committed to ensuring nursing has a strong voice’
RCN chief executive Pat Cullen added: ‘KMPG is providing an outside perspective on our governance and the challenges that faced the organisation in 2020 and 2021 especially.
‘I am committed to ensuring we value and practise inclusivity in all we do, improving our ways of working together to ensure the voice of nursing in the UK is undeniably strong.’
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