Royal College of Nursing (RCN)

The Royal College of Nursing is the world’s largest nursing union and professional body. We represent over half a million nursing staff and students in the UK and internationally. Our members are spread across over 100 branches in 12 countries and pread across over 100 branches in 12 countries and regions, with 2,000 of them acting as workplace representatives. We’re both a trade union and a professional body for nursing staff. Our Council is responsible for our governance, working with our committees and country and regional boards. Our Executive Team is responsible for delivering our strategic and operational plans. Our expertise covers all areas of nursing, from clinical practice and policy to workforce standards and employment relations. This puts us in a unique position to support our members across a huge range of professional, personal and legal issues. Together with our members, we work with all governments across the UK. This includes all political parties and elected representatives. Our goal is to make sure your voice is heard by decision makers to get the best outcomes for you and your patients. We began in 1916 as the College of Nursing – a professional organisation with just 34 members. Since then, we've evolved into the largest professional association and union for nursing staff in the world with over half a million members.