Championing and supporting the independent sector

Hello, I am Michelle, your Lead Nurse Independent Health and Social Care for Yorkshire and Humber. I have been in post for just over a year now, so here’s just a little snippet of what I’ve been doing.

I’m working on several key projects focusing on the independent health and care sector nationally and here in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

We’ve recently conducted research to help us better understand what drives nursing staff to work in the adult social care sector. Thank you if you responded to our survey, your answers will help to inform our future campaigns.

In December 2023 we held our first face to face CPD event specifically aimed at the nursing workforce in the independent sector. This was held in Northallerton and was open to nursing staff from both the Yorkshire and Humber and Northern regions.

We had been told that many members feel there are fewer opportunities for them to attend this kind of learning event than there are for colleagues working in the NHS. Throughout the day we held sessions on topics such as singing for health, fitness to practice and learning to lead in addition to providing valuable space and opportunities for networking. We were informed this was most welcomed.

There was definitely an appetite for more events of this kind, and we are already beginning to plan the next one, which we are aiming to hold in October 2024.

Promoting the Nursing Workforce Standards and helping nursing staff and organisations implement these is another important strand of work. One of the things I love doing the most in my role is visiting workplaces, members and potential members and talking to nursing staff and managers about the nursing workforce standards, the RCN professional offer, RCN Learn and our library services as well as making sure people really understand the benefits of RCN membership, and how members can get more involved in the work of the RCN. 

It feels that it is incredibly useful having a point of contact like me in place, who can signpost and connect stakeholders and members working towards the same goals. We want our members who work outside the NHS to see themselves represented in all RCN activities. I am one of 12 lead nurses working across the UK in the RCN, creating a network of skilled, knowledgeable staff who can work with our representatives and professional forums to inform, influence and lead to develop excellence in independent health and social care with our members.

If you would like to find out more about our work in the independent sector and how we might be able to support your organisation and/or your own professional development, please do get in touch with me: michelle.raddings@rcn.org.uk