Congress

Each year Congress debates around 25 subjects, submitted by members, covering clinical, staffing, financial, social and political areas. These issues are often reported in the media direct from Congress, and they lead to wide-ranging work carried out by the RCN, often lasting for many years. The whole process is led by the Congress agenda committee.

Any RCN member is entitled to contribute to debates in the hall.

There are two types of debate:

• resolutions – RCN members vote on resolutions and a majority vote directs the future work of the RCN

• matter for discussion – these allow members to explore issues and share views, but no vote is called.

There will also be debates on emergency agenda items. These items can be submitted at any point up to and during Congress, and reflect the most pressing professional and political issues.

Each RCN branch and forum is allocated a certain number of votes, depending on their size. This helps to ensure that the whole RCN membership is represented in the vote.

We invite health professionals, politicians, campaigners and other influential speakers to address Congress each year. These are often announced in the days and weeks leading up to Congress and are always a highlight of the week

There are a selection of seminars to choose from – these are a great opportunity for personal and professional development and can count towards NMC revalidation requirements. Other events are tailored specifically for nursing support workers or students. These are in smaller rooms, last around 45 minutes and cover a broad range of specialist areas of practice, workplace issues, health and wellbeing and networking. They give you the chance to share knowledge and innovations.

The exhibition at Congress is the largest, most comprehensive exhibition of its type, where you’ll be able to meet employers, universities, recruitment agencies and health care providers. You’ll get to see many of the latest innovations relating to your workplace.

Congress also features a number of networking and social events for all delegates.

For further information, visit: rcn.org.uk/congress