RCN South West

27/03/2026

Huge congratulations RCN South West member, Katharine Caddick, recognised for her work in the RCN Gastrointestinal Nursing Forum as she received a commendation in the RCN forum member of the year category.

Katharine took a lead role in the GI nursing forum project to update the liver competencies for specialist nurses working in this area; the 2025 edition of a Competency Framework for Nurses Caring for People with Liver Disease including Liver Transplantation is in publication thanks to Katharine’s tenacity to complete this project. She gave her time and expertise freely to achieve this project outcome.

The RCN Awards ceremony took place in London yesterday.

27/03/2026

Huge congratulations to RCN South West member, Jennifer Charlewood, who has been recognised for her work in the RCN Advanced Nurse Practitioner Forum as she received a commendation for the forum committee member of the year award 2026.

Jennifer took on the chair position for the forum despite being new to the committee. She provided structure and organisation to the committee at regular meetings, strategy days and at RCN Congress where she spoke on stage to represent forum members and encouraged other committee members who may have hesitated to speak. She demonstrated leadership and empowered others to get involved. Jen also undertook a significant piece of work developing the levels of nursing practice post registration for the RCN.

The RCN Awards ceremony took place in London yesterday.

21/03/2026

🚨 | Add your name to our open letter to Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting MP and Minister for Health Karin Smyth. Make sure they know – we demand negotiations start quickly to reform NHS pay.

Members working for the NHS in England and Wales will have a 3.3% pay award imposed on them from next month.

Unions and workers were not involved this decision, and the Westminster government are yet to deliver on their promise for negotiations to improve the Agenda for Change pay structure. It has been 18 months.

Today, with other NHS Unions, we are saying loud and clear: 3.3% is not enough. You are worth more. Annual adjustments like this will not make sure nursing staff are paid what they deserve.

Read more and add your name: https://bit.ly/3PGyQk5

16/03/2026

FINAL CALL FOR BOOKINGS: This joint RCN London, South East and South West regional event will present the array of neurodiversity support available from the RCN and explore the lived experience of several people including Cat Eccles MP, as well how and when it is appropriate to seek union support. All nursing staff are welcome to attend and get involved - including non-members, so invite your friends and colleagues to join you online. Check out the programme and book now:

The RCN South Cluster are collaborating on a joint event covering equity, diversity and inclusion topics likely to be of interest to everyone.

15/03/2026

Nursing needs more RCN representatives in all employers across the region.

Are you prepared to stand up and speak out for your profession, your colleagues and your patients? Do you want to influence change in your workplace? It’s important that you and your colleagues have a voice. You can be the difference.

Being an RCN rep will develop the skills you already have and you will be supported through the comprehensive learning and development that we provide. There is a fantastic community of established reps, alongside dedicated staff, who will be there with you on your rep journey.

Find out more about the three different types of RCN rep on our web pages https://www.rcn.org.uk/Get-Involved/rcn-reps

If you would like to get involved but want to know more please email swestern.region@rcn.org.uk to arrange an informal chat with the Senior RCN Officer for your area.

14/03/2026

Don't forget if you work at Southmead Hospital in Bristol or at the wider North Bristol NHS Trust that there's an RCN drop-in session on the last Tuesday of every month for the entire year, making it much easier to remember when your RCN team is going to be at Southmead and helping you fit getting some advice and support into your busy schedule at some point this year!

Fiona King, your Bristol member of the RCN South West Board, and Senior RCN Officer Andrew Christaki, will be available at Southmead every month to talk to you

13/03/2026

This event will explore how the RCN supports neurodiverse members across the workplace. Featuring expert speakers and practical guidance, insights into workplace adjustments, peer networks, and national resources, it will help strengthen your understanding and ability to confidently support neurodiverse colleagues as well as presenting the array of support available and exploring how and when it is appropriate to seek union support. All nursing staff are welcome to attend and get involved - including non-members, so invite your friends and colleagues to join you online. Check out the programme and book now:

The RCN South Cluster are collaborating on a joint event covering equity, diversity and inclusion topics likely to be of interest to everyone.

12/03/2026

Applications are open at Bournemouth University for a funded studentship for Master of Research (MRes) for allied healthcare professionals.

This could be a great opportunity for you if you area of your clinical practise that you would like to spend some time undertaking research on.

Applications are open until 15 March 26 .

Note: While the RCN has no affiliation with the course provider we firmly believe in investing in nursing education.

BU recruiting for M.Res. INSIGHT Programme

12/03/2026

The next drop-in support session for members employed by BSW, Dorset and Somerset ICBs is on 18 March. The events are taking place every two weeks up until 13 May, so find a date you can do and get it booked and into your diary.

These regular updates are an informal space for ICB employees from the cluster to prepare for different aspects of organisational change.

11/03/2026

The Education Forum is holding its conference 'Celebrating innovation and diversity in nursing education' in Exeter this year on 15 to 16 April. Have you registered? Have a look at the programme and other information and see if you're tempted.

As the health and social care landscape rapidly evolves, nursing education is under increasing pressure—from workforce shortages and rising workloads to student attrition and limited placements. Educators are also expected to respond to advancing technologies, shifting policies, and the essential ...

11/03/2026

RCN Education Forum Conference 2026, Celebrating innovation and diversity in nursing education, is taking place in Exeter this year on 15 to 16 April. Find out more about the programme and book your place.

As the health and social care landscape rapidly evolves, nursing education is under increasing pressure—from workforce shortages and rising workloads to student attrition and limited placements. Educators are also expected to respond to advancing technologies, shifting policies, and the essential ...