RCN to recruit experts to new anti-racism subgroup

The college announced today that it had launched a recruitment campaign for four members to join the new subgroup, which would be accountable to the RCN Group Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

“We need to actively advance race equity in our organisation”

Wendy Irwin

The sub-group has been established to provide expert advice and guidance to the committee on the development and implementation of the college’s anti-racism action plan.

It comes as the RCN continues to rebuild its reputation, following a damning review published in 2022 by Bruce Carr KC which uncovered issues of racism within the college, among many other issues.

The RCN said that it wanted to actively strive to be anti-racist, which involved taking long term meaningful actions to challenge and change systems, policies and cultures.

As such, its new subgroup will support the college to develop anti-racist actions and foster inclusive workplace cultures.

The RCN said it was looking to recruit four experts, who can demonstrate knowledge and experience of anti-racism and its implementation within organisations.

It said the individuals should also show an understanding and experience of culture transformation processes.

A member will need to be appointed from each of the four nations of the UK.

In the event of there being no applications from a given country, the seat will be held vacant until such time that an appointment is made, the RCN said.

Those appointed will serve on the sub-group until 31 December 2027. Applications close on 22 May at 4:30pm.

Wendy Irwin, RCN head of equity and inclusion, said: “We need to go beyond just words.

“We need to actively advance race equity in our organisation.

“That’s why we’re looking for members who have expertise in this area and are passionate about the RCN’s commitment to become an anti-racist organisation.”