This election was delayed after two candidates were disqualified in the last election.
Nominations for the Royal College of Nursing’s (RCN) next President will open tomorrow as the College relaxes its rules on social media campaigning.
Members have from 3 March to Monday 29 March 2020 to put themselves forward for election to become the next RCN President.
The successful candidate will have a prominent leadership role in the organisation and across the UK and international nursing and health community while also serving as a full member of the RCN’s ruling Council.
The election to this role was delayed after two candidates were disqualified in the last election for using social media to campaign.
These outdated rules are now in the process of being modernised following the recommendations of an independent legal investigator and ongoing social distancing rules.
The responsibilities of the returning officer have also been delegated to an independent scrutineer after the same investigator suggested that if a more “consistent approach” had been taken, it may have led to the disqualification of other candidates.
RCN Chair of Council Dave Dawes said: “RCN Presidents have embodied the ambition, vision, and values of members for more than a century, influencing nursing and improving patient care.
“As the College continues to push for twin aims of safe staffing and improved pay – as well as supporting members working through the pandemic – this role is more important than ever.”
As with all other elections, candidates for the President role must have their nomination supported by two RCN members and have been an RCN member themselves for at least five consecutive years immediately prior to the closing date for nominations.
Online hustings will take place on Thursday 13 May, the same day that voting opens.
Members have until 14 June to vote with the successful candidate will be announced on 15 June and take up their post on 1 July.