A full review of all safeguarding policies and procedures is underway.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has made the decision to move its annual Congress online-only amid “serious allegations of sexual harassment”.
In a statement published on the union’s website this evening, the union said; “In light of serious allegations of sexual harassment and after independent legal advice, elected members of the RCN Council met and decided the best way to safeguard members attending Congress is to move this year’s meeting to a fully virtual event.
“As a matter of urgency, RCN is undertaking a full review of all safeguarding policies and procedures as part of our cultural change.
“We take a zero tolerance approach to such allegations at all times. This decision is only one part of the RCN’s response and the organisation is committed to proactively addressing concerns wherever they arise.”
Protecting attendees.
Chair of RCN Council, Carol Popplestone, said: “We have acted fast and took a unanimous decision that protects all attendees.
We know that many members planning to attend were looking forward to seeing each other in person for the first time in two years.
But this decision was made with members’ safety at the top of our minds. That is what we are here to safeguard at all costs.
I am absolutely determined that Congress will still be its usual fascinating mix of debates, events and speeches. Getting together virtually won’t stand in the way of that.”
Further logistical details for those who had booked to attend in person will be made available early next week.
This is a breaking news story and may be updated as more information comes to light.
