Mental health nurses appointed new chair and vice chair of RCN Congress
A mental health nurse has been announced as the new chair for the Royal College of Nursing’s (RCN) annual congress. Clare Manley willsucceed Linda Baileyat the yearly event which sees thousands of nursing. . .
A mental health nurse has been announced as the new chair for the Royal College of Nursing’s (RCN) annual congress. Clare Manley willsucceed Linda Baileyat the yearly event which sees thousands of nursing staff gather to network and debate across key issues facing the profession. Ms Manley previously served on the agenda setting committee at RCN Congress as well as being a steward. She will be joined by a new vice chair, mental health nurse Dawn Marr, who will succeed Patience Bamisaye. Related Article:MHRA highlights weight loss pitfalls amid continuing GLP-1 demandMs Marr previously served as a member of the RCN Students Committee member and on the RCN Scotland Board. The roles of chair and vice chair are ‘vital to ensure smooth running’ of the event, said the RCN, including by taking the lead on items for debate and discussion put forward by members. This year’s debates included discussions on thesafety of community nurses,concerns over healthcare tasks being delegated to school teachers, andmidwives sharing reports of death threats amid maternity reviews. Members can vote on debates to be taken forward as future work for the RCN. Ms Manley, who was a former student member of the RCN Trade Union Committee, said she was honoured to take on the role. ‘My ambition is to ensure congress remains a place where every member feels they belong, can contribute with confidence and have their voice heard,’ she said. Related Article:Prime Minister seeks cross-party ‘common ground’ on social care reform‘I’m committed to safeguarding the values members cherish most while supporting changes to improve accessibility, inclusion and engagement. ‘I look forward to working with members and colleagues delivering a congress that’s welcoming, representative and firmly focused on the needs of our profession. ’Ms Marr, who is currently an accredited RCN steward, added that she was excited about her new role. She said: ‘The event’s been a significant part of my RCN journey, and I’m proud to have contributed through a range of roles so far. ‘As congress continues to evolve, I’m honoured to ensure debates are inclusive, well managed and accessible, while supporting members to feel heard, valued and empowered to influence change. ’Related Article:Two of UK’s top three sources of international nurses are ‘red list’ countriesThe duo will start their roles immediately and stay in post until the end of the 2028 congress. The next RCN Congress takes place in Liverpool from 24 to 28 May 2027.