Approved by RCN Council November 2014
RCN scheme of delegation: Roles of Council, committees, boards and Executive Team Tasks and responsibilities 1. Strategy and planning 1.1 Set overall direction of organisation on a five‐year strategy‐setting cycle Council
Council committees Boards Leads this process, agrees priorities and makes final decisions Representative membership groups Chief Executive & General Secretary (Executive Team) Other membership groups, such as forums and the UK representative committees, are consulted and feed into the strategy and use the Council’s agreed strategy to inform their own strategic planning Executive Team is consulted and feeds into the strategy and use the Council’s agreed strategy to direct its own strategic planning Outputs from all parts of the organisation come to Council for decision on the recommendation of the Business Committee Input to the organisation’s overall strategy and use the Council’s agreed strategy to inform their own strategic planning Ensure that branches and local network groups are involved in consultation processes Accountable Officer : Chief Executive & General Secretary Page 1 of 34
Approved by RCN Council November 2014
1.2 Tasks and responsibilities Set and review key performance indicators (KPIs) in accordance with the strategic plan Council
Reviews performance against the organisation’s strategic plan in the light of reports against KPIs Council committees Representative membership groups Boards Review performance against country/regional targets. Performance reports quarterly. Reviews exception reports from country and regional boards at each meeting and agrees any further work/changes to Council priorities 1.3 Approve financial strategy Approves financial strategy based on planning assumptions recommended by Business Committee Agree reserves policy Agrees any changes to the reserves policy and any changes needed to Co‐ordination of key performance indicators is the responsibility of named members of Executive Named members of Executive Team have accountability for delivery at Country and Regional level Accountable Officer : Director of Finance and Corporate Services
Business Committee recommends planning assumptions to Council for discussion/agreement Executive Team proposes planning assumptions in line with projected operational activity 1.4 Chief Executive & General Secretary (Executive Team) Business Committee reviews reserves policy annually and makes Accountable Officer : Director of Finance and Corporate Services
Executive Team proposes any changes to policy based on known and Page 2 of 34
Approved by RCN Council November 2014
meet the policy on recommendation of the Business Committee recommendations to Council for any changes/action required
anticipated cash requirements 1.5 Agree investment policy 1.6 Agree RCN Staff Pension Scheme Agrees the policy, any changes to it and any changes needed to meet the policy on recommendation of the Business Committee Business Committee agrees the policy, reviews it annually and makes recommendations to Council for any changes/action required
Agrees pension scheme arrangements on recommendation of the Business Committee Business Committee periodically reviews pension scheme arrangements and makes recommendations to Council Accountable Officer : Director of Finance and Corporate Services
Executive Team proposes any changes to the policy Accountable Officer : Director of Finance and Corporate Services
Executive Team proposes changes to arrangements, consulting with staff through the Partnership Forum, if appropriate, based on affordability and good practice Accountable Officer : Director of Finance and Corporate Services
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Approved by RCN Council November 2014
1.7 Agree property strategy and decisions Reviews property strategy and approves any changes/decision Ensures property strategy is implemented
Is part of performance report to Boards Executive Team leads this, based on work by a Property Strategy Implementation Group. ET makes recommendations to Council Accountable Officer: Director of HR, OD and Estates
1.8 Approve procurement strategy Approves strategy and any changes to it on recommendation of Business Committee 1.9 Approve marketing and communications strategies Reviews marketing and communications strategies Business Committee Ensures procurement agrees strategy, reviews strategy is implemented it annually and recommends any changes to the strategy All Committees work with marketing and communications to ensure their work is communicated Ensures strategy is complied with and is integral to Country/regional plans Ensure strategy is complied with Executive Team proposes changes to the strategy Accountable Officer : Director of Finance and Corporate Services
Executive Team leads this work Page 4 of 34
Approved by RCN Council November 2014
Accountable Officers Director of Communications and Director of Finance & Corporate Services 2. Business Development 2.1 Agree commercial decisions and strategy Approves our business strategy, reviews the strategy at regular interval Business Committee is responsible for reviewing all the non‐
subscription income generation/sponsorship work streams, plus setting and monitoring targets Receives reports on commercial activities and approves any new work streams Business Committee reports to Council on commercial activities and puts any new work streams to Council for approval Executive Team proposes new work‐streams to Business Committee for approval Executive Team reviews performance of non subscription income generation / sponsorship work streams and reports to Business Committee quarterly Accountable Officer : Director of Finance and Corporate Services
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Approved by RCN Council November 2014
2.2 RCN Subsidiary Companies Approves on recommendation of the Business Committee the creation or closure of a subsidiary Business Committee recommend to Council the creation or closure of a subsidiary Business Committee makes recommendations to Council, as appropriate with regard to decisions that impact on the RCN bottom‐line Approves any decisions that impact on the RCN bottom‐line. Receives reports from Business Committee on performance of any subsidiaries Business Committee reviews the financial performance of all subsidiaries at each committee meeting Executive Team proposes any creation or closure of a subsidiary through a detailed business case including financial and cash flow forecasts Executive Team reviews the high level financial performance of subsidiaries through the monthly consolidated accounts and raise issues through Business Committee in accordance with the Scheme of Delegation Accountable Officer : Director of Finance and Corporate Services Page 6 of 34
Approved by RCN Council November 2014
3. Annual Plan and Budget 3.1 Agree annual operational priorities and plan Agrees plan and Lead the process for priorities for year ahead developing Council priorities and the plan for the year ahead 3.2 Review performance against annual plan Reviews performance against the organisation’s annual plan and agrees any requests to change priorities Report to Council on performance against annual plan Boards are consulted and feed into the annual Council priorities and plan Boards ensure that country/regional operational plans are informed by annual Council priorities. Boards ensure that branches and local networks feed into this process Representative groups are consulted and feed into the annual Council priorities and plan Executive Team makes recommendations and feeds into the annual Council priorities and plan Executive Team is responsible for developing and delivering annual plan Review performance against country /regional plans. Performance reports quarterly. Accountable Officer : Director of Finance and Corporate Services Executive Team is accountable for delivering the annual plan, and reporting performance to Council Accountable Officer : Director of Finance and Corporate Services
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Approved by RCN Council November 2014
3.3 Approve and monitor annual budget 3.4 Budget virement Approves annual budget based on the strategic plan and financial strategy Business Committee recommends annual budget to Council, based on the strategic plan and financial strategy Receive quarterly reports on performance against target in the light of annual plan, prevailing circumstances and Receives monthly unforeseen events management accounts Business Committee can needing variation recommend any Approves any changes changes based on a Country and regional to the in year budget on proposal from Executive budgets provide recommendation by Team changes to the in framework for annual Business Committee year budget plan, and boards have responsibility to ensure plans are delivered within budgets Executive Team submits proposed budget to Business Committee based on the strategic plan, operational plans and the financial strategy Executive Team monitors performance against budget monthly, unplanned high risk issues are reported to Council via the Chair of Business Committee if they arise Executive Team routinely reports on performance against budget to each meeting of Council Business Committee receives high level summary of underspends “banked” to reserves Accountable Officer : Director of Finance and Corporate Services
Executive Team may agree to “bank” under spends to reserves or vire between directorate budgets to meet organisational priorities and pressures Page 8 of 34
Approved by RCN Council November 2014
Accountable Officer : Director of Finance and Corporate Services 4. Finance 4.1 Agree Financial Regulations Approves changes to Financial Regulations on recommendation of the Business Committee Approves all Financial Regulation changes to individual policies, authority limits, role responsibility on receommendation of the Audit Committee Audit Committee Compliance notified as reviews and part of quarterly recommends any performance report changes to the Financial Regulations to Council for approval Audit Committee reviews all Financial Regulation changes to individual policies, authority limits, role responsibility for approval Audit Committee receives a report for noting of any small changes to elements of approved process made by Executive Team Executive Team ensures Financial Regulations are complied with Executive Team proposes any changes to individual policies, authority limits, role responsibility based on changing operational needs / statutory requirements. Small changes to elements of approved processes can be made by Executive Team for operational reasons but must be reported to Audit Committee Accountable Officer : Director of Finance and Corporate Services Page 9 of 34
Approved by RCN Council November 2014
4.2 Monitors reserves level Reviews reserves position annually, more frequently if required 4.3 Monitors position of the Pension Scheme Receives quarterly reports from Business Committee on the position of the scheme, and agrees any changes in approach/funding Business Committee monitors the RCN’s reserves level and reports to Council annually. Escalated to Council in year if appropriate Business Committee reviews scheme valuations and funding proposals and makes recommendations to Council as appropriate Approve expenditure Agrees all approval processes Expenditure is approved in accordance with Financial Regulations Approves expenditure Accountable Officer : Director of Finance and Corporate Services
Executive Team ensures members of the scheme are consulted via the Partnership Forum Executive Team reviews deficit funding payments, ensures agreed funding levels are budgeted and paid as required and proposes any additional funding payments Business Committee presents performance reports to Council on the scheme, and makes recommendations for any changes in investment policy for Council approval 4.4 Executive Team reviews reserves levels as part of quarterly forecast review. Issues escalated to Business Committee as appropriate Accountable Officer : Director of Finance and Corporate Services Executive Team ensures all expenditure is approved in accordance with Financial Regulations Page 10 of 34
Approved by RCN Council November 2014
in accordance with Financial Regulations Financial Limits Approves business cases Business Committee for contracts over £1m recommends to Council contracts over £1m Notes contracts £250k to £1m Business Committee approves Contracts between £500k ‐ £1m Executive Team approves all contracts / orders under £500k (may be delegated as per Financial Regulations) Business Committee note contracts of £250k to £500k Accountable Officer : Director of Finance and Corporate Services
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Approved by RCN Council November 2014
4.5 Approve property, IT and Capital projects Financial limits Approves expenditure in line with the procurement policy on property/IS and other capital projects Approves business case for building / investment projects over £1 Notes leases taken on over annual value of £250k or lifetime value over £1m Business Committee approves expenditure in line with the procurement policy on property/IS and other capital projects Business Committee recommend to Council building / investment projects over £1m Business Committee approves business case for building / investment projects between £500k ‐ £1m Business Committee approve leases of annual value of £250k or lifetime value over £1m Business Committee notes leases taken on with an annual value of less than £250k or lifetime value less than £1m Executive Team approves expenditure in line with the procurement policy on property/IS and other capital projects Executive Team proposes building / investment projects over £500k Executive Team approves building / investment projects under £500k Executive Team approves leases of annual value of less than £250k or lifetime value less than £1m Accountable Officer : Director of Finance and Corporate Services Page 12 of 34
Approved by RCN Council November 2014
4.6 Agree banking arrangements Approves any changes to RCN banking arrangements on recommendation of the Executive Team Executive Team monitors and recommends to Council any changes to the RCN’s banking arrangements Receives bi annual report of any changes to existing bank accounts Executive Team reviews all bank account closures Executive Team reviews all new accounts opened in the name of the RCN (includes Branches, Petty cash etc) Approves changes to control panel signatories Executive Team reviews all bank signatories annually Accountable Officer : Director of Finance and Corporate Services 4.7 Long & Short –term investments Approves on recommendation by Business Committee arrangements for any placement of RCN funds in an investment portfolio either directly or through an Business Committee reviews and recommends to Council the placement of any funds in an investment portfolio Business Committee approves instructions and Executive Team monitor the performance of long and short term investments through the monthly management accounts and report to Business Committee Page 13 of 34
Approved by RCN Council November 2014
investment manager
a list of institutions for short‐term investments Business Committee receives quarterly reports on the performance of both long and short‐term investments and reports to Council as appropriate Accountable Officer : Director of Finance and Corporate Services 4.8 Loans Approves the limit and purpose of any loan required by the RCN based on operational needs and compliance with the agreed financial strategy 4.9 Ensure RCN has adequate insurance Business Committee reviews and recommends to Council any proposed loans required by the RCN in accordance with the achievement of Strategic and operational plans and the financial strategy Executive Team proposes any proposed loan required by the RCN by way of a detailed business case with fully costed repayment schedules and cash flow forecast Accountable Officer : Director of Finance and Corporate Services
Executive Team reports any changes or potential risks to Council Receives annual report from ET confirming insurance renewal and highlighting any areas of risk Reports back on risks with insurance or financial implications via country or regional risk register Executive Team ensures compliance with terms of insurance policies Executive Team receives Page 14 of 34
Approved by RCN Council November 2014
and approves summary of annual renewal of insurance policies Accountable Officer : Director of Finance and Corporate Services 4.10 Disposal of assets Financial limits Agrees disposal of assets in accordance with Financial Regulations Approves disposal of freehold buildings with a value of over £1m Business Committee agrees disposal of assets in accordance with Financial Regulations Executive Team agrees and reviews the disposal of assets in accordance with Financial Regulations Business Committee recommends to Council the disposal of freehold buildings with a value of over £1m Executive Team proposes the disposal of freehold buildings in line with the agreed property strategy Executive Team approves the disposal of assets under £250k Business Committee approves the disposal of assets (including freehold buildings) with a value of over £250k Business Committee receives a report of the disposal of assets under £250k Accountable Officer : Director of Finance and Corporate Services Page 15 of 34
Approved by RCN Council November 2014
4.11 Losses, Bad debts, Special payments Financial limits Agrees losses in accordance with the Financial Regulations Audit Committee agrees losses in accordance with the Financial Regulations Receive report summarising all losses written off in excess of £10k The Honorary Treasurer/Chair of the Business Committee approves all bad debts, special payments, write offs over £10k Executive Team approves write‐offs up to the value of £10k Accountable Officer : Director of Finance and Corporate Services Audit Committee receives report on all bad debt and special payment write‐offs over £1k Audit Committee receives reports of all other losses Membership and subscription rates 4.12 Review and agree membership Strategy Approves membership strategy and any changes to membership categories, on recommendation of Membership and Representation Review and agree MRC keeps the membership strategy and categories under review and recommends any changes to Council Executive Team agrees and reviews losses in accordance with Financial Regulations Executive Team delivers the membership strategy Promote RCN Ensure strategy is membership implemented. Performance reports will include delivery of recruitment and retention targets MRC recommends any Accountable Officer : Director of Finance and Corporate Services Page 16 of 34
Approved by RCN Council November 2014
membership categories Committee (MRC)
changes to membership categories to Council for approval Promote RCN membership Executive Team implements membership categories Review subscription strategy Review subscription rates Members approve in General Meeting the framework, within which Council works Council agrees any annual subscription increase subject to review every five years Business Committee and Membership Representation Committee make recommendations to Council re annual increases in subscription rates Boards are consulted before recommendations are made and ensure that branches and local networks are included in that consultation process Representative membership groups are consulted before recommendations are made Accountable Officer Director of Nursing and Service Delivery
Executive Team provides financial data and recommendations to Business Committee and Membership Representation Committee Executive Team Implements subscription rates Accountable Officer : Director of Finance and Corporate Services 5 Social, economic and policy environment 5.1 Monitor social, economic and policy environment Receives regular reports on issues affecting members and nursing, and commissions work on new project or policy Deliver projects commissioned by council and propose to Council new work on new project or policy areas
Ensure policy is implemented in country/region and share intelligence on policy issues to be Representative membership groups are consulted before recommendations are made
ET monitors social, economic and policy environment and proposes to Council work on new project or policy areas via Page 17 of 34
Approved by RCN Council November 2014
areas Work with Country Boards to develop health and social care policy 5.2 Approval of health and Determines which social care and other public committee is best policy positions suited to undertake policy development, and commissions work Develop and approve policy Recommend significant and new policy positions to Council Accountable Officer: Director of Nursing & Service Delivery Consulted before recommendations are made Monitors delivery of the Monitor the Review performance implementation plan implementation of new at country or regional health and social care and level other public policies Accountable Officer: Director of Nursing & Service Delivery Report back to Council on implementation 6. Governance Accountable Officer: Chief Executive & General Secretary
Executive Team implements new policies Executive Team makes recommendations to Council on work to be commissioned Country boards have a Council specific policy brief Monitor the implementation of new health and social care and other public policies Form part of formal consultation process on UK policy and should also ensure consultation with branches and local networks Council committees
Approves significant new policy positions 5.3 reported to Council and Council committees. Country boards have a role along with Council Committee to develop health and social care and other public policy positions Page 18 of 34
Approved by RCN Council November 2014
arrangements 6.1 Approve governance structure and working arrangements Oversees consultation and communication as required, and approves changes subject to membership approval at a general meeting if required Governance Support Committee (GSC) reviews governance structure and terms of reference and recommends any changes to Council Ensure changes are actioned and report back any issues. Consulted on any proposed changes Consulted on changes
Ensure that branches GSC reports to Council on and local networks feed into this process the effectiveness of current arrangements Accountable Officer: Director of Governance Support 6.2 Agree governance policies and procedures Approves governance Governance Support policies and procedures Committee draws up and reviews governance policies and procedures of the organisation for recommendation to Council Consulted on changes
Consulted on changes
Makes recommendations for change Ensure that branches and local networks feed into this process Accountable Officer: Director of Governance Support
6.3 Appoint members and external advisers to governance committees and Council sub‐
committees Receives report from GSC Agrees appointments Governance Support Committee oversees process and reports to Council on periodic basis to ensure committees reflect our membership and have the appropriate range of experience and skills needed Makes recommendations for change Encourage members with the right skills and experience to put themselves forward to serve on Council sub‐
committees and governance committees Encourage members with the right skills and experience to put themselves forward to serve on Council sub‐
committees and governance committees Accountable Officer : Director of Governance Support Page 19 of 34
Approved by RCN Council November 2014
6.4 Elections to governance positions Agrees governance policies and elections procedures Appoints UK Returning Officer Governance Support Committee draws up and reviews governance policies and elections procedures for recommendation to Council Boards to be consulted re changes to policies and procedures as part of the Legal and Governance Review Consulted on proposed changes to policies and procedures Members may be asked to support investigations as appropriate Members may be asked to support investigations as appropriate 6.5 Review and approval of disciplinary process and procedures for members Council reviews and agrees disciplinary policy and procedures and any changes Consulted on any changes to the policy and procedures Consulted on any changes to the policy and procedures 6.6 Oversee the skills audit, training, development and assessment of members in governance positions Ensures all elected and appointed members have appropriate skills and access to training GSC leads this work; designing the skills audit, developing the programmes and assessing the outcomes Legal and Governance Review is to look at induction arrangements to be put in place for all members ET Returning Officer (cannot be an RCN member) Accountable Officer : Director of Governance Support
Chief Executive and General Secretary is responsible, in consultation with the Chair and Vice‐
Chair of Council, to set up investigations and disciplinary process Accountable Officer : Director of Governance Support
Implements induction, training and development arrangements Accountable Officer : Director of Governance Support
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Approved by RCN Council November 2014
6.7 6.8 Signing of contracts and partnership agreements with other organisations Financial limits Approves contracts and partnership agreements in accordance with Financial Regulations Approves business case for any external income generation or Partnership Agreement expected to be over £1m inc VAT over the life of the contract Business Committee approves contracts and partnership agreements in accordance with Financial Regulations Business Committee recommends to Council the approval of business cases for contracts / partnership agreements over £1m inc VAT over life of contract Business Committee approves business case for contract / partnership agreement expected to be between £500k ‐ £1m inc VAT over life of contract Receive reports on all contracts and partnership agreements in excess of £250k Ensure the arrangements are complied with in accordance with Financial Regulations Executive Team, in consultation with the Director of Governance and the Director of Finance and Corporate Services, ensure all contracts and partnership agreements are approved in accordance with Financial Regulations Propose all contracts / partnership agreements over £500k Approve all contracts / partnership agreements under £500k Accountable Officer: Director of Finance & Corporate Services
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Approved by RCN Council November 2014
6.9 Signing of contracts / agreements Approves the level of signatory for all contracts in line with the Financial Regulations 6.10 Use of RCN External Audit firms for non audit work Executive Team ensures all documents are signed in accordance with the Financial Regulations Chair of Council informed of the appointment of external audit firm for non audit work Chair of Audit Committee approves the appointment of external audit firm for non audit work. Council receive a report, Audit Committee receive through the Audit detail of non audit Committee noting any engagement such appointments Accountable Officer: Director of Finance & Corporate Services Council receives an annual summary of all non audit work undertaken by external audit firm 7. Representing the RCN 7.1 Represent the RCN internationally and across the UK Agrees Council Council Executive Team Members may representation at UK reviews stakeholder diary represent their RCN and International events at its meetings country or region or at UK or international Accountable Officer: Director of Finance & Corporate Services
Executive Team agree all non audit work undertaken by the external audit firm in accordance with the Financial Regulations Members may represent their RCN membership group at UK or international Executive Team will represent their RCN country, region or function at UK or international level Page 22 of 34
Approved by RCN Council November 2014
International Committee approves the process for selecting the appropriate RCN representative for international events level
level
Executive Team oversees stakeholder management process Accountable Officer: Director of Nursing & Service Delivery 8. Communication and consultation 8.1 Oversee consultation and communications with members There are regular reports to Boards and other parts of the governance structure on Council business There are agreed processes for formal consultation and communication Play a vital role as the interface between Council and members Play a vital role as the interface between Council and members Executive Team implements consultation and communications strategy Accountable Officer: Director of Governance Support 8.2 Congress Delegates the business agenda of Congress to the Agenda Committee, as described in the Congress constitution Agenda Committee meets throughout the year to oversee the arrangements Encourage members to submit Agenda items and ensure voting place are filled and new members are encouraged to attend for the first time Encourage members to submit Agenda items and ensure voting place are filled and new members are encouraged to attend for the first time Executive Team organises Congress Accountable Officer: Director of Governance Support Page 23 of 34
Approved by RCN Council November 2014
8.3 AGM Delegates to Governance Support Committee responsibility for overseeing the AGM Governance Support Committee recommends the agenda to Council and oversees the arrangements for the AGM Have a role in promoting the RCN AGM and any votes and ensure that branches and local network groups are involved in the process. Promote branch AGMs
Have a role in promoting the RCN AGM and any votes, and should ensure their members are involved with the process Executive Team organises the AGM and implements the communications strategy Agrees the AGM agenda and communicates the reasons for votes Accountable Officer: Director of Governance Support 9. Human resources 9.1 Appoint the Chief Executive and General Secretary and monitoring his performance Approves the process for recruiting a Chief Executive & General Secretary, and approves the appointment A sub‐committee is set up by the Chair of Council to oversee the process for appointing a Chief Executive & General Secretary, and to carry out the interview process Chief Executive & General Secretary manages the staff of the College The Chair of Council monitors the performance of the Chief Executive as their line manager Accountable Officers: Director of HR, OD and Estates and Director of Governance Support 9.2 Executive Team remuneration Delegates to Remuneration Remuneration Committee reports to Council twice a Page 24 of 34
Approved by RCN Council November 2014
9.3 Agree staff terms and conditions of employment Committee oversight of senior staff remuneration and performance including that of the Chief Executive and General Secretary year
Remuneration Committee reviews all redundancy or ex‐gratia payments made to staff members Accountable Officer: Director of HR, OD and Estates Executive Team and Partnership Forum negotiate staff terms and conditions of employment within the financial framework agreed by Council Accountable Officer: Director of HR, OD and Estates 10. Control environment 10.1 Approve annual report and accounts Approves Annual Report and Accounts on recommendation of Audit Committee Audit Committee reviews Provide relevant Annual Report and information to be Accounts for consistency included and appropriateness, and reviews accounting policies and procedures Approve the accounting policies contained within the annual report Audit Committee Executive Team prepare and review annual report and accounts Executive Team assures Council, that annual reports and accounts are fully compliant with Page 25 of 34
Approved by RCN Council November 2014
and accounts
Sign Letters of Representation on assurance from Audit Committee and Executive Team confirms that the Annual Report and Accounts represent a fair and honest statement of the RCN’s financial position relevant accounting requirements and all relevant and requested information has been made available to the auditors before Council can sign Letter of Representation Audit Committee receives the report from the auditors which sets out the audit process followed, issues raised and any recommendations made Audit Committee presents final audited Annual Report and Accounts to Council for approval 10.2 Risk management arrangements are in place 10.3 Effective internal control arrangements are in place Accountable Officer: Director of Finance & Corporate Services Reviews risk matrix and register presented on a quarterly basis by Audit Committee Quarterly review by Audit Committee and presents risk register and matrix to Council quarterly for consideration Board reviews country/ regional risk matrix quarterly Considers Audit Committee report at each meeting. Audit Committee reviews at each meeting and reports to Council on a quarterly basis on the Findings of Internal Audits on country/regional performance Monthly review by Executive Team Accountable Officer: Director of Finance & Corporate Services
Monthly review by Executive Team Page 26 of 34
Approved by RCN Council November 2014
quality of the control environment in place based on Internal Audit Programme presented to Board
Accountable Officer: Director of Finance & Corporate Services 10.4 Appointing External Auditors to the RCN, agreeing the audit fee and work plans Appoints External Auditor on recommendation of Audit Committee Audit Committee reviews the work of the External Auditors at agreed tender period, and agrees the audit fee and work plan and oversees tender process as required Accountable Officer: Director of Finance & Corporate Services Audit Committee reports to Council on the audit fee, and work plan 10.5 10.6 Monitoring the implementation of internal and external audit recommendations Ensure an adequate policy on fraud and irregularity is Considers Audit Committee report at each meeting Approves any changes to the policy on Audit Committee monitors the implementation of recommendations made and reports to Council at each meeting Boards to ensure recommendations are implemented in country/region Audit Committee reviews the fraud policy on a Included in routine financial report to Executive Team to ensure recommendations are implemented as agreed throughout the RCN Accountable Officer: Director of Finance & Corporate Services
Executive Team ensures the policy is implemented Page 27 of 34
Approved by RCN Council November 2014
in place and all losses are followed up recommendation of Audit Committee regular basis and board
recommends any changes to Council for approval Accountable Officer: Director of Finance & Corporate Services Audit Committee ensures that adequate arrangements are in place and reports to Council accordingly 10.7 Adequate arrangements Periodically receives are in place to ensure value report from the Audit for money Committee identifying progress against value for money recommendation and areas under consideration Audit Committee reviews Covered by Internal arrangements in place for Audit arrangements ensuring value for money as part of internal audit process and reports to Council Accountable Officer: Director of Finance & Corporate Services
11. Compliance with legislation 11.1 Compliance with all relevant and applicable guidance and legislation – Ensures the RCN is fulfilling its requirements under appropriate guidance Audit Committee and Ensure Governance Support country/regional Committee leads this compliance work on behalf of Council Executive Team to receive regular reports on key areas and recommendations arising from value for money reviews Executive Team works with Audit Committee and Governance Support Committee to ensure that Page 28 of 34
Approved by RCN Council November 2014
and legislation
the RCN is meeting its obligations and provides regular reports to Council Accountable Officer: Director of Governance Support Ensure the RCN meets all its requirements as a Trade Union Ensure the RCN meets all its requirements as a Royal College Ensure the RCN meets all its regulatory policies, standards and codes 11.2 Regulatory Compliance Management Framework Approves the Regulatory Compliance Management Framework Audit Committee and Governance Support Committee review the framework Accountable Officer: Director of HR, OD and Estates and Director of Finance & Corporate Services
Executive Team lead the development of the framework and ensure all internal policies, operational procedures an guidelines are met Accountable Officer: Director of Governance Support
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Approved by RCN Council November 2014
12. Awards and honours 12.1 Make RCN awards Council approves awards process and award of Fellowships and Awards of Merit on recommendation of the awards panel Awards Committee oversees awards process and reports to Council recommendations for awards Encourage nominations and promote awards locally Encourage nominations and promote awards locally Executive Team
Manage awards process. History of Nursing Society works with country and regional boards to safeguard items of local interest (eg branch memorabilia) Executive Team implements Archive policy and ensures historical memorabilia is safeguarded and displayed 13. RCN history of nursing 13.1 Safeguard the RCN’s heritage and celebrate its history NPPC ensures Ensure items of local arrangements are in place interest are recorded to safeguard the RCN’s and safeguarded history and heritage Accountable Officer: Director of Finance & Corporate Services
Accountable Officer: Director of Nursing and Service Delivery 14. Improving nursing practice, quality standards and development 14.1 All matters affecting nursing practice and policy Approves recommendations from NPPC and makes Nursing Practice and Policy Committee supports, oversees and Are consulted and are responsible for seeking the views of Forums and Societies undertake projects and contribute Executive Team make recommendations and implement the decisions of Page 30 of 34
Approved by RCN Council November 2014
decisions in relation to education and all major policy and practice issues 14.2 A sound evidence base to underpin the development of nursing practice an d policy Council approves the research and development strategy takes decisions on behalf of Council in relation to all matters affecting nursing education practice and policy within the RCN Nursing Practice and Policy Committee supports, oversees and takes decisions on behalf of Council in relation to research and development members through branches and local networks Encourage, promote, facilitate and support the advancement of nursing in all its specialities within the region or country in line with RCN strategy and policy Are consulted and ensure dissemination of information about evidence to support best practice expertise. They are linked to the NPPC through the Forums Governance Group Council and/or its committees Accountable Officer: Director of Nursing and Service Delivery Contribute to research and development. They are linked to NPPC through the Research and Development Governance Group Executive Team make recommendations and implement the decisions of Council and/or its committees Accountable Officer: Director of Nursing and Service Delivery 15. Membership representation Page 31 of 34
Approved by RCN Council November 2014
15.1 Represent members at national and UK level in relation to pay, terms and conditions, workforce planning and health and safety Approves recommendations from Membership Representation Committee and makes decisions in relation influencing and campaigning work on pay, terms and conditions, workforce planning and health and safety Membership Representation Committees supports, oversees and takes decisions on behalf of Council in relation to influencing and campaigning work on pay, terms and conditions, workforce planning and health and safety Are consulted and are responsible for seeking the views of members through branches and local networks Membership Representation Committee supports, oversees and takes decisions on behalf of Council Monitor performance in their country and region and develop strategy to ensure that members are supported effectively Are consulted via the three UK Representative committees and are linked to MRC through the Trade Union Governance Group Ensure that decisions are communicated to branches and local networks Executive Team make recommendations and implement the decisions of Council and/or its committees Accountable Officer: Director of Nursing and Service Delivery 15.2 Represent members locally Council approves UK‐
and in the workplace wide strategy and monitors performance Put forward the views of accredited representatives through the UK Representative Committees. They are linked to MRC through the UK Representative Committees Executive Team make recommendations and implement the decisions of Council and/or its committees – specifically ensuring that decisions are implemented in the countries and regions Accountable Officer: Director of Nursing and Service Delivery Page 32 of 34
Approved by RCN Council November 2014
16. Equality and Inclusion 16.1 Champion of diversity, equality and human rights in the health and social care sector Approves and champions the equality and diversity strategy and monitors performance against it Are consulted in the development of strategy and monitor their performance against it Are consulted in the development of strategy and monitor their performance against it Executive Team implement the equality and diversity strategy Accountable Officer: Director for England Ensure that equality and diversity is promoted at a country and regional level through its branches and local networks
17. Ethics 17.1 Ensuring that the ethical dimension of all issues are considered and taken into account Makes decisions on ethical issues The Ethics Committee makes recommendations to Council Are consulted on issues with ethical implications and ensure that members in branches and local networks are engaged Are consulted on ethical matters Executive Team implements and communicates decisions on ethical issues Accountable Officer: Director of Governance Support
First approved by RCN Council November 2012 Reviewed November 2013
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Approved by RCN Council November 2014
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