RCN International Committee – Terms of Reference 1. Name of Committee RCN International Committee 2. Role of the RCN International Committee The International Committee is a sub-committee of RCN Council. Its role is to: keep the RCN international strategy under regular review and oversee a work plan to deliver the priorities it identifies ensure that the work of International Committee reflects the strategic objectives and priorities of the RCN and the RCN’s international purpose champion the international agenda within the RCN and promote the role of the RCN and its impact on healthcare issues in the EU and internationally learn from and support capacity building of other national nursing organisations represent the international position in the decision making process of Council and across the governance and representative structure ensure that any projects commissioned by the Committee are delivered in accordance with the approved brief and to agreed timescales and budget Specifically the Committee will: represent, promote and support the policies and policy- making processes of the RCN Council develop ways of working to guide how other parts of the governance and representative structure respond to international issues, and to advise on the value of international alliances and networks advise when EU or international legislation will impact on RCN priorities and influence the production of this legislation recommend project bids for submission to funding bodies and to liaise with these bodies as appropriate oversee the commissioning and delivery of priority work contribute to the recruitment, retention and representation of international members within the framework agreed by RCN Council. 3. Membership of the RCN International Committee There should be no more than 12 members of the International Committee made up of members appointed for their expertise and experience in international matters and representatives of external stakeholders as appropriate. The RCN President is a member of the Committee. Document1 Page 1 of 3 4. Appointments to the International Committee Appointments to the committee will be conducted in accordance with the procedures agreed by RCN Council. 5. Term of Office The term of office of the appointed members shall be four years, except in cases of casual vacancies where a part-term will be served. The rules on additional terms of office is set out in the RCN’s regulation on terms of office. The office of a member of the International Committee shall ipso facto be vacated in line with the provisions for Council members in the Royal Charter Schedule of Rules (Rule one). 6. Mid-term (Casual) Vacancies A vacancy on the International Committee caused by death, resignation or otherwise shall be filled by the process described in the RCN’s process for filling casual vacancies. 7. Chair and Vice Chair of the International Committee The Chair of the International Committee is appointed by RCN Council. The Vice Chair shall be elected by the committee from amongst the committee in accordance with the procedures agreed by RCN Council for such elections. 8. Meetings and Quorum Meetings of the International Committee shall take place a minimum of three times a year. The quorum for each meeting shall be half its membership. 9. Notices Provisions under Standing Orders 26 to 30 apply to the sending of notices. Additionally, any notice or document to be sent or supplied to the International Committee members in connection with the International Committee members taking decisions may be sent or supplied by the means by which that member has asked to be sent or supplied with such notices or documents for the time being. Document1 Page 2 of 3 10. Reporting to and from RCN Council and Delegation The International Committee will provide a report to RCN Council at each of its meetings as agreed by RCN Council. Delegated authority to the International Committee will be via the agreed scheme of delegation. 11. Secretariat to the International Committee The Secretariat to the International Committee shall be provided by the Governance Support team. 12. Removal from the International Committee An International Committee member may be removed before the end of their term of office on the grounds that they have: a) exceeded their powers in a way that is detrimental to the RCN b) failed to discharge their duties c) acted in breach of the RCN’s Dignity Charter d) acted in a manner likely to bring the RCN into disrepute The policies and processes laid down by RCN Council in relation to disciplinary and competence matters will be followed in such circumstances. Terms of reference agreed by International Committee 16/05/14 Document1 Page 3 of 3