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