JOB DESCRIPTION FORM
THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF NURSING OF THE UNITED KINGDOM
Job Title:
Professional Lead - Acute, Emergency & Critical Care
Department:
Nursing Department
Location:
RCN London HQ
Reports to:
Head of Nursing Practice
Hours:
35 hours per week
Grade:
E
Salary:
£50,634 per annum
London Allowance:
£3,360 per annum
Job Purpose:
 Develop and sustain a respected and professional UK-wide profile internally and
externally as a leader for the RCN on nursing policy and practice development.
 Influence nursing practice by developing and utilising effective professional
relationships between the RCN and relevant external networks and stakeholders
such as public / patient groups, statutory agencies, professional bodies, providers
and commissioners, independent and third sector organisations.
 Create or identify opportunities for RCN members and its staff to work with
stakeholders in developing solutions to contemporary nursing or health and social
care issues or concerns.
 Develop, adopt, or adapt standards for nursing practice in partnership with other
departments of the RCN or with external bodies.
 Using appropriate management and leadership strategies facilitate member
involvement in the work of the RCN.
 Support the development of the RCN as the voice of Nursing by contributing to the
recruitment of new members.
 Contribute to the success of the RCN as a business.
Main duties and responsibilities
1) Lead and support the development of UK wide nursing practice and policy in
acute, emergency and critical care.





Deliver quality assured services and products for a range of customers and
stakeholders. For example develop UK and Country specific best practice
standards, clinical guidelines, policy guidance, quality measures, knowledge
summaries, practice development tools, position papers and on-line briefings.
Oversee and contribute to the quality assurance life cycle of any products or
services produced.
Offer expert opinion or advice for internal customers such as Regional or
Country Directors on nursing practice issues arising from local, regional or
national developments in practice or policy.
Work proactively with the RCN Parliamentary and Communications teams to
lead the communication and promotion of agreed RCN positions and other
activity through appropriate channels such as the press, professional journals,
web based media, conferences and other events.
Demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional development by
keeping up to date with existing and emerging evidence, changes in health and
social care policy and current best practice in acute, emergency and critical care
– so enabling NMC revalidation.
2) Working in partnership with Regional and Country staff, engage members and
experts from across the UK in the identification, development, dissemination and
promotion of RCN evidence, expertise and opinion on nursing policy and practice






Build the reputation of the RCN by developing and actively managing networks
with a range of groups and individuals in support of RCN objectives.
Identify and appropriately manage the use of specialists and expert practitioners
within and outside your designated area of practice ensuring the appropriate
inclusion of a diversity of views and experiences.
When working with members operate within the corporate and governance
policies of the RCN to ensure a high level of commitment to organisational
values, policy and practice.
Demonstrate clear management, support for, and leadership of member
volunteers and activists. For example by attending forum or member events you
are responsible for, maintaining regular communication with lead network or
forum members such as Chairs and committee members, and so on.
Use specialist / expert knowledge to keep members fully engaged and informed
about the objectives of the RCN.
Actively seek, listen and respond to a range of member views and experiences
and where possible incorporate them within agreed work.
3) Contribute to the reputation and effectiveness of the work of the Nursing
Department and the wider organisation
 Show leadership by working in a manner which demonstrates a commitment to
best practice in equality and human rights legislation and guidance. The RCN is
working towards equality of opportunity for all and staff are required to bear this in
mind when carrying out their duties.
 Plan work / projects in a transparent and organised way, utilising RCN resources
and staff support appropriately, ensuring that all relevant people are involved from








the beginning – this may include for example RCN colleagues in education,
standards and knowledge, communications, marketing and sponsorship.
Lead the development and management of budgets for planned work in
accordance with RCN Financial Policies and Standing Orders and Nursing
Department process standards.
Ensure colleagues have access to relevant and accurate information on the
performance of agreed projects and workplans.
Demonstrate clear decision making in line with departmental and organisational
strategies and plans, consulting others where necessary.
Demonstrate appropriate use of communication channels. For e.g. consistent
attendance at agreed meetings, preparing concise and accurate briefings,
appropriately and purposefully sharing intelligence, sharing opportunities for
development, contributing to other departments work and so on.
Build and extend the profile of the work of the Professional Lead and the
department by developing networks across the organisation to fully utilise the
experience and talents of RCN staff and departments.
In collaboration with departments such as Marketing and Business Development,
take a lead in the creation of business cases and/or project proposals to attract
additional resources from internal and external bodies to support agreed RCN
activity taking into account any cost implications, benefits and risks.
Value and engage with individual colleagues views regardless of their position
within the organisation.
Actively participate as a member of the department, including supporting other
departmental projects, away days, regular team meetings and other
developmental activity.
4) Working with the management team, contribute to the management, appraisal,
supervision and support of the Nursing Department business support team.




Line manage the position of Nursing Coordinator effectively in accordance with
RCN HR policies and procedures.
Demonstrate trust in team members’ abilities and delegate appropriately, always
encouraging two way communication and feedback on progress.
Give proactive feedback with evidence of good practice.
Respond proactively to concerns relating to performance in an appropriate,
sensitive and professional manner.
Equality and Diversity





To promote good equality practice and play a key role in ensuring equality of
opportunity in the workplace.
Observe all the relevant law relating to equality of opportunities.
Encourage a working atmosphere where everyone is treated with dignity and
respect.
The RCN is working towards equality of opportunity and staff are required to bear
this in mind when carrying out their duties. It is also our policy to ensure that all
staff are treated with respect, fairness and without discrimination at work.
All staff must comply with the Royal College of Nursing’s No Smoking Policy.
Any Other Duties
Post-holders will work collaboratively with other appropriate parts of the RCN to
provide a seamless service for RCN Members.
To undertake additional duties as requested by line manager