04.09.20
Two key leadership roles elected to RCN Council
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Council has elected a new Chair and Vice Chair position, who will look to further develop the cooperation and effectiveness of the RCN Council and its work alongside the body’s executive directors.
Dave Dawes has been elected as the new Chair of the council, having had a long, active history within the RCN – having first served on the very same council as a nursing student almost 30 years ago.
He is currently serving in his eighth year on the RCN Council in his current spell, having had spells serving with the council in four different decades; the 1990s, 2000s, 2010s and 2020s. Mr Dawes also serves as Chair of the RCN North West Board and has previously filled a range of roles including as a forum chair, branch officer and RCN Congress Agenda Committee member over the years. Most recently, he has been the Honorary Treasurer of RCN Council.
A highly-experienced candidate, Mr Dawes has over 25 years’ experience in hospital and community care in both the NHS and independent sectors, including significant expertise in board and financial governance, as well as serving as a lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University and as Commercial Director of a charity focusing on 21st century health and social care challenges.
As part of his new role as Chair of the RCN Council, Mr Dawes has outlined four key priorities he aims to tackle:
- creating a cohesive team on RCN Council
- rebuilding trust between RCN Council and the executive directors
- rebuilding trust between RCN members and the executive directors
- re-establishing the authority of RCN Council in the eyes of the membership
Mr Dawes said: “I’m determined to make sure the voice of members is heard and believe we can achieve great things if we work together.
“I’m confident I can help steer the organisation through the immediate challenges it faces, so we emerge stronger and focused on the priorities that matter most to members. The RCN works best when it listens to and speaks for all our members and I will be starting that direct dialogue straightaway.”
Joining Mr Dawes in the RCN Council’s newly-elected leadership is Carol Popplestone, who has been elected as Vice Chair.
Having been a registered nurse since 1978, Ms Popplestone brings a wealth of experience having worked as a clinical nurse specialist, developing and providing a nurse-led service for patients with urological cancers.
She has previously served as a member of the RCN Trade Union Committee and as Chair of the RCN Yorkshire and the Humber Board, as well as having been a member of the RCN UK Stewards Committee from 2013 to 2016.
Ms Popplestone said: “I’m proud to be taking on the role of Vice Chair of RCN Council and am looking forward to using my experience to best meet the needs of members.
“I’m committed to listening, learning and responding to what members tell us so we are truly representative of the nursing profession.”
Both Mr Dawes and Ms Popplestone were elected to their new roles by colleagues on the RCN Council. Their terms of office are set to begin immediately and will conclude at the end of 2021.