The Royal College of Nursing has announced the results of its Presidential and Council elections, with a new President, Deputy President and Council members being appointed.
Bejoy Sebastian has been elected as the new President, become an ambassador for nursing both in the UK and abroad. Sebastian is a senior nurse working in critical care at University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, originally from Kerala, India.
Sebastian, commented on his appointment saying:
“It is a true honour to be elected RCN President. I have great aspirations for this role, and together we can make the nursing profession more valued and respected. I want to ensure all members are engaging with the College so we have a stronger, united voice.”
Professor Alison Leary MBE FRCN is the new Deputy President of the RCN, and is currently a senior consultant at the World Health Organisation as well as a Professor of Healthcare Modelling at London Southbank University. This sees her researching the relationship between workforce and safety, having recently retired from clinical practice. Leary has been involved with the RCN in a number of ways previously, including as a member of the College’s Professional Nursing Committee.
Alongside the election of the President and Deputy President, the 12 country and regional council members have also been selected, with this including:
- East Midlands – Neil Thompson
- Eastern – Natalie Brooks
- London – Jennifer Caguioa
- Northern – Andrea Walters
- North West – Carmel O’Boyle
- Northern Ireland – Anne Campbell
- Scotland – Leanne Patrick
- South East – Sally Bassett
- South West – Ashleigh Taylor
- Wales – Nicola Milligan
- Yorkshire and the Humber – Sian Grbin
- West Midlands – Olga Leach-Walters
Chief Executive and General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, Professor Nicola Ranger, said:
“Congratulations to all those who have been successfully elected.
“As the world’s largest nursing union and professional body, being at the top of our game in decision-making is crucial. And that requires dynamic, experienced nursing leaders who care deeply about our profession and who represent every one of our members, at every career stage.
“We set out this year to radically increase our diversity and inclusivity as an organisation – it’s what members need and deserve. The people elected today and who will be our lead members for the coming years are another big step towards that brighter future.
“I look forward to working together with a clear vision to build on the strengths of our great College.”
Image credit: iStock
