Location
London

Hours
35 hours per week

Salary
£119,142 per annum

About the Role
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing and the largest professional body and trade union for nurses worldwide, supporting over half a million members. This is a fantastic time to join the RCN as we work to fix many aspects of nursing, setting standards and driving the vision for outstanding nursing care. As the UK Deputy Chief Nursing Officer, you will strengthen the RCN’s leadership position as the voice of nursing, supporting the organisation to authentically listen to members and position nursing as a modern, evolving profession.
You will contribute to the development and delivery of a dynamic Nursing Strategy that ensures the RCN remains the thought leader for the profession. Working closely with elected members, external stakeholders, and RCN teams across the UK, you will provide credible, effective, and visible professional nursing leadership. Your role includes leading and contributing to the development of a competent, capable nursing workforce empowered to influence, lead, and deliver safe and effective care.
Reporting to the Chief Nurse and collaborating with four country directors, the Director of the Institute, their teams, and RCN members, you will drive effective matrix working to ensure a four-country approach to national and international nursing strategy. You will enable the organisation to achieve the College’s Royal Charter objectives by helping members and the wider profession enhance their practice, develop nursing as a profession and career, and influence nursing, health, and social care policy.
This leadership role requires fostering strong professional relationships and encouraging close collaboration between departments. The role demands flexibility in response to member needs and college priorities and will involve some travel. The RCN offers a hybrid working model allowing up to 60% of working time from home, with at least 40% in person.

Experience
Significant senior management leadership experience in a complex health and social care or similar organisation is essential. Proven ability to provide credible and visible professional nursing leadership across multiple stakeholders and sectors.

About you
You will be a visionary leader who is fearless and uncompromising in progressing the nursing profession. You must be able to foster strong professional relationships and encourage collaboration across departments. Flexibility and responsiveness to member needs and organisational priorities are key. You will be committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, enabling an environment where people can bring their authentic selves to work.

Qualifications
You must hold a current and active registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).