RCN chief stands down to enter politics
Professor Pat Cullen is stepping down early from her role leading the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in order to pursue a political career.
Northern Irish national Professor Cullen is seeking nomination to stand for Sinn Féin in the Fermanagh and South Tyrone constituency in the upcoming general election.
“We have achieved so much in three very different and difficult years”
Pat Cullen
Professor Cullen has been the chief executive and general secretary of the RCN since April 2021, first in an acting capacity and the interim.
She was due to be departing the role at the end of this year.
The RCN had already started the recruitment process for a new permanent chief executive and general secretary and is still accepting applications for the £200,500-per year job.
Until one is found, Professor Nicola Ranger, the RCN’s current chief nursing officer and deputy general secretary and chief executive, will step into the top role in an acting capacity.
Professor Cullen said: “This was the hardest decision to make, and we have achieved so much in three very different and difficult years.
“I hope my legacy here will be to have helped the nursing profession use its voice and campaign for change, for ourselves and patients. I owe RCN members a debt of gratitude.”
Professor Cullen came into the chief executive and general secretary role following the unexpected departure of the previous post holder, Dame Donna Kinnair.
During her tenure, Professor Cullen has overseen UK-wide nursing strikes, the nursing response to the Covid-19 pandemic and a call for a separate pay spine to be introduced for nurses.
The internal culture and governance of the RCN also once again came under scrutiny, including within the damning 2022 report by Bruce Carr KC.
The Carr review uncovered concerns about misogyny and racism within the college among other issues, leading to Professor Cullen promising an overhaul of the organisation.
Paul Vaughan, chair of RCN Council, paid tribute to Professor Cullen’s leadership.
He said: “Pat has been a tremendous leader for our profession and put the college on a journey to a brighter future.
“She has been fearless in rooting out longstanding cultural issues internally and speaking truth to power in the health service and politics alike.”
