Meet our International Committee
We take a closer look at the committee's work, role and how it functions within the RCN
Our international work
We represent UK nursing globally and support international colleagues.
The RCN works with international alliances and stakeholders in the UK, Europe and beyond to influence health and nursing policy globally.
We focus on supporting our international workforce by seeking to influence:
- an inclusive immigration system
- a fair testing and registration process
- sustainable and ethical recruitment into the UK
We also work with partners to influence both UK and global health policy that recognises and promotes the rights, expertise and leadership of nurses. In doing so, we can achieve better global health outcomes for all.
Professional Qualifications Act
The Professional Qualifications Act changes the way overseas nursing qualifications are recognised in the UK. We actively influenced the Bill as it progressed through Parliament, and we worked to ensure that patient safety was protected.
Code of Practice for International Recruitment survey
We provided feedback on the UK Code of Practice for International Recruitment. Our response outlined concerns including the levels of information that are made available to internationally educated nurses as part of the recruitment process when considering coming to the UK, and about data indicating increasing numbers of nurses joining the Nursing and Midwifery Council register from countries identified as facing workforce shortages.
Our commitment to improving nursing globally
Find out more about our work to influence global health policy and the international alliances we are a member of.
International workforce
The RCN supports internationally trained nurses in the UK and calls on UK governments to ensure that international recruitment is conducted ethically.
- Parliamentary Briefing for Professional Qualifications Bill: Lords Report Stage
- Professional Qualifications Bill: patient safety concerns heard
- Consultation response: Review of the impact of the ending of freedom of movement (Migration Advisory Committee's response)
- Submission to the WHO’s Independent Stakeholder Reporting Instrument
- Consultation response: Changes to GDC and NMC's International Registration Legislation
Nursing leadership
Nurses across the world have a critical role in achieving universal health coverage (UHC) and other population health goals. The RCN has called for the UK to invest in health systems globally, and implement the recommendations of the WHO’s Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery.
Sustainable development goals
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals for all countries to work towards in global partnership. Included within the SDGs is the aim to improve health and education, reducing inequality and tackling climate change. Nurses have a critical role in achieving all of the SDGs.
International alliances
International alliances bring together nursing organisations from across the world to work together on issues impacting the profession. The RCN is a member of a number of international alliances including:
- European Federation of Nurses Associations
- European Forum of Nursing and Midwifery Associations
- European Public Health Alliance
- European Federation of Public Services Unions
- Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation
- International Confederation of Midwives
- International Council of Nurses
International nursing members
Information, guidance and advice for international members, working in the UK and overseas.
Immigration advice service
If you're an RCN member and are already in the UK, you can get free, confidential support and assistance on immigration issues.
