The Independent Health and Social Care Sector

Whether you are a registered nurse, a care assistant, a support worker, a nurse associate, a trainee or student, you will find something here relevant to your work.

The RCN has recognised that many of its members work under the umbrella of the independent health and social care sector, be that in care homes, private hospitals, prisons, general practice, local authorities, CQC, the military or private industries. Our commitment is to support you.

Read more: Nursing across independent health and social care services.

Join the RCN South West Independent Health and Social Care Sector Facebook group. 

This is a private group set up for RCN members in the South West who are employed by employers other than the NHS, including independent NHS providers. This includes community nursing staff, GP nursing staff, care home staff, occupational health, school nurses, public health nurses, hospice nursing staff, prison nursing staff (list not exhaustive).

The Facebook group is a safe space to network, ask questions and get information about the RCN's work across the sector.

If you are part of the nursing workforce and aren’t already a member you can read more about the benefits of joining on our membership page, including:

• advice – our confidential advice service is there to help you with workplace issues, your career, welfare rights and more.
• workplace support - you’ll never be alone: we have reps across the UK, in all sectors, to support you if you need advice or help at work.
• learning resources - access to online learning resources, First Steps, local learning events and Europe’s largest nursing library. 
• legal support - enjoy peace of mind with access to the largest legal team of any nursing union in the UK. We're there for you. 

We have a wide range of clinical resources to support your work which can be found at Professional Development

We have RCN networks and forums to support you in your work.
Forums and networks are groups of RCN members who work or who have an interest in a particular area of professional nursing practice
Forums and networks. 

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic we produced guides to support our members through the fast-changing health and care landscape. 
On our Covid-19 webpages you will find clinical guidance, personal and wellbeing support, employment guidance and information.