RCN AGM Fit for the future Why you should vote

What’s it all about? Our current legal structure not compliant with Charity Commission requirements Trade union objective is not charitable Changing our legal structure involves amending the Royal Charter This requires a membership vote passed by 2/3 majority of all voters

What will the change involve? We will set up a new charitable foundation The RCN can apply to the foundation to fund its charitable work The foundation will not employ staff or carry out work itself

What does the change mean in real terms? Minimal impact on services to members Professional and trade union activity will still be carried out by the RCN The new foundation will be in a better position to raise funds for charitable activity than the RCN is currently

Why are we doing this now? The RCN approached the Charity Commission in October 2008 Current debate about the public benefit of some bodies registered as charities We want to get it right – Charity Commission supports our proposals.

What are the financial implications for the RCN? It involves the division of the RCN’s assets between the RCN and the new charity Charity Commission has agreed a solution that divides the assets as if there had been 2 organisations since 1977 when the trade union was set up This allows the RCN to continue both its professional and trade union activity on a sound financial footing

What about Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland? The proposed new legal structure will enable charitable activity carried out by the RCN in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales to be funded through the RCN Foundation.

So what should members do? Read more information at Complete their postal voting paper and ensure it is returned by 26 October 2009 or Register to attend the AGM and vote in person – go to for booking detailswww.rcn.org.uk/agm2009 Vote YES