Lead for Activist Impact

North West, Cardiff or Birmingham with hybrid working

Contract type: Permanent, Full-time

Grade E - £66,909 – £75,492 per annum

Ref: RCN02711

There may be further flexibility to the locations advertised. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss if alternative office locations are available.

At the Royal College of Nursing we’re an optimistic organisation. We know that together we can make change happen. We are the largest trade union of nursing staff and students in the UK – with over half a million members – so we can see the momentous possibilities for a brighter future. Join us and you will too.

We’re accredited with Investors in People Silver Standard. Our people are our greatest asset, and we want people who can contribute to our purpose in line with our values.

The RCN is at a very exciting moment in its history, and is now planning to embed, enhance and nurture member activism across the UK. We are establishing a Lead for Activist Impact role, to sit within the Activist Engagement Team in the RCN Activism Academy.

This post will play a key strategic role in the development of this new team, and in the delivery of the RCN’s Activism Strategy. The Lead for Activist Impact will line manage a small team and report directly to the Head of Activist Engagement. They will also work closely with the Lead for Activist Communities and other key stakeholders within the wider RCN staff team and the membership.

The Lead for Activist Impact will oversee a review of local RCN structures and develop and deliver a renewal plan, under the supervision of the Head of Activist Engagement, to improve Activist Engagement across the UK. The role will be responsible for recruiting and retaining activists and will support the engagement of activists across the UK.

The post is responsible for developing strategies and leading on plans to strengthen the reach and influence of activists, and to support the improvement of local activist structures making the RCN more visible and influential wherever we have members by enhancing local engagement.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape a new team at its inception and be part of something bigger than yourself.

If you understand what makes activists tick and what they need to thrive, and you take pride in seeing a job well done, then this may well be the role for you.

The Lead for Activist Impact will combine leadership skills with creativity and strategic, solution-focused thinking. You will need the ability to turn creative visions into practical plans and have a proven record of seeing projects through to completion. You will need good communication skills, and an ability to inspire others. You will need to thrive as part of a team, with excellent interpersonal skills.

This role requires an excellent understanding in building activism for social change. It also requires a passion for healthcare and the nursing profession.

To succeed at the Royal College of Nursing all you need to do is think bigger, better and brighter. And with an attitude like that, anything’s possible.

What we offer you:

• We expect you to look after our members. And we expect you to be rewarded for it.
• We offer an impressive range of benefits, a broad range of learning development opportunities and an award-winning health and wellbeing programme.
• We offer annual leave up to 32 days plus bank holidays and three additional days for the Christmas break plus generous maternity, adoption, paternity, and shared parental leave packages.
• We offer a competitive pay structure with annual pay progression until you reach the top of the salary scale.
• We normally offer new employees the first point of the salary range, although you may be able to negotiate a higher starting salary depending on your skills, experience and current salary.
• We are a diverse organisation and understand everyone has different needs and many of our employees enjoy flexible working enabling them to deliver results whilst having a good work life balance.
• Our hybrid working model allows for up to 60% of your working time to be carried out from home. At least 40% of your working time will be spent working in person.

Our selection process:

Please click the ‘apply now’ button to submit a CV and answer the supporting questions demonstrating how you meet the criteria for this role. You may not be shortlisted if you don’t. Please ensure your CV is in a simple format with minimal tables and sections. Any identifying information in your application will automatically be anonymised for shortlisting purposes.

We want your experience applying for a job with us to be the best it can be. We may hold our interviews and assessments in person or by video call. If you foresee any problems, please let us know.

Equal opportunities for everyone:

Equity, diversity and inclusion are a priority for us and we aim to foster an inclusive environment so our people can bring their authentic selves to work. This is integral to our mission to enable you to support our members and ensure their voice is heard by all UK governments to get the best outcomes for them and their patients.

As a proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme we actively encourage applications from people with disabilities.

Contact details:

For more information or for an informal discussion about the role please contact Harry Eccles – Head of Activist Engagement on 07753844772.

For more information about the recruitment and selection process please contact recruit@rcn.org.uk

To apply, please click on the apply button.

Closing date: 27 July 2025. Assessment & interview date: TBC.