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- Tasks: Lead a new team to enhance activist engagement and develop strategies for social change.
- Company: Join the Royal College of Nursing, the UK's largest nursing trade union with over half a million members.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, up to 32 days annual leave, and an award-winning health programme.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative movement in healthcare activism and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership, creativity, and communication skills; passion for healthcare and activism required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 58000 - 65000 £ per year.
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
To apply, please click on the apply button.
Closing date: 27 July 2025.
Assessment & interview date: TBC.
Lead for Activist Impact employer: Royal College of Nursing
Contact Detail:
Royal College of Nursing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead for Activist Impact
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Royal College of Nursing's Activism Strategy. Understanding their goals and current initiatives will help you demonstrate your alignment with their mission during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the RCN, especially those in activist roles. They can provide insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can be invaluable for your preparation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects that involved community engagement or activism. Highlighting your leadership skills in these contexts will be crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current issues in healthcare and nursing activism. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will allow you to engage in meaningful conversations and show your passion for the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead for Activist Impact
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Lead for Activist Impact position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should be clear and concise, focusing on relevant experience that showcases your leadership skills, strategic thinking, and ability to inspire others. Avoid complex formatting; keep it simple to ensure it is easily readable.
Answer Supporting Questions Thoughtfully: The application requires you to answer specific supporting questions. Take your time to reflect on each question and provide detailed examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your qualifications for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal College of Nursing
✨Understand the Role and Its Impact
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Lead for Activist Impact. Familiarise yourself with the RCN’s Activism Strategy and think about how your skills can contribute to enhancing member activism across the UK.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves line managing a small team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight any experiences where you've inspired others or turned creative visions into practical plans.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Healthcare
The RCN is looking for someone who has a genuine passion for healthcare and the nursing profession. Be ready to share your thoughts on current issues in the healthcare sector and how they relate to activism, showing that you are not only knowledgeable but also deeply invested in making a difference.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare insightful questions to ask your interviewers. This could include inquiries about the future direction of the Activist Engagement Team or how success will be measured in this role. It shows your interest and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values.
