Royal College of Nursing announces new president

Sheilbye – Sheila – Sobrany has been announced as the RCN’s new President, having received the most member votes out of the four candidates standing for election to the high-profile role. 

Sheila is a course leader in adult nursing at the University of East London and sits on the RCN London Board.

Her key priorities are securing fair pay above inflation, reducing pressures on nursing staff and tackling racism, bullying, harassment and discrimination of health care workers. 

Voting in the president election opened on 3 November with RCN members voting by post for their preferred candidate.

Sheila will take over from current President Dr Denise Chaffer on 1 January 2023 and serve in the role for two years. 

Sheila said: “I am humbled by the support I have received and deeply honoured to take on the role of President at a critical time for nurses, nursing and our Royal College. 

“I will lead on the core issues identified in my campaign: making the RCN strong for members, not least in our campaigns for fair pay and patient safety, and advocating clearly for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“As a professional college and trade union, we must foster a strong sense of unity and belonging for our members in their work and our organisation.

“As your new RCN President, I cannot do this without you and I need your support to make this possible.”

Sheila’s election follows the publication of findings from an independent review into the culture of the RCN, led by Bruce Carr KC.

On this, she said: “I will work each day of my term to lead the RCN in tackling and rooting out the poor behaviours identified in the Carr Review and hold to account anybody who tries to perpetuate them. 

“The culture of the organisation and how it works must change, and I will dedicate myself to that ambition, carrying with me the support and aspiration of each member.”

The President acts as an ambassador for the nursing profession and represents the RCN to its members, stakeholders and the public across the UK and internationally.

They also serve as a full member of RCN Council.