The Royal College of Nursing has appointed Dame Donna Kinnair as its new chief executive and general secretary. Dame Donna, who joined the RCN in 2015 as its head of nursing, has been covering the role on an acting basis since August of last year after Janet Davies resigned in a row over miscommunicated pay rises.
“It is quite simply the best job in nursing and the greatest privilege to continue serving the RCN’s members at the highest level,” said Dame Donna. “My every action will seek to boost their collective voice and leave others in no doubt at the true value of a cutting-edge and respected nursing workforce.
Dame Donna brings a wide range of management experience to the job, including advising the Prime Prime Minister’s Commission on the future of nursing and midwifery in 2009, serving as clinical director of emergency medicine at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals Trust, and as director of commissioning, London Borough of Southwark & Southwark PCT.
Confirming her appointment, RCN Chair of Council Sue Warriner said: “These are challenging times for the nursing profession and Donna will bring unparalleled experience to our organisation. She has provided sterling leadership while carrying out the role in an acting capacity, which guided the College through a period of transition and helped rebuild the confidence of its membership.”