Sheila Sobrany will take up the role of RCN President from 1 January 2023, acting as an ambassador for the nursing profession and representing the RCN across the UK and internationally.
Ms Sobrany is a course leader in adult nursing at the University of East London and has sat on the RCN London Board since February 2021. Her stated key priorities are securing fair pay above inflation, reducing pressures on nursing staff and tackling racism, bullying, harassment and discrimination of workers.
Voting in the president election opened on 3 November with RCN members voting by post for their preferred candidate. Ms Sobrany beat three other candidates to the prestigious position. She will take over from current President Dr Denise Chaffer on 1 January 2023 and serve in the role for two years.
‘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,’ said Ms Sobrany.
‘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.
As your new RCN President, I cannot do this without you and I need your support to make this possible.’
Ms Sobrany’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.’