The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is set to undergo a leadership change after Dame Donna Kinnair steps down from her position as General Secretary and Chief Executive of the RCN.
Dame Kinnair joined the RCN in 2015 and took up her leadership position two years ago.
She will be stepping down after a period of ill health.
Dame Kinnair said: “I have been honoured to represent my profession in this role, particularly throughout the challenges of the pandemic and to have had an opportunity to work alongside ICU colleagues at the Nightingale Hospital London.
“I wish my colleagues and our membership all the best for the future and look forward to taking on some new challenges after my recovery.”
Carol Popplestone, Vice Chair of the Royal College of Nursing Council added: “We thank Dame Donna for all her service to the College as General Secretary and Chief Executive and wish her well.”
The resignation of Dame Kinnair will be effective immediately and an announcement regarding next steps for recruitment into the role will follow.
Pat Cullen will continue in the role of Acting General Secretary and Chief Executive. She has worked at the RCN since 2016 and was in post as Director of RCN Northern Ireland since May 2019, where she led RCN members of the College’s first general strike.
