At the Royal College of Nursing we’re an optimistic organisation. And we’ve got good reason to be. We all share the same voice when it comes to changing the shape of the health policies of the future. And as the largest trade union of nursing staff and students in the UK – with over half a million members – all we can see are the infinite possibilities for a brighter future. Join us and you will too.

The role

The Royal College of Nursing is looking for a senior nursing leader to join us as Associate Director, Nursing Practice: Community, Social Care and Regulation.

This is a high‑profile UK‑wide leadership role within the Nursing Practice Academy, supporting the Chief Nursing Officer, Deputy Chief Nursing Officer and Director of the Institute of Nursing Excellence to set strategic direction for nursing across community, social care and regulated practice.

Working alongside an existing Associate Director, you will lead and shape professional practice, standards, guidance and education across a wide range of out‑of‑hospital nursing settings. You will play a key role in raising the voice of nursing, influencing policy, strengthening professional regulation, and supporting internationally educated nurses across the UK.

What you’ll be doing

In this role, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership for community, social care and regulatory nursing practice across the UK
• Lead the development and delivery of the Academy’s operational plan, aligned to the RCN’s strategic and financial priorities
• Influence UK‑wide policy, regulation and professional standards affecting nursing practice
• Lead on professional regulation, safeguarding advice, and support for internationally educated nurses
• Build strong partnerships with members, stakeholders, regulators and community organisations
• Manage and develop multi‑disciplinary teams, using a matrix leadership model across the RCN
• Oversee budgets, income generation and financial governance for the Academy’s work
• Champion equity, diversity and inclusion, ensuring nursing voices from all sectors are heard

The portfolio spans community nursing, primary care, independent health and social care, care homes, nursing agencies, hospices, justice healthcare, home care and social care enterprises.

About you

You will be a registered nurse with:

• Current NMC registration and education to Master’s level (or equivalent experience)
• Extensive senior leadership experience across community, social care or non‑acute settings
• Strong understanding of nursing regulation, UK nursing policy and contemporary practice
• Experience leading complex programmes, organisational change and cross‑boundary working
• A proven track record of people management, financial oversight and service improvement
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, including experience supporting internationally educated nurses
• Excellent influencing, communication and partnership‑building skills

You will be comfortable operating at national level, working flexibly, and travelling occasionally across the UK.

Why join the RCN?

At the RCN, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of nursing across the UK, working with passionate colleagues and members who are committed to professional excellence, fairness and social justice. We offer a supportive, inclusive culture, flexible working, and the chance to make a real impact for nurses, patients and communities..

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.

There may be further flexibility to the locations advertised. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss if alternative office locations are available.

Our selection process

Please click the ‘apply now’ button to apply and answer the supporting questions online demonstrating how you meet the criteria for this role. You may not be shortlisted if you don’t. 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 proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme we actively encourage applications from people with disabilities.

Opening date: 03 July 2026

Closing date: 11.59pm on 19 July 2026

If we receive many applications after a week of advertising, we may close this vacancy earlier.