Worshipful Company of Nurses

"Guild of Nurses" redirects here. For the organisation set up by the National Union of County Officers in 1937, see Hospital and Welfare Services Union.

The Worshipful Company of Nurses is a livery company in the City of London.

It was founded as the Guild of Nurses and was approved for formation as a guild by the Court of Aldermen of the City of London on 9 February 2016. It was formed to represent the nursing profession.[1] A guild is the beginning of a process towards forming a livery company.[2]

In 2020 the Guild became a company without livery,[3] and in May 2023, the Worshipful Company of Nurses was granted Livery by the Court of Aldermen.[4]

The Company ranks 111th in the order of precedence for Livery Companies.

Aims

Its primary aims are benevolence, education, and philanthropy for nurses past, present and future.

The company has a charitable arm- the Company of Nurses Charitable Trust, which gives help and support for nurses at times of financial hardship, and through educational grants.[5]

The Company provides a forum through meetings and events to bring together members from all parts of the nursing world to enjoy fellowship, support, networking and learning.

Membership

Membership of the Company, as prescribed by the Court of Aldermen of the City of London, shall not exceed 250 Liverymen. The number of Freemen is unlimited.

Members of the Company are, or have previously been, on the Register of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (or an equivalent regulatory body).

Students can join as an Apprentice if studying for a nursing degree that will lead to registration.  Membership is open to all irrespective of age, sex, race, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or gender affirmation.

Administration

The Company is administered by the Court of Assistants, comprising the Master, who acts as Chairman supported by the Upper Warden, Middle Warden, Renter Warden, and the Court Assistants. The Master holds office for one year and is normally succeeded by the Upper Warden. The Clerk to the Company is the Chief Executive and has responsibility for day-to-day administration of the Company and acts as secretary to the Court. Standing Committees made up of Court Assistants, Liverymen and Freemen address specific matters relating to Company activities and make recommendations to the Court.

Charitable Giving – Here for the Nursing Profession

The Company of Nurses Charitable Trust exists to promote the nursing profession for nurses past, present, and future. The Trust is able to offer support for nurses at times of financial hardship, and also contributes to the professional development of through the award of scholarships, bursaries and prizes. The aim is to support nurses so they can contribute to raising standards of nursing care, encourage health and wellbeing, and ultimately, support the lives of those in their care. This is achieved through

  • Bursaries and grants aimed at helping nurses develop their skills and knowledge.
  • Prizes and awards that recognise excellence and innovation

Military Affiliation

Livery Companies have long supported the Armed Forces and most Companies continue to support one or more regular, reserve or cadet forces units. Some Companies have an obvious connection based upon shared professional interests, while others may be based on historical context.

The Worshipful Company of Nurses is affiliated to the Central Reserve Headquarters Army Medical Services (CRHQ).

See also

References

  1. ^ "The Guild of Nursing" (PDF). Livery Briefing. February 2016. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
  2. ^ "New Guilds & Modern Companies | Livery Companies of the City of London". www.liverycompanies.info. Retrieved 11 March 2016.
  3. ^ Stephenson, Jo (13 May 2020). "Nursing profession accepted into 'ancient' livery movement". Nursing Times. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
  4. ^ Ford, Steve (16 May 2023). "Nursing group receives prestigious livery company status". Nursing Times. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
  5. ^ Turnbull, Elizabeth (11 June 2020). "Fellowship, education and benevolence is core to The Company of Nurses". British Journal of Nursing. 29 (11): 647. doi:10.12968/bjon.2020.29.11.647.