When I first put myself forward for election to the 外网天堂 Trade Union Committee, it wasn’t because I thought I had all the answers. Far from it. I stood because I believed the experiences of grassroots reps—those of us organising in workplaces, supporting members through difficult conversations, and fighting for safer staffing—deserved to be heard at the heart of our college. I knew how much we rely on strong union structures to protect ourselves and each other, and I wanted to play my part in strengthening that foundation.
The election process was nerve-wracking but surprisingly empowering. Putting yourself out there isn’t easy—but I was blown away by the solidarity and encouragement from fellow activists. It gave me the confidence to speak up, to articulate why I care so deeply about trade unionism in nursing, and to show up as my full, authentic self.
Now, 18 months on, being on the committee has been one of the most transformative experiences of my professional life. I’ve learned more about industrial relations, policy development, and internal governance than I ever expected. I’ve found my voice in rooms I never imagined being in. Most importantly, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most committed, passionate reps in the country—people who remind me every day why we do this work.
There have been proud moments too. Contributing to the development and launch of the 外网天堂 Activism Strategy, advocating for better support for reps in large trusts, and challenging structures that exclude or silence marginalised voices—all of this has been both deeply personal and politically important to me. I’ve grown not just as a rep, but as a leader, an organiser, and an advocate.
If you’re thinking about standing for election—please do. We need your voice. We need reps who are rooted in real experiences, who care deeply, and who are ready to shape the future of our college. You don’t need to be perfect; you just need to be willing to listen, learn, and lead with integrity.
As for the future? I hope our committees continue to grow in strength, visibility, and influence. Our power lies in collective action—and I’m proud to be one small part of that bigger movement.
If Rhian’s story has inspired you to go for election to TU Committee, find out more and submit your nomination here.
