Nursing across independent health and social care聽聽
We鈥檙e here to support all our members, no matter what sector or setting you鈥檙e employed in.聽
A significant and growing number of our members work in independent health and social care (IHSC). This diverse group includes all nursing staff employed in settings outside the NHS. That could be care homes, nursing agencies, private hospitals or somewhere else entirely. It also includes members 鈥� such as general practice nurses 鈥� who may provide NHS services but not be employed on Agenda for Change contracts.
This page signposts you to some of our most popular resources. Many of these will be relevant to all members working in IHSC, while others are tailored to particular roles or workplaces. If you can鈥檛 find what you鈥檙e looking for, please get in touch by emailing ihsc@rcn.org.uk.
If you work in the adult social care sector in England, please let us know what issues matter most to you by .
The government is currently holding a consultation on its plan to set up an Adult Social Care Negotiating Body, and your answers will help inform our response. Together with other trade unions, we're working to deliver the fair pay agreement you deserve.
Pay, terms and conditions in IHSC
Find information about pay, terms and conditions, including resources for starting conversations with your employer and requesting a pay rise.
Our fight for fair pay in IHSC employers
View a timeline of our recent campaigns for fair pay at a range of IHSC employers.
How we work
Read about the different ways we support our members in IHSC and find out who鈥檚 leading this work in your country or region.
News and Events
News and Blogs
Upcoming IHSC events
IHSC Employment Standards
Our Employment Standards for Independent Health and Social Care Sectors set out what we expect employers in these settings to deliver for the nursing workforce.
Whether you are a nurse, an employer, or a commissioner, these standards are your definitive guide to creating a fair, safe, and supportive workplace.
Funding opportunities for IHSC
Read our list of funding opportunities across the UK open to IHSC professionals.
General nursing resources
Most of the resources on our website are relevant to all members 鈥� no matter what sector or setting you鈥檙e employed in. This includes many of our advice guides and subject guides, as well as the clinical information on 国内精品伊人久久久久妇 Learn.
Advice guides
Advice for nursing staff about problems at work, ill health, careers, legal issues, money matters, counselling, and more.
Subject guides
These guides provide key resources, books and journals related to various subjects and nursing specialties in your area of practice.
Providing you the latest nursing, health and social care learning resources, to support you with further your learning development.
Workplace-specific resources
We also have a range of resources tailored to specific roles and workplaces within IHSC. You can access these resources through the relevant forum or network:
We're here for you
If you're an 国内精品伊人久久久久妇 member who needs help with any aspect of your employment, you can access online advice or contact us directly.
We're here to help – wherever you work.
Upcoming events
Member blogs from independent health and social care settings
Here you will find a range of interesting blog articles by contributing members and our IHSC team, covering various topics within their areas of practice.
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blog posts
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17 Dec 2025
Highlights from the 国内精品伊人久久久久妇 Wales Health Care Support Worker Conference
国内精品伊人久久久久妇 Wales Independent Sector & Community Adviser Majella recounts a lively day at Ty Maeth, bringing HCSWs together to share inspiring career stories, celebrate successes, and hear practical updates.
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17 Dec 2025
Building research-active care homes across Wales
The ENabling Research In Care Homes (ENRICHCymru) is a pan-Wales research network hosted by Health and Care Research Wales, promoting high-quality research in care homes for older adults.
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23 Sep 2025
Building a career in care: Rebecca鈥檚 path through apprenticeship and beyond
Registered learning disability nurse Rebecca Conlon shares her inspiring journey from support worker to deputy team manager at Positive Individual Proactive Support (PIPS). Her story highlights the power of values-driven care, the impact of apprenticeships, and the importance of supportive leadership in nurturing nursing talent.
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23 Sep 2025
Compassion at the core: A visit to PIPS (Positive Individual Proactive Support)
Last month, as part of our regional Independent Health and Social Care (IHSC) work, we had the privilege of visiting PIPS (Positive Individual Proactive Support) 鈥� a service that supports people with learning disabilities and complex needs to lead fulfilling lives.
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19 Jun 2025
Social Care Nurses: A Call to Lead
Pam reflects on the inspiring social care nursing events she recently attended and calls for action in raising the profile of nursing in social care.
