Leading with Compassion in a Ruthless World: Good Luck with That!

On 22 September at 5pm we will be holding our Annual Lecture, which this year will focus on compassionate leadership within healthcare. The lecture will explore one of the most urgent and complex challenges facing the health and care workforce: how do we lead with compassion in environments that often feel anything but?

Despite a growing body of evidence supporting compassionate leadership (West et al., 2021), many nurses and midwives continue to experience hierarchical, unsupportive workplaces that undermine their mental health and wellbeing. In a time of tightening budgets, high vacancy rates, and cultural pressures, is compassionate leadership even realistic - or is it simply idealistic?

Professor Michael West will deliver a powerful keynote on compassionate leadership – what it is, why it matters and how it can transform workplace cultures. His address will be followed by a panel discussion featuring key voices from nursing, midwifery and health policy.

Together, we will explore whether creating caring and psychologically safe environments is truly possible, and what steps can be taken to make it a reality.

Watch online

Due to high demand, the event is now fully booked in person however, it will be streamed live on the evening from 5pm. The live stream will be hosted on this page. If you would like to submit a question, please email fundraising@rcnfoundation.org.uk.

Schedule

5pm - Doors open
5:15pm - Annual Lecture begins including keynote from Professor Michael West, panel discussion and audience Q&A
7pm-7:30pm - Networking continues with light refreshments and drinks

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