Commonwealth Nurses Federation

STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS 2005-2010

The Commonwealth Nurses Federation (CNF) was formed in 1973 and has achieved significant recognition within the Commonwealth.  With a growing membership base, it is a credible, democratic and participatory Federation of national nursing associations (NNAs) from all regions of the Commonwealth.   

The CNF exists to influence health policy, develop nursing networks, improve nursing standards and competence and strengthen nursing leadership throughout the Commonwealth. 

The CNF maintains close links with official bodies and civil society organisations within the Commonwealth “family” and liaises with international bodies, such as the World Health Organization and the International Council of Nurses.  It also values its close connections with the Royal College of Nursing, UK. These links enable the CNF to plan strategically on issues in a global context. 

The CNF participates actively in the work of two important Commonwealth bodies – the Commonwealth Steering Committee for Nursing and Midwifery and the Commonwealth HIV and AIDS Action Group. 

The CNF wishes to continue to strengthen its democratic processes by increasing the involvement of its member NNAs.  This second set of Strategic Directions 2005-2010 is, therefore, issued by the CNF Board to reinforce the CNF’s vision and to set out actions needed to reach its goals. 

The document, which was agreed at the Board Meeting in Singapore on 15/16 May 2005, outlines the work ahead.  It presents a considerable challenge to the CNF for the next 5 years.  The Board encourages member NNAs to use this as a working document to guide their activities as members of the CNF.  The Board urges member NNAs, therefore, to do its utmost to make this period both positive and progressive for the CNF and nurses in the Commonwealth. 

Reena Bose

President, Commonwealth Nurses Federation

May 2005 

 Nurses – leaders in healthcare

The CNF is not only concerned about the professional development of the nursing profession but also the health of all the peoples of the Commonwealth.  These Strategic Directions are intended to reflect the current health environment, the impact of health policies on the peoples of the Commonwealth, the need for strong, effective leadership and the needs of the member NNAs of the CNF. 

Changes in the workforce 

There have been significant changes to the health workforce over recent years and this is no more evident than in the nursing workforce. Greater demands are being placed on nurses with often significantly increased workloads and responsibilities.  In response to financial and other pressures, significant numbers of permanent nursing positions in the workforce have been lost.  Casualisation of the nursing workforce has  threatened work stability and the quality of nursing care in many countries of the Commonwealth.  The nursing workforce is one of the most internationally mobile professions.  Migration patterns are exacerbating workforce shortages and contributing to many countries experiencing recruitment and retention problems.  The HIV/AIDS pandemic has also taken its toll on the nursing workforce in many countries.  All these factors present serious challenges in developing workforce strategies.  

The health care consumer has generally become more educated and this has posed additional pressures and challenges to health professionals.  There is a need to ensure that the nursing profession continues to work with consumers and community groups in responding to the health problems facing communities. 

The growth of unlicensed assistant personnel (caregivers) and the emergence of new occupational groups in some countries have posed a further challenge to the nursing profession.  The regulation of nursing is an issue that many countries in the Commonwealth are reviewing in efforts to find an appropriate legislative framework. There is a continuing need to ensure that public safety is a paramount concern and that nurses deliver high quality, safe, expert care. 

The growing complexity in healthcare delivery and modern technologies continue to require nurses to be better educated.  Many post graduate programmes are now available and there is a need to ensure that these programmes remain clinically relevant and provide a sound basis for generating improved evidence based professional nursing care. 

Activities of Commonwealth Health Ministers 

The Commonwealth Heath Ministers now meet annually in Geneva, Switzerland prior to meetings of the World Health Assembly.  The CNF is represented at these meetings as an accredited civil society organisation (CSO).  Roundtables on key issues are included in the meetings, in which accredited CSOs are allowed to participate.  Matters addressed at recent Health Ministers’ meetings have included: 

The Health Ministers also receive regular reports of the work and recommendations of the Commonwealth Steering Committee for Nursing and Midwifery. 

The Commonwealth Steering Committee for Nursing and Midwifery 

Following recommendations by Commonwealth Health Ministers the Commonwealth Steering Committee for Nursing and Midwifery was formed in 1993.  The Committee has a mandate to co-ordinate progress in the nursing and midwifery field and to evaluate the contribution of nurses and midwives in the light of health sector reforms and the objectives of Health Ministers. 

All the CNF Board Members sit on this very important and active Committee together with a selection of Chief Nursing Officers and other suitable persons.  The work of the Committee includes: 

Article 3 of the CNF’s Constitution* states that the purpose of the CNF is to contribute to the improved health of citizens of the Commonwealth by fostering access to nursing education, influencing health policy, developing nursing networks and strengthening nursing leadership.  

*The CNF’s current Constitution was approved at its General Meeting in Singapore, May 2005. 

The CNF will continue to be a highly visible and dynamic organisation that will ensure that the nurses of the Commonwealth influence nursing practice, international health policy and the work of Commonwealth Health Ministers. The CNF will achieve this through:

 Goal One

 The CNF will be a focused, democratic, visible, dynamic and well-managed organisation.

 Goal Two

 The CNF will provide inspiring leadership and be proactive politically and professionally.

 Goal Three

The CNF will constructively influence and participate in the work of the Commonwealth Health Ministers and the Commonwealth Steering Committee for Nursing and Midwifery.

Goal Four 

The CNF will further develop and promote strategic alliances with Commonwealth professional groupings and other key international bodies.

Goal Five

The CNF will communicate effectively with all key stakeholders.

 The CNF is committed to supporting nurses and NNAs in order to contribute towards quality care for patients, families and communities.

 The CNF is committed to fostering active participatory membership among all countries of the Commonwealth and collaborating with a range of international organisations.

The CNF will provide assistance in leadership development for nurses in respect of health matters and health policy.

The CNF is committed to further developing and facilitating nursing networks within the Commonwealth and building relationships, which contribute to this objective.

The CNF supports the continuous improvement of nursing standards and the competency of nurses through education, research and advocacy.

The CNF is committed to influencing the development of health policy throughout the countries of the Commonwealth through the unique contribution of nursing.

Note: The stated objectives and functions of the CNF are contained in Articles 4 and 5 of its Constitution, as approved at its General Meeting in Singapore, May 2005. 

The CNF values and respects the diversity among member NNAs.

The CNF is committed to the sharing of health and nursing information throughout the Commonwealth.

The CNF supports the development of nurses as leaders in healthcare and the more effective use of nurses at all policy and decision making levels.

The CNF supports the principles associated with inclusiveness, transparency, trust and professionalism in relation to its work.

During the period 2005-2010, the CNF will focus its activities and energies on the following:

Strategic Alliances

The CNF will:

(a)   in view of initiatives to involve civil society organisations such as the CNF more in Commonwealth processes, endeavour to participate more in events linked to meetings of Commonwealth Heads of Government and Health Ministers.

(b)   through its Board, continue to make a constructive and influential contribution to the work of the Commonwealth Steering Committee for Nursing and Midwifery.

 (c)   support and foster strategic alliances with regional nursing organisations such as the Caribbean Nurses  Organisation, the East Central and Southern African College of Nursing, the South Pacific Nurses Forum and the West African College of Nursing.   

 (d)   further its strategic alliances with other Commonwealth professional groupings in particular those representing doctors, dentists and pharmacists. 

 (e)   seek to maintain regular relations with the World Health Organization. 

 (f)     continue to work closely with the International Council of Nurses. 

 (g)   establish and further strategic alliances with other appropriate groups, organisations and         individuals. 

Membership

The CNF will:

(a)   further develop and strengthen the input of member NNAs.

(b)   further develop, strengthen and define the roles of its Officers and Regional Board members.

(c)   continue efforts to increase its membership base.

(d)   continue to promote the contribution that it can make by means of initiatives such as representation on appropriate external bodies and attendance at key Commonwealth meetings. 

(e)   disseminate material on educational opportunities.

(f)     continue to produce and distribute its Newsletter and other relevant publications. 

(g)   continue to contribute to and distribute relevant publications of other organisations. 

Funding

The CNF will:

(a)    make application to the Commonwealth Foundation for its core and activity funding on an annual basis in line with the Foundation’s funding criteria.

(b)   make efforts to improve its financial base to facilitate its continuing work.

(c)   explore additional sources of funding to better support its activities. 

(d)   keep under review its membership subscription base and consider the introduction of revised subscription arrangements. 

(e)   continue to explore ways to better support those member NNAs facing financial hardship, especially in countries facing catastrophic events such as war, major natural disasters and famine. 

Projects

The CNF will:

(a)   identify and develop specific projects (eg by regional workshops) to further its aims and objectives and seek specific funding for these projects.

(b)   in identifying and developing projects, take account of the Millennium Development Goals* relating to health ie child mortality, maternal health, HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases.

*The Millennium Development Goals come from the UN Millennium Declaration signed by 189 countries in September 2000.

(c)   continue to develop initiatives on HIV/AIDS (and other infectious diseases) and explore opportunities to hold regional workshops, possibly with other bodies and in conjunction with other regional activities. 

(d)   work with other key agencies in identifying and developing strategies to address the concerns of the nursing workforce including leadership, human resources, registration, regulation, post-registration education, role development etc. 

(e)  develop specific position statements on contemporary health and nursing issues  as considered necessary. 

(f)  in supporting the work of the Commonwealth Steering Committee for Nursing and Midwifery and in recognition of its importance, encourage  and monitor the development and implementation of national action plans for nursing and midwifery. 

(g)  explore the use of  overarching themes for its work to better convey the thrust of the activities that it undertakes.

(h)  explore opportunities to better promote the nursing and midwifery contribution in conjunction with Commonwealth Day (the second Monday of March). 

(i)   contribute to reports for the pre-World Health Assembly Commonwealth Health Ministers’ Meetings on health and nursing  issues and participate in these meetings as an accredited observer organisation. 

 (j)      ensure that the structures of workshops and similar activities, in which it is involved, include     evaluation methods.  

 Internal Communication 

Improved internal communication is necessary to accommodate the growing membership of the CNF and to encourage more active regional representation.

 Strategies to enhance internal communication

 1.     Identify the information needs of member NNAs and of regional Board members.

 2.    Ensure that information is sent out to member NNAs in a timely manner to facilitate responses and with clear recommendations where appropriate.

 3.    Continue to review the content, layout, and presentation of material forwarded to member NNAs and to Board members. 

 4.    Ensure that Board members and member NNAs have the opportunity to comment on material relevant to the affairs of the CNF. 

 5.   Update and publish the Directory of Commonwealth Nursing and Midwifery Associations and Chief Nursing Officers biennially.

 6.  Use different options for communication (facsimile, telephone, e-mail, etc) as appropriate.

External Communication

The CNF needs to ensure that it retains and improves on its high profile, both professionally and publicly.

Strategies to enhance external communication

 1.   Increase the awareness of the CNF’s professional achievements, expertise and networks throughout the Commonwealth.

 2.  Enhance communications with bodies such as the International Council of Nurses, the World Health Organization and regional organisations.

 3.  Further develop the professional profile of the regional Board members and Officers through, for example, forums, conferences, etc. 

 4.   Ensure that Board members and Officers have the opportunity to submit relevant material on the activities of the CNF to national nursing journals for publication.

5.    Maintain an Internet web-site linked to the web-sites of the Commonwealth Foundation and other appropriate bodies.

Last modified: 14-06-08