Letter from Denis Burn, President, FINA

Dear Member,

I am writing to inform you that FINA has decided to cease operating. The decision comes after a successful two years during which the Federation played a major part in shaping the future regulation of the nursing agency sector.

As you are aware, FINA was founded in response to a specific set of challenges facing the agency sector. These included new regulations, NHS Professionals, Framework Agreements and the CRB. On each of these issues, we have mounted significant lobbying campaigns to ensure the views of independent nursing agencies were taken into account and acted upon.

Now, after an extensive period of consultation, FINA’s management committee has decided to wind up the Federation. This decision was not taken lightly. However, it was felt that as a campaigning organisation FINA had achieved many of its original objectives. We also recognise that there is little desire on behalf of members for FINA to develop into an established trade association with the inherent bureaucracy and costs that accompany such bodies.

While I am sad to see FINA shut its doors, I am delighted that as a result of our efforts we have changed many of the negative perceptions that dogged our sector. We have achieved this through making logical and reasoned arguments that have helped to inform the debate and demonstrate the true value of our contribution to the NHS. We continue to match a scarce supply of professionals with an ever increasing demand for their services. Quite simply, without the support of independent agencies many hospitals would be unable to meet their obligations to patients.

May I take this opportunity to thank you for all you support over the past two years and to wish you every success in your future endeavours.

Yours sincerely,

Denis Burn
President, FINA