The British College of Nurses was set up in 1926 by Ethel Bedford Fenwick in order to offer its members professional education and support of various kinds.
Fenwick had many supporters but the College only lasted for thirty years.
Fenwick was determined that "no employers of Nurses, nor any member of an employing body", should have a seat on the British College of Nurses Council (BCN)[2], and in setting up an organisation that was not covered by a royal charter ensured that the BCN was governed by a Council "formed of Registered Nurses only".
[2] The BCN was an educational organisation with a postgraduate college[3] and it offered opportunities for professional development.
The aims of the College were "efficient professional and civic education, economic security, legal protection, social and benevolent help".