In which country of the UK or Channel Islands do you currently work in?

England

Place of work

King’s College London

Role

Research Midwife

How did you come to be in your current role?

I was drawn to midwifery because it combined my interest in equity and social justice with a love of science and working with people. From early on, I wanted to understand how care could be made fairer and how midwives could help address the social factors that influence women’s health and wellbeing.

After qualifying in 2006, I began as a rotational midwife in a district general hospital, gaining experience across the labour ward and community. I later moved to London to help open a new midwifery-led birth centre and then joined a continuity team supporting women with complex social needs. These experiences deepened my understanding of how social and structural inequalities shape women’s care and outcomes, and strengthened my commitment to improving equity in maternity services through research.

What have been the key moments for you in your career journey to get you to where you are now?

Whilst working as a caseload midwife, I completed an MSc in Advanced Practice Midwifery at KCL under the supervision of Professor Jane Sandall. My research on models of care for socially disadvantaged women was published and went on to influence maternity service planning at both national and international levels. This experience inspired me to pursue an NIHR-funded PhD exploring how maternity care can improve outcomes and experiences for women with low socio-economic status and social risk factors.

Completing my PhD was a major milestone, but equally important were the collaborations that grew from it. I’ve since led and contributed to research on maternal and infant health inequalities, maternal mental health, and NHS data quality. I am now an NIHR Advanced Research Fellow leading a 5 year programme of research examining the impact of immigration policy on the health and wellbeing of women and children.

I supervise PhD and Master’s students focused on improving care and reducing inequalities which is one of the parts of my job I enjoy most. I am also a co-investigator on national clinical trials on blood pressure management in pregnancy, serve as a clinical reviewer for the Ockenden Independent Maternity Review, and sit on an NIHR funding panel shaping the future of UK health and social care research.

Beyond research, I’ve organised conferences on migrant maternal and child health and shared findings internationally, from Australia and Indonesia to South America and across Europe, building a global network and learning from diverse perspectives.

What have been the challenges and triumphs in your career journey into current role?

Balancing research with family life, especially with three young children, has been both a challenge and a joy. I’ve learnt the importance of flexibility, good mentorship, and perseverance. Like many researchers, I’ve also experienced many moments of imposter syndrome, particularly when stepping into leadership roles or presenting on international stages. Taking part in leadership programmes, learning from inspiring mentors, and working alongside supportive colleagues have all helped me build confidence and recognise the value of my contribution.

Working with underserved groups can be complex, but it’s also deeply rewarding. One highlight has been a participatory photovoice project with a diverse group of mothers in South London, which was a powerful reminder of the importance of listening and co-producing research that truly reflects women’s experiences. My current fellowship is supported by a large group of women with lived experience of precarious migration status, whose courage and insight continue to challenge me to do better and drive meaningful change forward.

What advice or top tips would you have for anyone looking to a career move into your role?

Stay curious and true to what matters to you. Good mentors make all the difference, so seek people whose approach you respect and who will give honest advice. Be willing to learn as you go, collaborate widely, and take opportunities even if they feel slightly out of reach.

Authenticity and persistence go a long way and a career that reflects your interests and values will be both rewarding and sustainable.

What do you love about your role today?

I love the autonomy and flexibility of my role, and the chance to work with women and their families, health and social care professionals, policymakers, researchers, and people from the charity and voluntary sectors. Every project teaches me something new, and I’m constantly inspired by the people I meet and the impact research can have when it’s grounded in real experiences.

Midwifery is a profession built on compassion, evidence, and advocacy, and research is central to strengthening that foundation. I’m committed to supporting other midwives to build research careers and take on leadership roles, ensuring our voices are represented in shaping policy, improving care, and influencing the wider health and social care landscape.