The head of Staffordshire University’s midwifery course has won a national award from the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) after leading a rapid turnaround of a degree programme that was on the brink of losing regulatory approval.
Alexandra Birch was awarded the RCM Award for Leadership at a ceremony in London on Friday 6 February, in recognition of her transformational leadership, commitment to student support and investment in staff development.
Alexandra joined Staffordshire University as Course Director for Midwifery and Lead Midwife for Education at a time when the programme faced significant regulatory risk. Within six months, she led a comprehensive recovery, addressing all concerns raised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council and restoring confidence in the course.
Judges praised Alexandra’s positive, inclusive leadership style and her focus on building a sustainable, high-performing team with a clear eye on developing the future midwifery workforce.
Gill Walton, Chief Executive of the RCM, said: “Alexandra’s leadership stood out for its impact, pace and compassion. She took on a programme facing serious challenges and, through clear vision and strong educator leadership, delivered meaningful and lasting change. Her commitment to students, staff wellbeing and innovation makes her a truly deserving recipient of this award.”
Speaking at the event after winning her award, Alexandra said: “I’m amazed that I’ve won this award – I try really hard every day to be the best leader I can be. Being in education as a leader is really tough at the moment but I still try to do my best for the staff and for the students because ultimately they’re going to go on to become midwives of the future for women and their babies.”
Central to the turnaround was a cultural shift led by Alexandra, prioritising collaboration, shared ownership and wellbeing. Working alongside staff, students and practice partners, she co-designed improvements to the curriculum and ways of working, embedding changes that strengthened both education quality and team morale.
Her leadership delivered measurable improvements in student experience, reflected in improved National Student Survey scores, particularly in organisation, management and overall satisfaction. Alexandra also introduced practical innovations to improve communication between students, university staff and clinical placement teams, including QR code cards providing instant access to key information. This led to her presenting about the initiative at the European Midwives Association conference in Athens.
Judges concluded that Alexandra’s leadership has delivered sustained improvements in student outcomes, staff wellbeing and programme quality, making her an inspirational figure in midwifery education nationally.
The prestigious RCM Awards are held annually and honour outstanding individuals in maternity care who have made a positive impact on women, babies and their families, showcasing world-class midwifery standards.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- Alexandra is pictured centre, with, from left, awards host Suzi Ruffell, RCM Professional Advisor for Education Caitlin Wilson, RCM President Sophie Russell and RCM Chief Executive Gill Walton.
- To contact the RCM Media Office call 020 7312 3456, or email media@rcm.org.uk
- The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance, and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences, and online resources. For more information visit the RCM | A professional organisation and trade union dedicated to serving the whole midwifery team
