The RCM Wales team has been presented with the Silver Award by the Diverse Cymru Cultural Competence scheme for higher level of competence and embedding into practice.

The scheme has provided a framework to address all areas of this work with Health Boards and HEIs, and work towards fulfilling RCM’s contributions to the Anti-Racist Wales action plan. The plan makes a specific commitment to improving cultural competency and improving access to services and support in Wales for the Black Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, on our journey to becoming an anti–racist nation by 2030.

The aim, by working with Diverse Cymru RCM Wales, is to influence and promote an increased cultural competence in maternity and neonatal workplaces in Wales. Highlights on this journey have included holding the ‘Inclusive Maternity’ conference, where RCM Wales called for the Welsh Government to develop targeted recruitment for global majority midwives and the Welsh Union Learning Fund hosting Diverse Cymru training for senior midwifery leaders and RCM Wales activists.

Julie Richards, Director for RCM Wales, said:

“Receiving this award is timely with the launch of the RCM’s Decolonising Midwifery Practice position statement which sets out what is needed to support maternity services and midwives to deliver more culturally competent care and address inequalities.

“These inequalities shouldn’t exist in today’s Britain. It’s shocking that Black and Asian women are a greater risk. Being part of the Diverse Cymru Cultural Competence scheme has enabled RCM Wales to focus on the anti-racist action plan which provides an incredible opportunity to commit to and lead the systemic shift needed to eradicate health inequalities in Wales.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

• Read the RCM’s new position statement on Decolonising Midwifery here

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.