RCM campaign secures funding from Government for jobs for newly qualified midwives in England
The Royal College of Midwives has also secured a commitment from the Government on safe staffing talks Government funding for conversion of 1,000 jobs for newly qualified midwives A strengthened workforce will help deliver safer care for women and babies Newly qualified midwives in England will have access to an extra 1,000 new roles by the end of 2026 after the RCM secured funding from the Government following a hard-fought campaign. The RCM has been calling on the Government to find a long-term solution to the graduate midwifery […]
RCM expresses disappointment after graduate midwives denied NHS jobs – despite staffing shortages
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Cymru has expressed disappointment after a number of newly qualified midwives across Wales learnt today they haven’t secured an NHS role – despite ongoing pressures in maternity services. Graduate midwives found out this afternoon if they had been granted a position through the HEIW streamlining process. In previous years, all secured positions, but this year there are fewer jobs available. This is despite maternity services being under pressure, as national reviews continue to highlight the […]
Looking back with gratitude and moving forward with hope
Before travelling to Lisbon for the ICM 34th Triennial Congress, I wrote that I hoped to leave with the same passion for midwifery and a greater understanding of maternity care around the world. I can now say with certainty that I left with far more than I ever imagined. Like many student midwives, the end […]
Vaccination and pregnancy webinar
Event Details Date: 6 August 2026 Time: 1:00pm – 2:30pm Capacity: 200 Available spaces: 178 Registration: Open Book Now
RCM Flash Survey 2026
member survey results 2026 We surveyed 3,500 members at the start of June, asking about their working week from 1-7 June. Here’s what the survey showed: What is your role? 3,523 members responded. Of these, 3,146 were midwives (89%), 163 MSWs/MCAs 5%), 173 students (5%) and 41 other (1%). How long have you worked in […]
ICM Opening ceremony a student perspective
Putting the experience into words feels almost impossible. The opening ceremony of the ICM Congress 2026 was powerful, emotional, and deeply unifying. From the outset, global leaders in maternity care from the UK, Bangladesh, Portugal, Switzerland, and beyond took to the stage with honesty and courage. No issue was avoided. They spoke openly about conflict, […]
Student midwives request urgent meeting with Health Secretary to discuss graduate job crisis
Members of the Royal College of Midwives’ (RCM) Student Midwife Forum have written to the newly appointed Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, James Murray, requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the graduate job shortage. In the letter, student representatives urged the Health Secretary to make tackling the shortage of jobs for newly qualified midwives (NQMs) an […]
The opening ceremony: Dancing with the flags
The opening ceremony was nothing short of extraordinary, bringing together an inspiring community of 3,000 midwives from every corner of the globe. It was a moment that beautifully captured the unity, pride, and shared purpose that defines the midwifery profession. One of the most moving highlights of the ceremony was the flag procession. Midwifery leaders […]
Standing together: a march for one million more midwives
Day one of the 34th International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) Congress in Lisbon was unforgettable. It didn’t begin in a lecture hall, but in the streets, with a powerful, collective march calling for One Million More Midwives. More than 1,000 midwives have come together—parteras, matronas, μαίες, and so many more—each voice adding to a shared […]
A day of unity, passion, and purpose in Lisbon
I want to start this blog with a heartfelt thank you to the RCM staff who made me feel so incredibly welcome at the march. From the very first moment, there was a genuine sense of warmth and belonging that set the tone for what turned out to be a truly inspiring experience. It was […]