Midwifery educators have a truly unique role, blending the worlds of professional practice and academia. Balancing midwifery expertise with the demands of education can be tricky, especially with workforce shortages, shifting policies, and financial pressures. That’s why, during this Heart Unions week, we’re excited to highlight the benefits of joint trade union membership and launch a refreshed membership offer with the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) working with both the University and College Union (UCU) and the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS).
The RCM focuses on supporting midwives, offering expert guidance and representation on everything from clinical practice to professional standards. This ensures that midwifery educators’ professional expertise is both safeguarded and enhanced in academic environments. Meanwhile, UCU and EIS specialise in supporting those in higher and further education. They help with employment contracts, managing workloads, and addressing pay concerns—all crucial for anyone navigating the world of academia.
By joining both unions, midwifery educators can enjoy a support system that covers the full spectrum of their professional responsibilities. Midwifery educators often face challenges that span clinical and academic boundaries. Joint membership ensures you have someone in your corner for both and there’s strength in numbers. Joint membership allows midwifery educators to benefit from the collective influence of two respected unions with a reduced fee for both. Whether it’s advocating for midwifery education in your university or addressing workplace concerns, this united approach ensures your voice is heard in both professional and academic settings.
When you join the RCM and UCU, or EIS, you gain access to a wide network of professionals. This includes midwives, educators, and trade union officers. Both unions offer a wealth of development opportunities. As an RCM educator member, you have first-hand access to i-learn e-learning, webinars and events that complements your teaching resources for student midwives. If you are active in research, our research advisors are on hand to support and spotlight your work in the midwifery community.
Midwifery educators play a critical role in shaping the future of the profession and maternity care. Joint membership with the RCM and UCU, or EIS provides the tailored support, professional growth, and united voice needed to thrive in all workplace settings – be those clinical or academic. In today’s fast-changing world, this partnership is not just beneficial—it’s essential for empowering midwifery educators to excel and advocate effectively for their profession in universities.
If you have any questions about joint membership, please contact the RCM via RCM Connect on 0300 303 0444 or email enquiries@rcm.org.uk
