RCM Chief Executive Gill Walton shares her reflections on our 2025 conference, and the meaning of bravery in maternity services and midwifery education

RCM Conference is always a whirlwind. There’s so much going on and so many people to say hello to. It was good to have a bank holiday this time and good to be able to have some time to reflect and take stock.

When we started to pull our national conference together, way back in 2024, we knew we wanted to get brains fizzing with ideas. We were also determined that delegates would leave conference feeling empowered and ready to put thoughts into action. The RCM conference team has a knack of looking at things from every single angle, and that includes the soundtrack we play throughout. And this year they alighted on “Brave” by Sara Bareilles.

Those of you who were in Birmingham probably know all the words by now! We played it at the start and end of every session, during the drinks reception, at pretty much every opportunity. And we played it loud!

So why this song? Why was this the one that we turned into the conference ear worm? That’s probably summed up by the chorus:

Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave

The song served as a reminder of the courage and resilience that defines our profession. And you know what? We never got tired of it. Because, let’s face it, being a midwife takes bravery.

In today’s NHS, midwives, maternity support workers (MSWs) and maternity care assistants (MCAs) are the epitome of bravery. You work tirelessly, often in understaffed environments, yet your care and compassion never wavers. Yes, at times you are afraid you might do something wrong, when you are short-staffed and doing everything for everyone is not possible. But, still, you stand tall for the high standards that you know women and families deserve.

We often see or hear stories in the media of midwives failing women, or services not meeting those standards that families should expect. We know the impact this can have, making apprehensive women even more worries and demoralising our profession despite everything we’re doing to get it right. Those stories hurt us, not least because none of us wants it to be that way. The system has let us all down.

But despite these obstacles, the midwifery community smiles and keeps going. You are the unsung heroes, providing emotional support, guidance, and care to women and families at their most vulnerable moments.

So, what makes our midwifery community brave? Is it the ability to remain calm in chaotic situations? Is it the willingness to speak up when standards are compromised? Or is it the sheer determination to provide exceptional care, despite the odds?

For us, bravery is not about grand acts of heroism: it’s about the everyday moments that make a difference. It’s about being present for birth, maybe supporting women through complications, or simply being a listening ear during a difficult time.

In the face of adversity, midwives, MSWs and MCAs continue to shine. They advocate for women, fight for resources, and strive for excellence. And through it all, they remain committed to their core values: care, compassion, and kindness.

As we celebrated at the conference, the midwifery community is indeed brave. You are the backbone of safe maternity care and your bravery inspires us all. So let’s keep being brave, and playing Brave as a reminder of the incredible work that midwives, MSWs and MCAs do every day.