Background
What does a Lead Midwife for Education midwife do?
Lead Midwives for Education (LMEs) are the guardians of midwifery education within AEIs. They hold statutory responsibility for ensuring that both pre- and post registration programmes meet the standards set by the NMC, reflect contemporary practice and are informed by the best available evidence. Increasingly, LMEs have a strategic role in shaping the quality, safety, sustainability and future direction of undergraduate and postgraduate midwifery education across the UK.
LMEs are accountable leaders of midwifery education in their AEI. They are highly qualified and experienced to lead and advise on matters relating to the quality, design and future direction of midwifery education. Their strategic influence ensures the long-term quality and sustainability of midwifery education and the future midwifery workforce. Through a nationally networked LME community, they provide expert leadership that supports the transformation of maternity care and contributes directly to restoring public trust in maternity services.
How does their role map across the 4 pillars?
The LME role spans the four pillars: education, leadership, management and research, and in some cases clinical practice. This requires levels of autonomy, accountability and decision-making within complex environments that are commensurate with advanced practice. LMEs influence midwifery education, workforce development, policy, and service transformation through curriculum leadership, regulatory compliance, and academic research, as well as through partnerships with clinical services.
How do I become a Lead Midwife for Education?
To prepare for the LME role in an AEI, consider focusing on these key areas:
- Regulatory & Quality Assurance Knowledge
- Leadership & Strategic Planning
- Curriculum Development & Innovation
- Research & Scholarship
- Workforce & Student Experience
- Professional development
For further detail about these key components of the role, please see the RCM document: The Role of the LME
Are there Networks to support this role?
Yes. The Nursing and Midwifery Council’s Lead Midwife for Education Strategic Reference Group provides a network for LMEs across the UK.
What are the realities of working as a Lead Midwife for Education?
Lead Midwives for Education:
- have a strategic role in influencing national policy and supporting sustainable workforce developments, that are essential in addressing the increase in birth complexities, staffing pressures, and health inequalities.
- ensure that a personalised, holistic approach to care remains central to curriculum development and midwifery.
- provide a strong link between academia and practice, enabling the development of graduate midwives who are not only clinically competent but also compassionate, reflective, and ready to lead.
The RCM State of Midwifery Education reports demonstrate how, the role of the LME varies in terms of its strategic and implementational importance and influence. This compromises the impact of LMEs, including their influence over curriculum leadership, quality assurance, stakeholder engagement and overall strategic development and enhancement of midwifery education. Ultimately, this has a negative effect on NHS service improvement and quality maternity care.
Country Information
Scotland
5 LMEs for Scotland (only 3 pre-registration programmes)
Wales
4 LMEs for Wales
Northern Ireland
1 LME for Northern Ireland
England
56 LMEs across England
Where could this lead to?
Lead Midwives for Education often gain promotion within the university and take on roles, such as Quality Lead, Assistant or Deputy Head of School/Department, Assistant Dean/Dean. These roles often result in working across healthcare professional groups as it is difficult to progress specifically within midwifery education.
LMEs may also choose to return to clinical practice and take on roles such as Consultant Midwife. This enables them to consolidate their educational, research and practice expertise and leadership, although they are no longer employed by the university.
Resources
International Confederation of Midwives (2021) Global Standards for Midwifery Education.
https://internationalmidwives.org/wp-content/uploads/global-standards-for-midwifery-education_2021_en.pdf