Stand out, speak up: Our midwifery community in action

The RCM conference is back for 2025 focussing on the midwifery community. The sessions will be a blend of invited speakers and those who have submitted an abstract that has been accepted for presentation along with panel discussions. We will be running workshops that will be repeated across the conference where you can learn from experts in a safe environment.

Why attend:

• To hear from those working in academic or clinical settings showcasing examples of good practice, understanding their findings and how you can use in your own practice.
• It is an opportunity to learn from others and support career development options and succession planning.
• To hear about the latest research and innovations in midwifery.
• To be part of the wider midwifery community and network.

Abstracts

Abstract submissions are encouraged from midwives, maternity support workers and student midwives that explore innovative practice and ways of working from across academic and clinical settings. You can select whether you wish to be considered for oral presentation or poster but please note we can’t guarantee you will be offered your preference. Your abstract must specify the objective of your innovation, project, research, your methodology, the results and main conclusions. Please state if you required and received ethical approval. Abstracts should be no more than 500 words (in English) for consideration as an oral presentation or poster.

In accordance with this year’s theme of Stand out, speak up: Our midwifery community in action we have chosen the following themes which embrace all those working within the sphere of maternity. We invite abstracts from all settings including clinical, education or research,

Improve your working life

We are seeking papers or posters that explore the evidence for improving your working life. Abstracts could include:

• campaigning for changes in your workplace like a quiet room or breastfeeding room for staff.
• changing practices in your workplace to ensure the safety of women, their families and the whole maternity team.
• the use of digital technology to enhance your work and support others.
• sustainable working practices.
• returning to work.

Amplify your voice

We are interested in presentations or posters that promote the work you are doing in research, education or clinical settings. This could include work in

• clinical practice
• education
• leadership
• research
• safety

Build our midwifery community

We would like to hear about how midwives, student midwives and MSWs  are building their community. This may include:

• creating a culture that provides a positive working experience.
• raising the profile of your role,
• identifying areas for improvement
• supporting early career midwives/student midwives
• flexible working

 Why should I submit an abstract?

• To share learning about inclusive approaches in maternity research, education, practice and leadership.
• To disseminate and profile your work.
• To promote the translation of your work to different professional outputs.
• To get support feedback/critique from your peers.

Abstracts will be reviewed by RCM Fellows who make up the judging panel. They will be looking to accept submissions that display high levels of innovation, relevance to current practice and provide high-quality research/evidence or practice. All successful abstracts will be published in a 2025 RCM conference supplement .

Abstract guidance

Call for abstracts: deadline for Midday 12 January 2025

Abstract submissions https://forms.office.com/e/N43i6D9bg3
Successful submissions will be notified by 17 February 2025

Send any queries to events@rcm.org.uk

We highly recommend booking your place at the conference when you submit your abstract to avoid disappointment.

If you are not a RCM member please book your place here