The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) congratulates midwifery and maternity leaders recognised in the New Year Honours for their outstanding contribution to maternity care.
Among those honoured are RCM members whose work has had a profound impact on women, babies and families across the UK, alongside colleagues from across maternity services whose leadership and advocacy has played a key role in strengthening midwifery and maternity care.
Gill Walton, Chief Executive of the RCM, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to see midwives and maternity leaders recognised in the New Year Honours. These recognitions reflect the extraordinary commitment and compassion that midwives bring to work every day, often in challenging circumstances.
“I’m particularly proud to see RCM members recognised for their leadership and dedication to midwifery. We warmly congratulate all those honoured. Their work has made, and continues to make, a real difference.”
The midwifery and maternity leaders recognised in the New Year Honours are:
Sally Ashton May MBE
Sally, who was Director of Maternity Policy and Practice at the RCM until 2025, has been awarded an MBE in recognition of more than three decades of dedication to nursing and midwifery.
Sally is now Executive Officer at Birthrate Plus, having previously served as National Lead Midwife at Health Education England and in senior leadership roles at the RCM. Throughout her career, Sally has been a tireless advocate for safe, high-quality and compassionate maternity care, with a particular focus on workforce planning, education and professional development.
Her national leadership includes spearheading the first National Maternity Support Worker Education, Competence and Career Framework and co-chairing the trailblazer group that established the Registered Midwife Degree Apprenticeship. Sally’s contributions to the profession have also been recognised with an Honorary Doctorate from Birmingham City University.
Hilary Alba MBE
Hilary, an RCM member and specialist midwife with the Blossom Team in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, has been awarded an MBE for her work supporting women facing vulnerabilities during pregnancy and the postnatal period.
Hilary’s commitment to trauma-informed, compassionate care has made a lasting difference to women and families and her recognition reflects the vital role midwives play in addressing health inequalities.
Anne Remmers OBE
Anne has been awarded an OBE for services to maternal and neonatal care. An RCM member, Anne has led numerous improvements in maternity and neonatal services, including the first free-standing birth unit in Bristol, setting up the regional maternity dashboard and the South West Regional Perinatal Equity Network. Anne is also clinical lead for Black Maternity Matters, which addresses racist perceptions and behaviours that impact health outcomes.
leadership and clinical expertise have driven innovation and improvement across maternity and neonatal services, supporting better outcomes for women and babies.
There were also awards for colleagues from across the maternity and healthcare system whose work has supported and strengthened midwifery and maternity services:
Sandra Igwe MBE, CEO of The Motherhood Group, has been recognised for her leadership and advocacy for women and families, Alison Morton OBE, CEO of the Institute of Health Visiting, has received the accolade for services to health visiting and Professor Maria McIlgorm OBE, Chief Nursing Officer for Northern Ireland, has been awarded for services to nursing and midwifery.
We warmly congratulate all those recognised and thank them for their continued dedication to women, babies and families.
