Farewell to a steward extraordinaire: Janett Sneddon retires after 50 years of service to mothers and members
A beloved midwife and RCM steward has retired after more than four decades of dedication to RCM members across Scotland. Janett Sneddon began her NHS career in 1975 as a student midwife at Bangour General Hospital in West Lothian, before spending six years in Leicester – where she also took her first steps as an RCM steward. […]
RCM Cymru brings maternity safety agenda to TUC Congress
RCM Cymru has taken its campaign for safe staffing and cultural competency to TUC Cymru Congress, tabling two motions calling for urgent action on the issues that matter most to midwives and the women they care for. Around 28,000 babies are born in Wales every year. Yet services remain under sustained pressure and too many women – […]
RCM Cymru pays tribute to activist Stacey Keane “who has left an indelible mark” on the organisation
RCM Cymru has paid tribute to Stacey Keane, a much-loved midwife and activist, who has sadly died. Stacey, from Cwm Taf Morgannwg, was at the forefront of the fight for fairness, dignity and justice in the workplace throughout her career. As a former RCM Workplace rep she stood alongside countless members – at the bargaining table, in negotiations and […]
Midwives celebrated as Health Secretary vows to make this a turning point for maternity services
The Health Secretary joined midwives, MSWs, students, educators and partners at an RCM reception in London to celebrate International Day of the Midwife. Around 100 guests from across the UK were welcomed by RCM President Sophie Russell for an evening of celebration. But one with a clear and urgent message: the Amos and Ockenden recommendations must be transformed into real and lasting change for maternity services. Wes […]
Maternal Mental Health Week: RCM warns too many women still missing out on vital mental health support
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is marking Maternal Mental Health Week by urging faster action to improve mental health support while they are pregnant and in the months after birth. Six months ago, the RCM launched its Perinatal Mental Health Roadmap – a resource which is helping shape policy conversations and strengthening calls for urgent action to tackle the postcode […]
RCM member awarded £12,500 after slipping in theatre
A midwife suffered an injury when she slipped over on liquid in theatre has been awarded £12,500 with support from the Royal College of Midwives (RCM). The member, who works for a London trust, was hurt in the incident in August 2022. The trust’s insurers refused to negotiate a settlement. As a result, the member accessed RCM legal services and was supported throughout […]
“It made all the difference”: RCM support helps member win fair pay outcome
Support from the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) helped an experienced midwife secure the correct Band 6 pay point after she was placed too low on the scale in a new role – highlighting the difference union support can make when members need it most. The midwife was appointed to a new Band 6 post but […]
Isle of Man RCM members urged to have their say on three-year pay offer
Royal College of Midwives (RCM) members working in the Isle of Man are being urged to have their say as a consultation opens today on a three-year pay offer from Manx Care. The RCM, alongside other staff side unions, has been in collective negotiations with Manx Care, facilitated by the Manx Industrial Relations Service (MIRS), […]
Celebrating the best of RCM activism: Branch Activist Awards 2026 winners announced
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has celebrated the passion and impact of its members at this year’s Branch Activist Awards, recognising the incredible work happening across branches to strengthen the voice of midwives and maternity support workers. Now in its second year, the awards were opened up to nominations from across the RCM, shining a spotlight […]
From headlines to the House of Lords: RCM ramps up pressure on Government over graduate job crisis
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has driven the issue of newly qualified midwives (NQMs) job crisis to the heart of national political debate, following a high-profile discussion in the House of Lords this week. The debate saw the Government claim there is no staffing shortfall in midwifery, but rather a “misalignment” between available roles and demand […]