The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) welcomes the publication of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) principles for advanced practice, which have been developed to bring clarity and consistency to advanced nursing and midwifery practice across the UK.

The principles, which the RCM was instrumental in shaping, for the first time set out the regulator’s expectations to support nurses and midwives working at an advanced level.

Subject to Council approval on Wednesday, 26 March, they will enable the public to understand the role of an advanced practitioner, support professionals by setting clear expectations for their practice and help employers develop and sustain systems in which advanced practice can thrive.

Fiona Gibb, Director of Professional Midwifery at the RCM, said:

“These principles are influenced by our position statement on advanced practice and ensure that midwifery is integrated into the evolving landscape of advanced practice. By speaking and listening to current advanced practice midwife members and contributing to the steering group, we have been able to provide clarity and consistency to the role, reinforcing the distinct expertise midwives bring to advanced practice, and the aspirational pathways for the future of midwifery. By advocating for the recognition of midwifery within these principles, the RCM advocates for midwives in developing their skills, strengthening leadership, and enhancing education and research in clinical and academic settings.”

The principles recognise the well-established four pillars of advanced practice (clinical practice, education, research, and leadership and management). They are relevant to all workplace settings and are aligned to the advanced practice frameworks of each of the four nations of the UK.