MIDIRS are refreshing the MIDIRS Editorial Advisory Board and have an exciting opportunity for new members to join us.
If you have an interest in midwifery research, advancing evidence-based practice and championing all voices in maternity care, being part of the Editorial Advisory Board is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. We are passionate about maintaining an Editorial Advisory Board that reflects all areas of midwifery practice. We are keen to have representation from the following groups and we are prioritising those from the global majority, the devolved nations (Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales), and outside of the United Kingdom:
- Student midwives
- Newly qualified midwives
- MSWs/MCAs
- Consultant midwives
- Clinical midwives
- Research midwives
- Education midwives
What is MIDIRS?
MIDIRS – the Midwives Information and Resource Service – was founded in 1986, developing from a small working group within the Association of Radical Midwives aimed at promoting the importance of continual education and professional development for all midwives.
Over 40 years, we have grown to become the definitive midwifery information resource for maternity professionals. Our team of dedicated librarians run the world’s largest midwifery-specific database, which they update daily by scanning over 150 international journals and publications. Additionally, we produce the internationally renowned quarterly journal MIDIRS Midwifery Digest, which is in its 35th year of publication.
In 2019, we became part of the Royal College of Midwives.
MIDIRS MISSION – to be at the forefront, leading international information for pregnancy, childbirth and infancy. We endeavour to share this information widely, to assist in the global improvement of maternity care. We champion evidence-based practice, helping health care professionals to create, to distribute and to use research to improve maternity health services.
Role of the MIDIRS Editorial Advisory Board
The MIDIRS Midwifery Digest is an evidence-based quarterly journal for all maternity workers and students to share their knowledge and experiences to improve practice and outcomes.
Members of the Editorial Advisory Board provide advice and an external perspective to the Editor on all matters relating to the editorial direction and success of the MIDIRS Digest. Specifically, members will support in the following ways:
- Assist the editors in proactively shaping and reactively reviewing content for the journals
- Be a sounding board on the key issues affecting midwifery research and education
- Disseminate information about the journals to raise their profile and encourage contributions from members and others
- Be available to support fledgling (entry level) researchers write for publication
- Identify potential expert authors and contemporary research studies
- Provide specialist advice and input on particular subject areas
- Identify themes for inclusion reflecting topical issues
- Provide advice to the Editor as otherwise requested
Commitment of the MIDIRS Editorial Advisory Board members
The Editorial Advisory Board will meet four times a year via MS Teams. There is no remuneration for the role. Members of the Editorial Advisory Board will serve for a two-year term, with a maximum of two terms. Members who are unable to attend or participate in three or more meetings in any 12 months may be asked to reconsider their membership. Editorial Advisory Board members are expected to play an active role in meetings and may be contacted between meetings for guidance or advice.
Editorial Board meetings will generally comprise of the following:
- Strategic overview of past and planned MIDIRS digest
- Consideration of potential content in terms of suitability for publication
- New initiatives
Application process
Application is by submission of CV and supporting statement of why you wish to apply and what experience you can bring to the Editorial Advisory Board. The deadline for submission is midnight on Friday 4 December. Successful applicants will be notified by Friday 18 December.
To submit your application, or if you would like to speak to the Editor prior to application, please email sara.webb@rcm.org.uk
