Informed decision making is a collaborative process that involves a person and healthcare professional working together to reach a decision about care. At present in NHS Grampian and NHS Orkney, and the local higher education institutes, there is no facility for colleagues to regularly view, critique or practice having these pivotal discussions with women and their families.  The Shared Decision Making (SDM) Masterclass Toolkit available on TURAS was adapted for facilitators to run an interactive, online shared decision making conversation masterclass.  The sessions have received positive feedback from attendees and shown an increase in self-reported confidence levels in, for example, communicating risk with women in a balanced way.

The aim was to develop an all-Wales framework to ensure consistent, high-quality induction and leadership training for LWCs. A framework was published, covering four domains: education and training, research and evidence, expert clinical midwifery practice, and leadership. The framework has been commenced in Health Boards across Wales. A survey is currently being carried out to assess the use of the framework by newly appointed labour ward coordinators since April 2024 it will then be reviewed and revised based on feedback, benchmarking against NHS England’s framework. It

Public Health Wales (PHW) in partnership with Healthy Working Wales (HWW) developed a short survey in July 2024 to find out more about the experiences of employees and line managers in Wales. The goal was to better understand the current processes followed and the level of support within workplaces, enabling identification of barriers and areas where further support is required.

It is clear from the responses we received that continuing breastfeeding after returning to work is of great importance to breastfeeding employees, and that their experiences are hugely varied. While there are recognised good practices around supportive breastfeeding at work, it is a key conclusion from our survey that an individual approach is required, and the right support might look different for each employee.

Shared Decision Making (SDM) allows our midwives and MSWs to take the lead on specific initiatives, drive changes that reflect their expertise and on-the-ground experiences. This has resulted in practical, sustainable solutions but the benefits of SDM extend beyond tangible improvements in service delivery. By fostering a culture of empowerment and collaboration, SDM has strengthened team cohesion and morale. Staff report feeling more valued and engaged, with increased opportunities for professional growth and contribution. This positive working environment translates directly into enhanced care for women and their families, as the team works together with a shared commitment to excellence.