welcome
St. David's Day conference 2026
Stronger together: Building our RCM Cymru community
Join us to connect with colleagues from across maternity services in Wales, meet the RCM team, and expand your professional network.
This year’s theme Stronger together: Building our RCM Cymru community, celebrates the power of connection, collaboration, and the shared journey through maternity care. The conference offers a unique opportunity to engage with colleagues from across Wales, meet the RCM team, and strengthen professional networks.
The programme will explore the maternity journey in Wales, showcasing the achievements of midwives and MSWs through inspiring keynote speakers, thought-provoking panel discussions, and dynamic poster presentations. This is a day dedicated to shared learning, professional growth, and celebrating the exceptional work happening across our maternity services.
Registration, marketplace, refreshments and networking
Welcome and introductions
- Kath Greaves, Clinical Director of Midwifery, Swansea Bay UHB
Resources
Celebrating the first year of the RCM new strategy ‘Improve, Amplify, Build’
Resources
Swansea RCM branch: Re-Powering: Belonging, Branches and the Midwifery Voice
This session invites local RCM Branches to rediscover the shared power of Cynefin—our collective sense of belonging and connection as Midwives and MSWs. When we feel rooted, we thrive. When we connect, we create change.
Drawing on inspiring examples from Swansea Bay, including Caring for You, the Quiet Room, and the Midwifery Think Tank, we’ll explore how grassroots actions can:
- Re-energise staff
- Nurture community
- Drive the wider midwifery agenda
Resources
Sharing inclusivity within a community of practice
Join us for a dynamic discussion panel showcasing how a diverse range of practitioners have embraced the journey of inclusion in maternity care. We’ll explore how collaboration across Wales is shaping a future where every family feels seen, heard, and supported.
What to expect
- Education as a continuous conversation
Learn how Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is woven into education, starting with student learning and continuing through professional development, ensuring inclusive practice becomes second nature. - Inclusive services for families
Hear real-world examples of how panel members champion inclusive care, creating services that reflect the needs of all families. - Activism and wider opportunities
Discover how practitioners extend their impact beyond the workplace, using activism and advocacy to drive systemic change.
Resources
Break, exhibition and posters
Improving our workplace cultures through psychological safety and better communication
This session will build on Huw’s session at St David’s Day conference 2024 to discuss how to work together better through psychological safety and better communication.
Lunch, exhibition and posters
Mwy na Geiriau - More than words
- Angharad Oyler, RCM Board
- Nia Coles, HEIW Head of More than just words strategy and Welsh unit
This discussion focuses on how we can enhance the use of Welsh in maternity care, ensuring first-language Welsh families receive services that reflect their identity and culture. Language is more than communication, it’s connection, trust, and dignity.
Building our digital communities in Wales
- Doris Hayford, Professional Advisor Midwife in Digital, RCM
- Cheri Lewis
- Anthony Tracey, Digital Director HDUHB
As we stand on the cusp of rolling out digital maternity services across Wales, this session explores how innovation can be inclusive for all. Technology should empower not exclude reaching those on the periphery of the digital revolution.
Break, exhibition and posters
Launch of RCM Cymru Manifesto for Senedd elections 2026
- Julie Richards, Director RCM Cymru
- Mike Indian, RCM Public Affairs Advisor
An overview of the top ask from RCM Cymru and its members in advance of the Senedd elections a potential new government.