New RCM Board members elected
Four new midwives have been elected to join the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Board. Announcing the new Board members the RCM has thanked its members for voting in the recent election. The RCM Board is responsible for the overall direction and setting the strategic objectives of the RCM and is made up entirely of […]
RCM ballots members on industrial action over on call arrangements
Midwives in South Tyneside and Sunderland are being balloted on industrial action over proposals for on call arrangements that would see them being ‘on call’ on their days off. The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has described the proposals as ‘unsafe and grossly unfair’ which would effectively see midwives having their on call working hours […]
RCM welcomes renewed focus on maternity safety as Secretary of State announces rapid review
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has welcomed the announcement of a rapid review of maternity safety. The review, announced by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, is due to report by Christmas. Alongside this, the Health Secretary will chair a National Maternity & Neonatal Taskforce, which will bring together experts, staff and campaigners to drive improvements […]
Latest NMC report reveals concerning snapshot of why midwives are leaving the register
While it’s positive news that the number of midwives on the register has increased overall, the increase in new registrants joining the register is on the decline. Heather Bower RCM’s Head of Midwifery Education explains why in her latest blog. This week, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has published its annual report about the […]
New Report Spotlights the Critical Role of Specialist Parent-Infant Relationship Teams
The Parent-Infant Foundation has published a new report, ‘Who is holding the baby?’, which explores the current landscape of specialised parent-infant relationship teams across the UK. This research, launched as part of Infant Mental Health Awareness Week (June 9-15), brings fresh insight into the progress made – and the problems that still exist – in […]
Chancellor’s Spending Review is high on hope but low on detail
The Royal College of Midwives has given a cautious welcome to the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review, announced today. Gill Walton, Chief Executive and General Secretary of the RCM, said: “Midwives, maternity support workers and student midwives will have been hoping for more of an indication that this Government understands the desperate need for investment in […]
Government announces pay award for RCM members in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has issued a cautious welcome to the news that the governments in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have accepted the pay recommendations from the NHS Pay Review Body (PRB) in full. The RCM says while it believes its hard-working members deserve more, the 3.6% is a ‘small improvement’ on […]
The bravery of RCM members, always shining through
RCM Chief Executive Gill Walton shares her reflections on our 2025 conference, and the meaning of bravery in maternity services and midwifery education RCM Conference is always a whirlwind. There’s so much going on and so many people to say hello to. It was good to have a bank holiday this time and good to […]
Surprise Royal visit stuns unsuspecting RCM members at RCM’s national conference
Delegates at the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) annual conference were left stunned at the surprise arrival of Her Royal Highness (HRH) The Princess Royal to their national conference in Birmingham on Thursday. In a special speech, she thanked midwives and maternity support workers (MSWs) for the incredible work they do in transforming and positively […]
Spotlight on perinatal mental health at RCM’s national conference
With more women needing mental health support during pregnancy and in the postnatal period, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is putting perinatal mental health in the spotlight at its 2025 Conference. Delegates from the midwifery community, who are gathering in Birmingham this week, will hear from experts about how to deliver the vital support […]