RCM keeps support for student and newly qualified midwives top of the agenda at TUC Congress

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has used one of its motions at the 2025 TUC Congress to shine a light on the ongoing challenges facing student and newly-qualified midwives. Financial hardship while studying midwifery, the accrual of significant debt, juggling childcare with clinal placement and the uncertainty of not finding full-time employment upon graduation […]

Support for midwives as NHS autumn vaccine rollout begins

As the NHS launches its autumn vaccination programme, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is providing members with support, practical tools and evidence-based information to help them respond confidently to questions from women in their care.  This autumn, the NHS is offering flu and RSV vaccines to pregnant women. However, for the first time since […]

RCM responds to report which finds challenges in maternity safety are systemic

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has welcomed the recommendation of a national approach to tackle maternity safety concerns set out today by the Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB).  The RCM concurs with the HSSIB scoping report that safety challenges in maternity and neonatal care are the result of national systemic issues and hopes […]

RCM welcomes ‘glimmers of hope’ for graduating midwives 

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has welcomed news that funding has been unlocked to get newly- qualified midwives into their first job. Following today’s announcement by the Secretary of State for Health & Social Care, Wes Streeting, NHS England will make ‘top up’ funding available to NHS Trusts to enable them to take on […]

RCM support helps neurodivergent midwife secure workplace adjustments

A neurodivergent midwife who felt unsupported on her role successfully secured workplace adjustments and a renewed confidence in her role with support from the Royal College of Midwives (RCM).  The RCM member in the North of England said she was feeling increasingly unable to practice safely and was finding it difficult to communicate with her […]

Midwives in South Tyneside and Sunderland vote YES to industrial action

Midwives in South Tyneside and Sunderland have voted in favour of taking industrial action over proposals for arrangements that would see them being ‘on call’ on their days off. The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) says its recent ballot of impacted members has resulted in a resounding yes to industrial action with 97.18% voting in […]

Health Secretary tells safety summit ‘there will be consequences for Trust Boards for maternity failures’

‘There will be consequences for Chairs and Trust boards for maternity failures.’ That was the message from the Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, as he addressed a room full of NHS leaders today. At a first-of-its-kind summit on maternity and neonatal safety hosted by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and the Royal […]

New RCM Director for Northern Ireland

A midwife with over 30 years clinical, academic and strategic midwifery experience  has been appointed as the new Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Director for Northern Ireland. Dr Dale Spence has held several midwifery roles throughout her longstanding career including at government level, as Midwifery Officer within the Chief Nursing Officers senior team in Northern […]

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 […]