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 […]
RCM gives evidence to inquiry on Black maternal health
Cultural competence, a lack of accurate data and insufficient time with midwives were all highlighted as key issues by the RCM at an inquiry into Black maternal health this week. The House of Commons Health and Social Care Select Committee (HSC) inquiry is aimed at assessing why, despite several polices and the creation of government […]
RCM says perinatal mental health should be everyone’s business as it marks World Maternal Mental Health Day
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has today called for urgent investment in perinatal mental health support as part of events for World Maternal Mental Health Day (7 May). Low mood and poor mental health affect many people, but during the perinatal period women can be particularly vulnerable. Pregnancy is often portrayed as a time […]
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 […]