RCM Purpose statement
• Promoting midwifery, quality maternity services and professional standards
• Supporting our members, individually and collectively
• Influencing on behalf of members and the women and families they care for.
The Royal College of Midwives is the voice of midwifery. We are the UK’s only trade union, professional organisation led by midwives for midwives. The vast majority of the midwifery profession are our members.
The RCM represents the interests of midwives in all four UK countries individually and collectively. We promote excellence, innovation and leadership in the care of childbearing women, the newborn and their families, nationally and internationally.
Our mission is to enhance the confidence, professional practice and influence of midwives for the benefit of child-bearing women and their families.
Our values are to operate with integrity, to act in open and transparent ways, to be accessible to members and to support equity in service.
Working for midwives
The vast majority of UK midwives belong to the RCM because of the combined professional, trade union and educational benefits that only the RCM offers.
These include:
Learning, Research and Practice Development
A range of training and professional development courses, to promote clinical excellence and develop the midwifery leaders of tomorrow.
Active promotion of research, evidence-based practice and the development of midwifery as a learning profession.
Professional affairs
An extensive range of publications and policy papers that provide guidance and comment on the challenges that face midwives and mothers.
RCM Midwives Magazine and RCM Evidence-Based Midwifery Journal devoted exclusively to midwifery.
A strong voice for midwifery in national policy fora.
Employment relations
Regional officers throughout the UK, who are practising midwives with employment relations and professional expertise. They provide representation and support to members.
Over 880 workplace-based stewards and health and safety representatives who are NHS working midwives. Medical malpractice insurance, giving up to £3 million cover against legal liability.
Working for Women
The RCM is committed to developing a maternity service that truly meets women's and babies' needs throughout pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period. A maternity service based on woman-centred care is a vital contribution to public health and an essential investment in the well-being of tomorrow’s citizens.
The RCM campaigns for better support for women who are pregnant in prison, or suffering domestic violence or female genital mutilation. We promote breastfeeding, the improvement of neonatal care and helping new parents feel confident and supported, so that women can enjoy not just a healthy pregnancy, but increased quality of family life and well-being.
