Who qualifies to join?
RCM Full membership is open to any qualified midwife who has at some time registered a midwifery qualification with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and as a result is on the appropriate part or parts of the register for their sphere of practice. (This means that a non practicing midwife with an active registration on Parts 1 and/or 3 of the NMC register can be a full member of the RCM while practicing as a nurse or health visitor).
What are the benefits?
The vast majority of UK midwives are Full members of the RCM. They make sure of their membership for the following reasons:
Support for you at work
When facing difficulties at work, RCM Full members are supported with employment relations advice and representation from some 900 RCM workplace stewards, health and safety representatives and our Regional/National Officers. All our workplace representatives and officers are qualified midwives, able to understand clinical incident issues and are fully trained to support, represent and negotiate. We also represent and support our members collectively, for example during reconfiguration of services, and nationally, for example on pay, terms and conditions and pensions.
We provide employment-related legal advice and representation when you need it through our Legal Assistance scheme, including personal injury cases. If you should be referred to the Nursing and Midwifery Council, we provide full representation, including barrister advocacy at hearings if required.
Medical Malpractice Insurance
Full Membership includes Medical Malpractice cover for liability for damages awarded for injury, death or illness alleged to have been caused by malpractice in the provision of professional services. Remember, you need to be a member at the time when an incident happens for us to be able to help you.
Professional Resources
As midwifery’s professional body, we promote evidence-based practice innovation, research and your continuing professional development.
Full membership includes the following:
Professional Development
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RCM i-learn our online learning environment to pursue your continuing professional development wherever you are
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Support from RCM Union Learning Representatives network to help you identify your development and training needs and access opportunities
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Library Information Service – access MIDIRS online library service through our exclusive offer
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Free online subscription to Evidence Based Midwifery journal
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Access to guidance, advice and support on all areas of professional practice from our midwifery advisors
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Access to member-only resources and information on the RCM website including practice guidelines, research articles and publications to keep you up to date with the latest evidence-based midwifery practice – including member discounts at the RCM online Bookshop
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Opportunities to share, promote and gain recognition for your projects and research through entering the RCM Awards, submitting papers for RCM Annual Conference and taking part in our programme of events and professional development forums around the UK – often with member discounts.
Your voice
We are your voice wherever maternity services decisions are taken. By joining the RCM you support our work shaping and securing the future for midwifery and improving care for women and the newborn locally, nationally and internationally.
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Have your say in responding to consultations on changes which affect you and the services you work in and get involved in our campaigns
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The RCM is led by its members. Full membership entitles you to a say in RCM policy by voting at RCM general meetings and in elections for the RCM Board or to stand for election as a member of the RCM Board.
Being in the RCM is being part of your professional community. We connect you through:
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Free subscription to Midwives magazine mailed to you eight times a year
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Receive the latest midwifery news and RCM activities with regular ezines
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Membership of your local RCM Branch, a friendly and welcoming forum with opportunities for involvement. Full members are entitled to attend and vote at branch meetings and elect and stand for election as a branch officer or workplace representative. The RCM is active in all four UK countries. Membership entitles you to participate in the activities of your UK Country Board
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Connect with your profession through RCM Communities, our member-only online network for discussion, resource sharing and professional networking
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Opportunities to meet fellow members from across the UK at RCM conferences and events
Saving you money
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Free Legal advice for your and your family from Thompson’s Solicitors for non-employment-related matters.
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Discounts on Financial Services, including car, home and holiday insurance, life insurance and critical illness or income protection from LV= .
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Access to Union Energy is a free, 100% impartial comparison service which allows users to find the most competitive priced gas and electricity providers where they live.
Join: Click here to join online
If you want to find out more about being an RCM member, please contact: Tel: 0300 303 0444 or email: membership@rcm.org.uk
