Who can join?
If you are employed in a role which supports midwives in the care of childbearing women, the newborn and their family (for example, you are a Maternity Support Worker, Maternity Care Assistant, Nursery Nurse working in Maternity or similar role supporting midwives), you are eligible to join the RCM as an MSW Member.
What are the benefits?
Support for you at work
When facing difficulties at work, MSW members are supported with employment relations advice and representation from some 900 RCM workplace stewards, health and safety representatives and our Regional/National Officers. Our workplace representatives are qualified midwives or may be fellow maternity support workers, who understand your work in the maternity team 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.
Your membership provides employment-related legal advice and representation when you need it through our Legal Assistance scheme, including personal injury cases.
The RCM provides Medical Malpractice Insurance cover up to £5m for MSW members employed in providing NHS care directly, through agencies or through an NHS contract.
Help Developing your Skills
The RCM is the leading body promoting training for support workers in the midwifery team. Being an MSW member gives you:
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Access to guidance, advice and support on all areas of your work and development from experienced advisors and representatives.
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RCM i-learn, our online learning environment to pursue your continuing professional development wherever you are
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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 take part in our programme of events and professional development forums around the UK
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. MSW Membership entitles you to a say in RCM policy by voting at RCM general meetings and in elections for the RCM Board.
Connecting you
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Receive the latest 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. MSW 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 other MSWs and midwives 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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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
Click here to find out more about the RCM and MSWs
