Streamlined new board for the RCM

After more than a century, the RCM is changing the way it is governed by launching a new streamlined board.

A new 12 person elected board will replace the 29 member RCM Council at the end of this month.

Traditionally, trade union governing bodies have far greater numbers of council members.

The aim of the RCM’s radical reduction after 120 years is to have a more streamlined, responsive and effective body.

It is hoped that this will lead to quicker decision-making and significant cost savings.
 General secretary of the RCM Cathy Warwick said: 'I am delighted to welcome the new board members to the RCM and look forward to working with them.

‘This is a major change in the governance of the RCM and one that I hope will bring many benefits to our members.'


The board is the governing body for the RCM and it will be setting the broad strategic direction of the organisation, ensuring it is viable, properly managed and governed.

It will act to support the RCM senior management in their running of the RCM to ensure it operates effectively and efficiently.

Day-to-day running and management of the RCM sits with the general secretary and the executive management team.

All board members have to be RCM members and qualified midwives.
Liz Stephens remains President of the RCM, though does not sit on the board.

The members on the new board are:

•    Professor Paul Lewis - Associate Dean-Midwifery, Rehabilitation & Health Sciences, Bournemouth University
•    Professor  Lesley Page - Visiting Professor in Midwifery, Kings College London
•    Christina McKenzie - Partner Director, HMB Consulting Ltd
•    Rosemary Exton - Labour Ward Co-ordinator, Nottingham University Hospital
•    Dr Patricia Gillen - Lecturer; Coordinator of Post Registration Education, University of Ulster
•    Marie McDonald - Clinical Director Women’s Services, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
•    Carole Garrick - Head of Midwifery, Associate Director of Maternity, Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust
•    Vanessa Shand - Midwifery Team Leader Projects, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital Dundee
•    Anna Shasha - Head of Midwifery and Operational Manager, Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation trust
•    Corina Casey-Hardman - Head of Midwifery NHS Halton & St Helens
•    Barbara Kuypers - Local Supervising Authority Midwifery Officer, West Midlands Strategic Health Authority
•    Donna Ockenden - Chief Midwife, South London Healthcare NHS Trust