Job summary
We are seeking an exceptional Consultant Midwife to provide expert leadership and innovation in the development and delivery of complex maternity care pathways across Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
This is a unique opportunity to shape trauma-informed, personalised and equitable care for women and birthing people with complex obstetric, medical, psychological or social needs. Working closely with the Deputy Directors of Nursing and Midwifery, Divisional Director of Nursing & Midwifery, MNVP and Clinical Directors, the post holder will lead multidisciplinary collaboration to improve safety, experience and outcomes across antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care.
You will act as a visible clinical leader and autonomous practitioner, maintaining direct clinical practice while influencing service design, governance, education and research. The role requires advanced expertise in complex midwifery assessment, shared decision-making and compassionate communication ensuring women are supported to make informed choices within a trauma-aware, psychologically safe environment.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will champion innovation, lead quality-improvement initiatives and represent the Trust at local, regional and national levels. A passion for reducing inequalities, promoting inclusion and co-producing care with women and families is essential.
This post offers the opportunity to shape practice, influence policy and support our maternity workforce to deliver world-class, compassionate and trauma-informed care aligned to our Trust'sPROUD values.
About us
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites--Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital--along with award-winning clinics across North West London.
Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5 million, providing full clinical services, including maternity, A&E, and children's services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health clinics. The Care Quality Commission rates us 'Good' in safety, effectiveness, care, and responsiveness, and 'Outstanding' in leadership and resource use.
We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and Westminster and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex.
We welcome applications for flexible working arrangements, accommodating requests where possible to support our staff and patient needs.
The Trust is committed to equality and welcomes applications from all, regardless of background. Adjustments can be made for disabled candidates. Early application is advised as vacancies may close once sufficient applications are received. If you haven't heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six-month probationary period.
Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites.
Job description
Job responsibilities
See attached JD and workplan for full details
The Consultant Midwife for Complex Care Pathways provides expert clinical leadership, strategic vision and evidence-based innovation within maternity services. Working collaboratively with the Deputy Divisional Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Divisional Director of Nursing & Midwifery and Clinical Director, the post holder will lead the design, delivery and evaluation of safe, personalised, and trauma-informed care for women and birthing people with complex obstetric, medical, psychological or social needs.
This role champions a holistic and inclusive approach, recognising the intersection between physical health, mental wellbeing, trauma history and social determinants of health. The Consultant Midwife will act as the professional and clinical lead for complex care pathways ensuring equitable access, shared decision-making and continuity across antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care.
Job description
Job responsibilities
See attached JD and workplan for full details
The Consultant Midwife for Complex Care Pathways provides expert clinical leadership, strategic vision and evidence-based innovation within maternity services. Working collaboratively with the Deputy Divisional Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Divisional Director of Nursing & Midwifery and Clinical Director, the post holder will lead the design, delivery and evaluation of safe, personalised, and trauma-informed care for women and birthing people with complex obstetric, medical, psychological or social needs.
This role champions a holistic and inclusive approach, recognising the intersection between physical health, mental wellbeing, trauma history and social determinants of health. The Consultant Midwife will act as the professional and clinical lead for complex care pathways ensuring equitable access, shared decision-making and continuity across antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care.
Person Specification
Education and qualifications
Essential
- Registered Midwife
- Educated to Masters level or equivalent experience. Willing to undertake PhD
- Recognised leadership qualification or equivalent experience
Desirable
- Recognised teaching qualification
- ALSO/NLS instructor
Experience
Essential
- Experience in senior clinical midwifery role with demonstrable achievements in: Changing clinical practice; developing staff; organisational change; leadership; teaching
- Evidence of significant experience in midwifery practice and leadership
- Evidence of working in midwifery led birth settings both birth centre and home birth
- Evidence of participation in regional and national networks
- Evidence of supporting women to achieve the birth of their choice and providing informed choice
Desirable
- Experience in midwifery education
Skills and knowledge - special aptitudes
Essential
- Expert knowledge of midwifery and normal birth agenda
- In-depth knowledge of health policy
- Demonstrable leadership skills
- Ability to influence, motivate and inspire others
- Ability to manage change
- Team building skills
- Articulate with advanced written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and to meet deadlines
- Ability to network across the organisation and externally
- Project management skills
- Ability to compile, analyse and disseminate complex information
Person Specification
Education and qualifications
Essential
- Registered Midwife
- Educated to Masters level or equivalent experience. Willing to undertake PhD
- Recognised leadership qualification or equivalent experience
Desirable
- Recognised teaching qualification
- ALSO/NLS instructor
Experience
Essential
- Experience in senior clinical midwifery role with demonstrable achievements in: Changing clinical practice; developing staff; organisational change; leadership; teaching
- Evidence of significant experience in midwifery practice and leadership
- Evidence of working in midwifery led birth settings both birth centre and home birth
- Evidence of participation in regional and national networks
- Evidence of supporting women to achieve the birth of their choice and providing informed choice
Desirable
- Experience in midwifery education
Skills and knowledge - special aptitudes
Essential
- Expert knowledge of midwifery and normal birth agenda
- In-depth knowledge of health policy
- Demonstrable leadership skills
- Ability to influence, motivate and inspire others
- Ability to manage change
- Team building skills
- Articulate with advanced written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and to meet deadlines
- Ability to network across the organisation and externally
- Project management skills
- Ability to compile, analyse and disseminate complex information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex Hospital
369 Fulham Road
Chelsea
SW10 9NH
Employer's website
https://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)