Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Consultant Midwife to join the Maternity team at East Kent Hospitals. We are looking for a dynamic, innovative forward-thinking individual to join us on our exciting improvement journey. The role of the consultant midwife is to provide expert clinical care and leadership within the maternity. A key component of this role is to provide exemplary, experienced leadership and support for the maternity team in clinical practice within and across all intrapartum areas. The post holder will be able to support, advocate and challenge intrapartum practice. It is envisaged that at least 50% of this role will be spent working in the clinical area, predominantly across the intrapartum settings, as a clinical expert implementing and evaluating service developments and pathways of care to enhance quality and safety across the maternity continuum
Main duties of the job
The Consultant Midwife for Intra-partum Care will provide expert clinical leadership within the maternity service by providing professional leadership and support. They will work in close collaboration to support safe, robust clinical intrapartum leadership, education, and training, practice, service development and research/audit within the maternity service. The post will be characterised by the following four principle functions and pillars of advanced practice, Expert Midwifery Practice and Service Development, Professional Leadership and consultancy function, Education and Training Function, Research, audit and evaluation function.
The Consultant Midwife for Intrapartum care will provide a consultancy service for maternity internally and externally acting as an ambassador for the Trust's maternity service. They will be responsible for leading programs of care for women, birthing people and families requiring advanced clinical assessment and working alongside other midwifery and obstetric colleagues to develop personalised care plans which meet the needs of individual families who may fall outside of current clinical guidance, including providing clinical support and the application of guidance flexibility to meet the needs of the service and families. They will provide a pivotal role in leading and evaluating the training strategy across the intrapartum areas, ensuring education and development and responsible for leading in developing Midwifery Led Care opportunities.
About us
We offer a full package of benefits, including a car lease scheme; on-site childcare; generous annual leave in line with NHS terms and conditions; high street and public transport discounts; a 24/7 staff support service - and the little things that make life easier, like on-site Amazon lockers and fresh fruit and veg stalls.
Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Demonstrate expert knowledge of contemporary clinical practice align, implement and evaluate service developments and pathways of care to enhance quality and safety across the maternity continuum.
- Lead, develop and evaluate the research strategy within the maternity division. Working collaboratively with the trust research department to align the local research strategy to the national maternity aims.
- Work across the regional and national research network to identify new research programs which will benefit the local community and wider implementation of knowledge. Drive forward the research agenda within the midwifery workforce and seek out further opportunities to expand midwifery research capacity and capability
- Collaborate with the Matron, HDU lead and Digital Midwife as a Subject Matter Expert for intrapartum care within the Digital transformation workstream
- Leads and supports all professionals in co-ordinating intrapartum episodes and ensures high standards of written and verbal advice and education is available to women, relatives and affiliated disciplines.
- Work with the clinical and governance leadership teams to be responsive to emerging themes of recommended areas to improve whist also those of sustained good clinical outcomes.
- Lead and work collaboratively with the designated medical and midwifery lead for PROMPT to maximise training, competency assessment and ongoing audit evaluation of clinical outcomes to focus and direct the programme accordingly
- Lead, collaboratively review and maintain best practice and training for the Maternity HDU service in unison the HDU clinical and management midwifery and medical leads.
- Support and empower Midwifery Team Leaders to oversee and co-ordinate intrapartum activity across the maternity service to promote effective, optimum utilization of the midwifery led unit.
- Provide visionary, inspirational leadership and expertise to midwives, championing the physiology of birth and midwifery contribution to and advocacy of this across all birth settings.
- Actively involves others in communications between women, their relatives and the multi-professional team both within the organisation and with external stakeholders, empowering excellent communication.
- Work collaboratively with the MVP and maternity management team to develop practice locally to meet the needs of the local population and support the strategic direction of the service
- Act as a midwifery expert in the development, formulation and implementation of new procedures, policies and protocols, and participate in CQC assessments and other external assessments and reviews.
- Ensure education programs are evaluated effectively to deliver and reflect the required aims of safe and quality care as those recommended through national enquiry and reports.
- Communicates complex and highly sensitive midwifery information requiring persuasive skills, tact and empathy to groups of staff and students
- Play a key role in professional development through the identification of learning needs across the organisation, working with the Director of Midwifery, senior midwives, link lecturers and practice development team.
- Create an environment within the unit that is conducive to education and learning, encouraging peer review and positive feedback and providing learning opportunities.
- Work with the PROMPT faculty to ensure that all staff, including temporary staff and pre-registration students, are aware of how to appropriately respond to obstetric emergencies. You will ensure the embedded process and procedures to facilitate After Action Reviews in support of staffs psychological safety and clinical debrief are in place.
- Develops and reviews the services range of policies, procedures and guidelines as appropriate to support practice pertinent to intrapartum care
- Work collaboratively and in unison with the governance teams, promoting effective use of auditing against practice, policies, and procedures to ensure that a safe environment for women, relatives, carers and staff is maintained.
- Support the development, implementation and evaluation of midwifery led guidelines and play a key role in the maternity multidisciplinary guideline group
- Ensures evidence based, innovative practice in the delivery of midwifery care and supports others in the implementation of changes identified to improve care. Leads on QI projects working closely with the transformation midwife, to meet the national agenda.
- Implements policies and initiates policy change and is aware of the impact on other departments. Ensures the application of local standards, policies and philosophies which further the philosophy of woman centered, individual and evidence-based care for all.
- Builds capacity and capability in research throughout the department, ensuring midwifery led research is prioritised and supported.
- Participate in the midwifery manager on call rota.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Demonstrate expert knowledge of contemporary clinical practice align, implement and evaluate service developments and pathways of care to enhance quality and safety across the maternity continuum.
- Lead, develop and evaluate the research strategy within the maternity division. Working collaboratively with the trust research department to align the local research strategy to the national maternity aims.
- Work across the regional and national research network to identify new research programs which will benefit the local community and wider implementation of knowledge. Drive forward the research agenda within the midwifery workforce and seek out further opportunities to expand midwifery research capacity and capability
- Collaborate with the Matron, HDU lead and Digital Midwife as a Subject Matter Expert for intrapartum care within the Digital transformation workstream
- Leads and supports all professionals in co-ordinating intrapartum episodes and ensures high standards of written and verbal advice and education is available to women, relatives and affiliated disciplines.
- Work with the clinical and governance leadership teams to be responsive to emerging themes of recommended areas to improve whist also those of sustained good clinical outcomes.
- Lead and work collaboratively with the designated medical and midwifery lead for PROMPT to maximise training, competency assessment and ongoing audit evaluation of clinical outcomes to focus and direct the programme accordingly
- Lead, collaboratively review and maintain best practice and training for the Maternity HDU service in unison the HDU clinical and management midwifery and medical leads.
- Support and empower Midwifery Team Leaders to oversee and co-ordinate intrapartum activity across the maternity service to promote effective, optimum utilization of the midwifery led unit.
- Provide visionary, inspirational leadership and expertise to midwives, championing the physiology of birth and midwifery contribution to and advocacy of this across all birth settings.
- Actively involves others in communications between women, their relatives and the multi-professional team both within the organisation and with external stakeholders, empowering excellent communication.
- Work collaboratively with the MVP and maternity management team to develop practice locally to meet the needs of the local population and support the strategic direction of the service
- Act as a midwifery expert in the development, formulation and implementation of new procedures, policies and protocols, and participate in CQC assessments and other external assessments and reviews.
- Ensure education programs are evaluated effectively to deliver and reflect the required aims of safe and quality care as those recommended through national enquiry and reports.
- Communicates complex and highly sensitive midwifery information requiring persuasive skills, tact and empathy to groups of staff and students
- Play a key role in professional development through the identification of learning needs across the organisation, working with the Director of Midwifery, senior midwives, link lecturers and practice development team.
- Create an environment within the unit that is conducive to education and learning, encouraging peer review and positive feedback and providing learning opportunities.
- Work with the PROMPT faculty to ensure that all staff, including temporary staff and pre-registration students, are aware of how to appropriately respond to obstetric emergencies. You will ensure the embedded process and procedures to facilitate After Action Reviews in support of staffs psychological safety and clinical debrief are in place.
- Develops and reviews the services range of policies, procedures and guidelines as appropriate to support practice pertinent to intrapartum care
- Work collaboratively and in unison with the governance teams, promoting effective use of auditing against practice, policies, and procedures to ensure that a safe environment for women, relatives, carers and staff is maintained.
- Support the development, implementation and evaluation of midwifery led guidelines and play a key role in the maternity multidisciplinary guideline group
- Ensures evidence based, innovative practice in the delivery of midwifery care and supports others in the implementation of changes identified to improve care. Leads on QI projects working closely with the transformation midwife, to meet the national agenda.
- Implements policies and initiates policy change and is aware of the impact on other departments. Ensures the application of local standards, policies and philosophies which further the philosophy of woman centered, individual and evidence-based care for all.
- Builds capacity and capability in research throughout the department, ensuring midwifery led research is prioritised and supported.
- Participate in the midwifery manager on call rota.
Person Specification
Qualifications and training
Essential
- oRegistered Midwife
- oENB 997, Mentor preparation or equivalent.
- oMaster's Degree or already commenced Master's degree
- oHealth related diploma/degree.
- oManagement course
- oAdvance Life Support in Obstetrics Course.
Desirable
- PMA
- PhD/doctoral studies or working towards
Experience
Essential
- oClinical practitioner with a minimum of 6 years post registration experience.
- oMinimum 2 years at Band 8b Consultant Midwife or equivalent in an acute intrapartum setting.
- oLabour ward Co-ordinator experience
- oExtensive senior level leadership and managerial experience
- oProven track record in complex organisational setting
- oExperience in all aspects of staff management
- oBroad range of clinical midwifery experience
- oExperience of risk management and quality assurance
- oLeading cross boundary projects.
- oSignificant experience in midwifery practice and leadership
- oEvidence of innovative practice that involves research and audit
- oEvidence of research participation
- oEvidence of participation in regional and national networks
Desirable
- Experience of working within a variety of models of care delivery
- Evidence of implementation of innovation, service change and development
Communication & relationship skills
Essential
- oPersuasive, Influence and Conflict skills
- oManagement of a large and diverse multi-disciplinary team
- oService development and successful change management
- oAn understanding of the complexity of service delivery
- oWide knowledge of health policy and application to practice.
- oEvidence of excellent interpersonal skills.
- oSkills in operational management and clinical leadership.
- oExcellent communication skills/written and spoken English.
- oAbility to engage a team in achieving goals and objectives via a clear, shared midwifery vision.
- oAbility to problem solve, anticipate and forward plan, individually and as part of the management team
- oEvidence of self-development.
Desirable
Analytical and Judgement skills
Essential
- oExpert knowledge of midwifery and the complex birth agenda
- oAble to demonstrate awareness of current changes and research in midwifery and the influence of this on education and practice
- oKnowledge of quality standard setting and audit
- oFlexibility in working patterns to meet the needs of the service
- oCommitment to equity and diversity
- oAbility to compile, analyse and disseminate complex information
Planning and organisation skills
Essential
- oAbility to work in a highly demanding and fast paced environment.
- oAbility to work effectively under pressure and to meet deadlines
- oAbility to network across the organisation and externally
- oProject management skills
- oAbility to compile, analyse and disseminate complex information
- oInnovative
- oStrategic thinking
- oSelf-motivated, positive, adaptable and flexible approach to work
Desirable
- Experience of public speaking
- Evidence of academic published work or research
Person Specification
Qualifications and training
Essential
- oRegistered Midwife
- oENB 997, Mentor preparation or equivalent.
- oMaster's Degree or already commenced Master's degree
- oHealth related diploma/degree.
- oManagement course
- oAdvance Life Support in Obstetrics Course.
Desirable
- PMA
- PhD/doctoral studies or working towards
Experience
Essential
- oClinical practitioner with a minimum of 6 years post registration experience.
- oMinimum 2 years at Band 8b Consultant Midwife or equivalent in an acute intrapartum setting.
- oLabour ward Co-ordinator experience
- oExtensive senior level leadership and managerial experience
- oProven track record in complex organisational setting
- oExperience in all aspects of staff management
- oBroad range of clinical midwifery experience
- oExperience of risk management and quality assurance
- oLeading cross boundary projects.
- oSignificant experience in midwifery practice and leadership
- oEvidence of innovative practice that involves research and audit
- oEvidence of research participation
- oEvidence of participation in regional and national networks
Desirable
- Experience of working within a variety of models of care delivery
- Evidence of implementation of innovation, service change and development
Communication & relationship skills
Essential
- oPersuasive, Influence and Conflict skills
- oManagement of a large and diverse multi-disciplinary team
- oService development and successful change management
- oAn understanding of the complexity of service delivery
- oWide knowledge of health policy and application to practice.
- oEvidence of excellent interpersonal skills.
- oSkills in operational management and clinical leadership.
- oExcellent communication skills/written and spoken English.
- oAbility to engage a team in achieving goals and objectives via a clear, shared midwifery vision.
- oAbility to problem solve, anticipate and forward plan, individually and as part of the management team
- oEvidence of self-development.
Desirable
Analytical and Judgement skills
Essential
- oExpert knowledge of midwifery and the complex birth agenda
- oAble to demonstrate awareness of current changes and research in midwifery and the influence of this on education and practice
- oKnowledge of quality standard setting and audit
- oFlexibility in working patterns to meet the needs of the service
- oCommitment to equity and diversity
- oAbility to compile, analyse and disseminate complex information
Planning and organisation skills
Essential
- oAbility to work in a highly demanding and fast paced environment.
- oAbility to work effectively under pressure and to meet deadlines
- oAbility to network across the organisation and externally
- oProject management skills
- oAbility to compile, analyse and disseminate complex information
- oInnovative
- oStrategic thinking
- oSelf-motivated, positive, adaptable and flexible approach to work
Desirable
- Experience of public speaking
- Evidence of academic published work or research
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
