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Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust

Specialist midwife for infant feeding

The closing date is 06 February 2026

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Job summary

Specialist Midwife - Infant feeding & Baby Friendly Initiative

This is a key role in developing and maintaining high standards of care for this group of women and their families in pregnancy and the postnatal period. You will have a high level of relevant expert knowledge and skills which you will use to manage, develop and lead care for all pregnant and new mothers in this regardless of feeding method.

The specialist midwife will work in collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams and external agencies to include: maternity, paediatrics, NNU, gynae, obstetrics, CPD training teams and the health visiting (HCP 0-5yrs) service. The practitioner should be an expert in their field, have responsibility to ensure that all care delivered is within accordance of trust policies and procedures, NICE and BFI UNICEF UK guidance. The specialist midwife will ensure that generic practitioners at all levels receive the appropriate support for infant feeding care planning and practice development, working alongside other staff to add capability to staff practices.The specialist midwife will be responsible for the leadership and coordination of both the Maternity and Neonatal UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiatives, training, audit and development of effective infant feeding / antenatal infant feeding initiatives within WHT, and, in partnership with other professionals to support these activities.

PLEASE NOTE, WE MAY CLOSE THIS VACANCY EARLY IF WE RECEIVE A HIGH NUMBERS OF APPLICATIONS

Main duties of the job

The post holder will undertake activities and interventions to assist in the achievement of local, regional and national infant feeding targets / KPI's in relation to breastfeeding initiation, coverage and prevalence rates

Support, train, assist and advice to staff to add capacity to the care provided by their midwives / lead health professionals / support staff, where necessary. For example, working with midwives to develop individual care plans and making referrals to additional specialist support if required.

Act as an advocate for women to ensure they get the specialist care that they need and liaise with other services and partner agencies to ensure that the women with infant feeding challenges are receiving active and effective care.

Carry continuing responsibility for providing the highest standards of midwifery care to all mothers and babies. Assess, develop, implement and evaluate care programmes and provide professional advice and support as required.

About us

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust is an integrated Trust and the only provider of NHS acute care in Walsall, serving a population of 284,300. It provides inpatient and outpatient services at the Manor Hospital as well as a wide range of services in the community. Walsall Manor houses the full range of district general hospital services under one roof. The £170 million development was completed in 2010, and ongoing upgrades ensure the Trust now has state-of-the-art facilities, including a Critical Care Unit, Neonatal Unit, Obstetric Theatre, and Integrated Assessment Unit. A new Urgent and Emergency Care Centre, opened in March 2023, has significantly improved emergency care facilities and capacity, providing almost 5,000 square metres of additional clinical space.

Details

Date posted

29 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£47,810 to £54,710 a year per

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

407-WCCSS-7598456

Job locations

walsall manor maternity

moat road

walsall

WS29PS


Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

Audit, valuate and improve midwifery care for mothers and babies .

Provide clinical expertise, support and professional direction to both Midwifery and Medical staff on the care in relation to responsive feeding and parenting for all women and babies.

Prioritize and develop care pathways to reflect women and babies feeding journeys based need following risk assessment

Facilitate antenatal and postnatal care plans within the hospital/community environment.

Analyses and evaluates the effectiveness and highlights modifications to Midwifery care pathway, giving professional support and advice as required.

Maintain accurate and legible records/documentation in accordance with Trust and national professional policies and guidelines.

Use of expert interpersonal and communication skills when dealing with issues such as child protection, sexual health matters, domestic violence, drug and alcohol misuse and mental health issues.

Effectively communicate complex and sensitive condition-related information to clients and relatives which requires empathy and reassurance.

Use of counselling skills dealing with issues relating to parenting journeys

Participate in programmes of parent and staff education for women in relation to infant feeding and responsive parenting within the hospital/community setting

Keep up to date and act consistently within quality standards and guidelines within own clinical area and associated areas.

Continuously monitor and evaluate the quality of work against quality standards in own area and take effective action to address them.

Leadership

Service Delivery & Improvement

Leadership and Management Responsibilities

Ensure that the day to day service delivered as required by the service needs

Promote best practice in health, safety and security.

Monitor and maintain the efficient use of physical and/or financial resources within the current financial constraints reporting any deviances to the community midwife manager promptly.

Liaise with the multidisciplinary team and multi-agencies co-coordinating and participating in case discussions as required.

Ensure that the service is a positive learning experience for students and junior staff and meet

the necessary standards for placement.

Identify and manage challenging behaviours as directed by trust policies.

Recognize, communicate and reward the achievements of staff in a learning capacity and provide constructive feedback, advice and on-going practice.

Provide professional Leadership and support to colleagues.

Participate in on call Maternity management rota

Lead and develop the implementation of care pathways for the services of vulnerable women and babies.

Ensure that essential information on the clients condition and progress is recorded appropriately according to NMC guidelines.

Monitor progress of work recognising changing priorities and implement corrective actions within own limits and informing the relevant people.

Act as a mentor and assessor to assigned learners and teach and support them through their competency assessments as required.

Lead in the appraisal process for a defined group of staff in accordance with trust policies.

Communicate clearly with colleagues and provide them with opportunities to contribute to the planning and organization of work.

Deal personally with clients, families and carers in order to aid resolution of complaints.

Report all incidents, complaints or accidents to the Matron and assist in their investigation and resolution.

Monitor and manage sickness and absence in accordance with trust policies

Have active involvement in the recruitment and selection process

Monitor, control and store resources/supplies according to the requirements and specifications of the clinical environment.

Maintain own vehicle to comply with road safety legislation. To ensure provision of care in the community in all weather conditions.

Maintain accurate records of resource use, i.e. personal expenses, team members expenses in relation to pay, mileage and on calls.

Implement and propose changes to policies/practices in own area.

Participate effectively to evaluation studies (e.g. patient satisfaction surveys and audit).

Leadership and Management Responsibilities

Ensure that the day to day service delivered as required by the service needs

Promote best practice in health, safety and security.

Monitor and maintain the efficient use of physical and/or financial resources within the current financial constraints reporting any deviances to the community midwife manager promptly.

Liaise with the multidisciplinary team and multi-agencies co-coordinating and participating in case discussions as required.

Ensure that the service is a positive learning experience for students and junior staff and meet the necessary standards for placement.

Identify and manage challenging behaviours as directed by trust policies.

Provide professional Leadership and support to colleagues.

Lead and develop the implementation of care pathways for the services of vulnerable women and babies.

Ensure that essential information on the clients condition and progress is recorded appropriately according to NMC guidelines.

Monitor progress of work recognising changing priorities and implement corrective actions within own limits and informing the relevant people.

Act as a mentor and assessor to assigned learners and teach and support them through their competency assessments as required.

Lead in the appraisal process for a defined group of staff in accordance with trust policies.

Communicate clearly with colleagues and provide them with opportunities to contribute to the planning and organisation of work.

Deal personally with clients, families and carers in order to aid resolution of complaints.

Report all incidents, complaints or accidents to the Matron and assist in their investigation and resolution.

Monitor and manage sickness and absence in accordance with trust policies

Have active involvement in the recruitment and selection process

Monitor, control and store resources/supplies according to the requirements and specifications of the clinical environment.

Maintain own vehicle to comply with road safety legislation. To ensure provision of care in the community in all weather conditions.

Maintain accurate records of resource use, i.e. personal expenses, team members expenses in relation to pay, mileage and on calls.

Implement and propose changes to policies/practices in own area.

Participate effectively to evaluation studies (e.g. patient satisfaction surveys and audit).

Identify and take action in accordance with trust policy where necessary to address discrimination and oppression

.

Monitor and maintain health, safety and security of self and others in own work area. Adhering to lone worker policy.

Take immediate and appropriate action including supporting others to manage risks in relation to adverse incident reporting via the hospital incident reporting system.

Identify training needs in health and safety whilst identifying appropriate resources.

To have a flexible approach to care delivery, therefore providing services in keeping with the demands in a Hospital/Community setting

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

Audit, valuate and improve midwifery care for mothers and babies .

Provide clinical expertise, support and professional direction to both Midwifery and Medical staff on the care in relation to responsive feeding and parenting for all women and babies.

Prioritize and develop care pathways to reflect women and babies feeding journeys based need following risk assessment

Facilitate antenatal and postnatal care plans within the hospital/community environment.

Analyses and evaluates the effectiveness and highlights modifications to Midwifery care pathway, giving professional support and advice as required.

Maintain accurate and legible records/documentation in accordance with Trust and national professional policies and guidelines.

Use of expert interpersonal and communication skills when dealing with issues such as child protection, sexual health matters, domestic violence, drug and alcohol misuse and mental health issues.

Effectively communicate complex and sensitive condition-related information to clients and relatives which requires empathy and reassurance.

Use of counselling skills dealing with issues relating to parenting journeys

Participate in programmes of parent and staff education for women in relation to infant feeding and responsive parenting within the hospital/community setting

Keep up to date and act consistently within quality standards and guidelines within own clinical area and associated areas.

Continuously monitor and evaluate the quality of work against quality standards in own area and take effective action to address them.

Leadership

Service Delivery & Improvement

Leadership and Management Responsibilities

Ensure that the day to day service delivered as required by the service needs

Promote best practice in health, safety and security.

Monitor and maintain the efficient use of physical and/or financial resources within the current financial constraints reporting any deviances to the community midwife manager promptly.

Liaise with the multidisciplinary team and multi-agencies co-coordinating and participating in case discussions as required.

Ensure that the service is a positive learning experience for students and junior staff and meet

the necessary standards for placement.

Identify and manage challenging behaviours as directed by trust policies.

Recognize, communicate and reward the achievements of staff in a learning capacity and provide constructive feedback, advice and on-going practice.

Provide professional Leadership and support to colleagues.

Participate in on call Maternity management rota

Lead and develop the implementation of care pathways for the services of vulnerable women and babies.

Ensure that essential information on the clients condition and progress is recorded appropriately according to NMC guidelines.

Monitor progress of work recognising changing priorities and implement corrective actions within own limits and informing the relevant people.

Act as a mentor and assessor to assigned learners and teach and support them through their competency assessments as required.

Lead in the appraisal process for a defined group of staff in accordance with trust policies.

Communicate clearly with colleagues and provide them with opportunities to contribute to the planning and organization of work.

Deal personally with clients, families and carers in order to aid resolution of complaints.

Report all incidents, complaints or accidents to the Matron and assist in their investigation and resolution.

Monitor and manage sickness and absence in accordance with trust policies

Have active involvement in the recruitment and selection process

Monitor, control and store resources/supplies according to the requirements and specifications of the clinical environment.

Maintain own vehicle to comply with road safety legislation. To ensure provision of care in the community in all weather conditions.

Maintain accurate records of resource use, i.e. personal expenses, team members expenses in relation to pay, mileage and on calls.

Implement and propose changes to policies/practices in own area.

Participate effectively to evaluation studies (e.g. patient satisfaction surveys and audit).

Leadership and Management Responsibilities

Ensure that the day to day service delivered as required by the service needs

Promote best practice in health, safety and security.

Monitor and maintain the efficient use of physical and/or financial resources within the current financial constraints reporting any deviances to the community midwife manager promptly.

Liaise with the multidisciplinary team and multi-agencies co-coordinating and participating in case discussions as required.

Ensure that the service is a positive learning experience for students and junior staff and meet the necessary standards for placement.

Identify and manage challenging behaviours as directed by trust policies.

Provide professional Leadership and support to colleagues.

Lead and develop the implementation of care pathways for the services of vulnerable women and babies.

Ensure that essential information on the clients condition and progress is recorded appropriately according to NMC guidelines.

Monitor progress of work recognising changing priorities and implement corrective actions within own limits and informing the relevant people.

Act as a mentor and assessor to assigned learners and teach and support them through their competency assessments as required.

Lead in the appraisal process for a defined group of staff in accordance with trust policies.

Communicate clearly with colleagues and provide them with opportunities to contribute to the planning and organisation of work.

Deal personally with clients, families and carers in order to aid resolution of complaints.

Report all incidents, complaints or accidents to the Matron and assist in their investigation and resolution.

Monitor and manage sickness and absence in accordance with trust policies

Have active involvement in the recruitment and selection process

Monitor, control and store resources/supplies according to the requirements and specifications of the clinical environment.

Maintain own vehicle to comply with road safety legislation. To ensure provision of care in the community in all weather conditions.

Maintain accurate records of resource use, i.e. personal expenses, team members expenses in relation to pay, mileage and on calls.

Implement and propose changes to policies/practices in own area.

Participate effectively to evaluation studies (e.g. patient satisfaction surveys and audit).

Identify and take action in accordance with trust policy where necessary to address discrimination and oppression

.

Monitor and maintain health, safety and security of self and others in own work area. Adhering to lone worker policy.

Take immediate and appropriate action including supporting others to manage risks in relation to adverse incident reporting via the hospital incident reporting system.

Identify training needs in health and safety whilst identifying appropriate resources.

To have a flexible approach to care delivery, therefore providing services in keeping with the demands in a Hospital/Community setting

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • LCGB UK- lactation or working towards
  • BFI qualification or willingness to undertake
  • registered Midwife with NMC

Desirable

  • frenotomy division competency or willing to work towards

Experience

Essential

  • oSound knowledge of infant feeding, safeguarding children, domestic abuse, substance misuse and women with special needs
  • oEvidence of excellent presentation, teaching, verbal and written skills.
  • oEvidence of involvement in the development of policies, guidelines and clinical/mothers audit
  • oExtensive knowledge and experience in all areas of maternity services developed through continuing professional knowledge and practice

Desirable

  • oAbility to supervise learners

Skills

Essential

  • oAbility to train, coach & supervise learners oWell-developed IT Skills
  • oCounselling Skills oEffective Communicator

Knowledge

Essential

  • oKnowledge and ability to work within both normal an abnormal antenatal care, labour and postnatal care and to deal appropriately with emergencies in the absence of medical staff
  • oKnowledge of budgetary/resource management

Desirable

  • oYou must be willing and able to travel across the Walsall Borough during the working day as the post requires.
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • LCGB UK- lactation or working towards
  • BFI qualification or willingness to undertake
  • registered Midwife with NMC

Desirable

  • frenotomy division competency or willing to work towards

Experience

Essential

  • oSound knowledge of infant feeding, safeguarding children, domestic abuse, substance misuse and women with special needs
  • oEvidence of excellent presentation, teaching, verbal and written skills.
  • oEvidence of involvement in the development of policies, guidelines and clinical/mothers audit
  • oExtensive knowledge and experience in all areas of maternity services developed through continuing professional knowledge and practice

Desirable

  • oAbility to supervise learners

Skills

Essential

  • oAbility to train, coach & supervise learners oWell-developed IT Skills
  • oCounselling Skills oEffective Communicator

Knowledge

Essential

  • oKnowledge and ability to work within both normal an abnormal antenatal care, labour and postnatal care and to deal appropriately with emergencies in the absence of medical staff
  • oKnowledge of budgetary/resource management

Desirable

  • oYou must be willing and able to travel across the Walsall Borough during the working day as the post requires.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust

Address

walsall manor maternity

moat road

walsall

WS29PS


Employer's website

https://walsallhealthcare.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust

Address

walsall manor maternity

moat road

walsall

WS29PS


Employer's website

https://walsallhealthcare.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Matron for Quality , safety and Governance

Vanessa Berry

vanessa.berry5@nhs.net

01922721172

Details

Date posted

29 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£47,810 to £54,710 a year per

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

407-WCCSS-7598456

Job locations

walsall manor maternity

moat road

walsall

WS29PS


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)