Band 8c - Head of Midwifery

Job overview

The Head of Midwifery is a key member of the Divisional Management Team, reporting to the Director of Midwifery and Gynaecology Nursing. The post holder will provide operational midwifery leadership across women’s services, ensuring the day-to-day delivery of high standards of patient care across integrated care pathways at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

The role provides assurance on clinical and operational governance systems, including risk management, CQC standards, clinical quality, patient experience, safeguarding and health and safety. Following a 6-month probationary period, objectives will be reviewed to include neonates and the role rebranded as appropriate.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will support the Director of Midwifery, Clinical Director and Divisional Manager to deliver workforce, quality, safety, performance and leadership objectives.

They will deputise for the Director of Midwifery as required, including presenting Board assurance and Quality Committee reports.

Responsibilities include day-to-day operational management of maternity and gynaecology services, leading workforce and safe staffing reviews, and ensuring compliance with Trust-wide policies.

The role leads on governance, quality improvement, incident management, safeguarding, patient experience and continuous professional development, ensuring women and families remain at the centre of care.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Head of Midwifery will provide strategic and professional leadership to midwives, nurses, clinical nurse specialists, matrons and multidisciplinary teams across women’s services.

They will ensure effective workforce management, clinical supervision and staff development frameworks are in place to promote engagement, excellence and continuous improvement.

The post holder will work closely with key stakeholders including Maternity Voice Partnerships and Local Maternity Systems, sharing best practice locally and nationally.

Core hours are Monday–Friday, with flexibility required to meet service needs and provide senior leadership cover, including deputising during planned and unplanned absences.