New demands on midwifery and MSW education, including commissions, placements and CPPD

While current levels of maternity pre-registration commissions will continue in the immediate future, it is less clear whether this will be the case in the longer term, particularly if birth rates decline. Services will require more MSW education programmes to be commissioned to meet demand for the role. Pre-registration numbers and a growing cohort of MSWs will place additional pressures on placements and trust mentors, which will need to be addressed.

Changes in the maternity service delivery such as midwifery-led units, demands such as arising from morbidities and roles such as public health will require additional competences to be taught, such as inter-professional working, emergency care and public health tasks. These will also increase demand for CPPD, including for MSWs (as will regulation of the role). Senior maternity staff will need to engage with local education commissioners.

Some of the information in this section is provided by stakeholders and expert groups, and does not necessarily represent the views of the CfWI.