Band 8c - Head of Midwifery

Band 8c - Head of Midwifery

Closing date: 17 March 2026

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.

• Support the Director, Clinical Director and Divisional Manager to deliver workforce, quality, safety, performance and leadership objectives.
• Deputise for the Director as required, including presenting Board assurance and Quality Committee reports.
• Day‑to‑day operational management of maternity and gynaecology services.
• Lead workforce and safe staffing reviews and ensure compliance with Trust‑wide policies.
• Lead on governance, quality improvement, incident management, safeguarding, patient experience and continuous professional development, keeping women and families at the centre of care.

With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us.

We are building on the success of our award‑winning virtual hospital and re‑imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare.

Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience.

Our vision is Excellent patient care, together. Our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work‑life balance.

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If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving, please tick “Member of the Armed Forces Community” on the application form.

We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

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

• Current registration as a Midwife on relevant part of the NMC Register.
• First degree or equivalent.
• Master's Degree.
• Leadership qualifications and/or experience.
• Implemented and led practice‑related changes.
• Strong evidence of continuing professional development.

• Evidence of Executive/Leadership Development.
• Recognised leadership course.

• Sound knowledge and experience of all aspects of midwifery practice.
• Knowledge of current national drives, the National Maternity Agenda, assurance around maternity quality and safety.
• Excellent evidence‑based theoretical knowledge with the ability to apply theory to practice.
• Knowledge of issues around safeguarding children and adults.
• K…