Realising professionalism:

Standards for education and training

Part 3: Standards
for pre-registration
midwifery
programmes
Published 18 November 2019

www.nmc.org.uk Standards for pre-registration midwifery programmes 1

 About our standards
Realising professionalism: Standards for education Our Standards for education and training are set out in
three parts:
and training include the Standards framework for
nursing1 and midwifery education, Standards for student Part 1: Standards framework for nursing and
supervision and assessment and programme standards midwifery education
specific to each approved programme.
Part 2: Standards for student supervision
and assessment
Part 3: Programme standards:
• Standards for pre-registration nursing programmes
• Standards for pre-registration midwifery programmes
• Standards for pre-registration nursing
associate programmes
• Standards for prescribing programmes
• Standards for return to practice programmes
These standards help nursing and midwifery students achieve NMC
proficiencies and programme outcomes. All nursing and midwifery
professionals must practise in line with the requirements of
the Code, the professional standards of practice, values and
behaviours that nurses, midwives and nursing associates are
expected to uphold.

1
We have used the phrase ‘nursing’ in this document to apply to the work of nurses and nursing
associates. Nursing associates are a distinct profession with their own part of our register,
but they are part of the nursing team. www.nmc.org.uk Standards for pre-registration midwifery programmes 2
Introduction
Our Standards for pre-registration midwifery Education providers structure their education programmes to
comply with our programme standards. They also design their
programmes set out the legal requirements, entry curricula around the published proficiencies for a particular
requirements and entry routes, length of programme, programme. Students are assessed against published proficiencies
curriculum, practice learning, supervision to ensure they are capable of providing safe and effective
care. Proficiencies are the knowledge, skills and behaviours that
and assessment and the qualification to be awarded nurses, midwives and nursing associates need in order to practise.
for all pre-registration midwifery programmes. We publish standards of proficiency for the nursing and midwifery
professions as well as proficiencies for NMC approved
Student midwives must successfully complete an NMC approved post-registration programmes.
pre-registration midwifery programme in order to meet the
Standards of proficiency for midwives and be eligible to apply for
entry to the NMC register.

Better, safer care is central to our standards. Student midwives

will be in contact with people throughout their education and it is
important they learn in a safe and effective way.

These pre-registration midwifery programme standards should

be read in conjunction with the Standards framework for nursing
and midwifery education and the Standards for student supervision
and assessment, which apply to all NMC approved education
programmes. There must be compliance with all these standards
for an education institution to be approved and to run any NMC
approved pre-registration midwifery programme.

www.nmc.org.uk Standards for pre-registration midwifery programmes 3

Through our quality assurance (QA) processes we check that In accordance with our QA framework, before a midwifery
education programmes meet all of our standards regarding the programme can be delivered, an approval process takes place
structure and delivery of education programmes and that the through which we check that the proposed programme meets
programme outcomes relate to the expected proficiencies for our standards.
particular qualifications. We also check that approved education
institutions (AEIs) and practice learning partners are managing Overall responsibility and accountability for compliance with
risk effectively. Using internal and external intelligence we monitor NMC standards lies with AEIs in partnership with practice
potential and actual risk to quality in education and training. learning partners.
This intelligence gathering includes analysis of system
regulator reports.

Standards
framework
for nursing Standards
and midwifery for student
education supervision
and assessment
Standards
of proficiency

Pre
Programme
Standards standards
for nursing
for education Post and midwifery
and training professions

www.nmc.org.uk Standards for pre-registration midwifery programmes 4

Legislative framework
Our legislation
Article 15(1) of the Order requires the Council to establish
standards of education and training which are necessary to achieve
the standards of proficiency. The standards for pre-registration
midwifery programmes are established under the provision of
Article 15(1) of the Order.

Lead midwife for education

Rule 6(1)(a)(ii) and Rule 6(3) of the Nursing and Midwifery Council
(Education, Registration and Registration Appeals) Rules 20042
establish the requirements of the lead midwife for education.

Information about the role of the lead midwife for education can be
found on page 22.

EU legislation
These standards comply with Directive 2005/36/EC of the
European parliament and of the council on the recognition of
professional qualifications (as amended) as outlined in Annexe 1
of this document.

2
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (Education, Registration and Registration Appeals)
Rules 2004 (SI 2004/1767) www.nmc.org.uk Standards for pre-registration midwifery programmes 5
Standards for
pre-registration
midwifery programmes
AEIs have ownership, overall responsibility and accountability for The involvement of women, partners, families and advocacy groups
education programmes. We expect AEIs to work in partnership with in the design, development, delivery and evaluation of midwifery
their practice learning partners on the development, delivery and curricula is intended to promote public confidence in the education
management of pre-registration midwifery programmes. of future midwives. We therefore expect the use of supportive
Pre-registration midwifery programmes may offer various routes evidence and engagement from people who have experienced care
to registration. by midwives to inform programme design, development, delivery
and evaluation.
The Standards framework for nursing and midwifery education, the
Standards for student supervision and assessment and the On successful completion of an NMC approved programme
Standards for pre-registration midwifery programmes provide students will be eligible to apply to the NMC to register as
the overall regulatory framework, which enables AEIs and a midwife.
practice learning partners to design programmes that meet our
requirements while at the same time allowing for local flexibility,
innovation and variability within individual curricula.

Midwifery curricula must include the outcomes set out in the

Standards of proficiency for midwives, which include the content
and competencies specified in relevant EU legislation. Students will
learn and be assessed in a range of environments including AEI and
practice learning partner settings and through simulation.

www.nmc.org.uk Standards for pre-registration midwifery programmes 6

The student journey
Standards for pre-registration midwifery programmes
follow the student journey and are grouped under the
following five headings:

1. Selection, admission and progression

Standards about an applicant’s suitability and continued
participation in a pre-registration midwifery programme

2. Curriculum
Standards for the content, delivery and evaluation of
pre-registration midwifery programmes

3. Practice learning
Standards specific to pre-registration learning that takes place in
practice settings

4. Supervision and assessment

Standards for safe and effective supervision and assessment for
pre-registration midwifery programmes

5. Qualification to be awarded
Standards which state the minimum award and information relating
to NMC registration.

www.nmc.org.uk Standards for pre-registration midwifery programmes 7

1. Selection, admission 1.5.4 have capability to learn behaviours in accordance with
the Code

and progression 1.5.5 have capability to develop numeracy skills required to

meet programme outcomes

1.5.6 can demonstrate proficiency in English language

AEIs must:
1.5.7 have capability in literacy to meet programme outcomes
1.1 appoint a lead midwife for education who is responsible for
midwifery education in the AEI 1.5.8 have capability to develop digital and technological
literacy to meet programme outcomes
1.2 inform the NMC of the name of the lead midwife for education

1.3 ensure recognition of prior learning is not permitted for

pre-registration midwifery programmes

AEIs together with practice learning partners must:

1.4 ensure selection, admission and progression comply with
the NMC Standards framework for nursing and
midwifery education

1.5 confirm on entry to the programme that students:

1.5.1 enrolled on pre-registration midwifery programmes

are appropriately compliant with Article 40(2) of
Directive 2005/36/EC regarding general education
length and/or nursing qualification as outlined in
Annexe 1 of this document

1.5.2 demonstrate an understanding of the role and scope of

practice of the midwife

1.5.3 demonstrate values in accordance with the Code

www.nmc.org.uk Standards for pre-registration midwifery programmes 8

1.6 support students throughout the programme in continuously
developing their abilities in numeracy, literacy and digital and
technological literacy to meet programme outcomes

1.7 ensure students’ health and character are sufficient to enable

safe and effective practice on entering the programme,
throughout the programme and when submitting the
supporting declaration of health and character in line with
the NMC Guidance on health and character. This includes
satisfactory occupational health assessments and criminal
record checks

1.8 ensure students are fully informed of the requirement

to declare immediately any cautions, charges, conditional
discharges or convictions and any adverse determinations
made by other regulators, professional bodies and education
establishments and that any declarations are dealt with
promptly, fairly and lawfully

1.9 ensure the lead midwife for education, or their designated

midwife substitute is able to provide supporting declarations
of health and character for students who have successfully
completed an NMC approved pre-registration midwifery
programme, and

1.10 ensure NMC registered nurses entering a shortened pre-

registration midwifery programme are a Registered nurse:
first level (adult) and the programme complies with Article
40(1)(b) of Directive 2005/36/EC outlined in Annexe 1 of
this document.

www.nmc.org.uk Standards for pre-registration midwifery programmes 9

2. Curriculum 2.9 ensure NMC approved pre-registration midwifery education
programmes are of sufficient length to enable students to
meet the NMC Standards of proficiency for midwives and
respective programme outcomes, and comply with Article
AEIs together with practice learning partners must: 40 (1) and satisfy Article 41(1) of Directive 2005/36/EC (see
Annexe 1) by meeting the following criteria:
2.1 confirm programmes comply with the NMC Standards
framework for nursing and midwifery education 2.9.1 full time education and training as a midwife is a minimum
of three years and 4,600 hours, or
2.2 confirm programmes comply with the NMC Standards for
student supervision and assessment 2.9.2 where a student is already registered with the NMC as
a Registered nurse: first level (adult), full-time education
2.3 ensure programme learning outcomes reflect the NMC
and training as a midwife shall be a minimum of two years
Standards of proficiency for midwives
and 3,600 hours, or
2.4 involve women, partners, families and advocacy groups in the
2.9.3 where a student is already registered with the NMC
design, development, delivery and evaluation of programmes
as a Registered nurse: first level (adult), full-time
2.5 ensure that programmes delivered in Wales comply with education and training as a midwife shall be a minimum
legislation which supports use of the Welsh language of 18 months and 3,000 hours, and in order for the
qualification to be recognised in EU member states
2.6 design and deliver programmes that support students and it must be followed by a year of professional
provide relevant and ongoing exposure to midwifery practice midwifery practice.

2.7 ensure technology-enhanced and simulated learning

opportunities are used effectively and proportionately to
support learning and assessment, including where practice
scenarios occur infrequently and a proficiency is required

2.8 design curricula that provide an equal balance of 50 percent

theory and 50 percent practice learning, using a range of
learning and teaching strategies, and

www.nmc.org.uk Standards for pre-registration midwifery programmes 10

 3. Practice learning 3.7 take account of students’ individual needs and personal
circumstances when allocating their practice learning
opportunities, including making reasonable adjustments for
students with disabilities
AEIs together with practice learning partners must:
3.8 ensure students experience the range of hours expected of
3.1 provide practice learning opportunities that enable students practising midwives, and
to develop and meet the NMC Standards of proficiency
for midwives 3.9 ensure students are supernumerary.

3.2 ensure students experience the role and scope of the midwife
enabling them to provide holistic care to women, newborn
infants, partners and families

3.3 provide students with learning opportunities to enable them

11
to achieve the proficiencies related to interdisciplinary and
multiagency team working

3.4 provide students with learning opportunities to enable them

to achieve the proficiencies related to continuity of midwifery
carer across the whole continuum of care for all women and
newborn infants

3.5 provide students with learning opportunities to experience

midwifery care for a diverse population across a range of
settings, including midwifery led services

3.6 provide learning opportunities that enable students to develop

the required knowledge, skills and behaviours needed when
caring for women and newborn infants when complication and
additional care needs arise, including as they relate to physical,
psychological, social, cultural and spiritual factors

www.nmc.org.uk Standards for pre-registration midwifery programmes 11

 4. Supervision and 4.7 ensure all proficiencies are recorded in an ongoing record
of achievement, which must demonstrate the achievement
of proficiencies and skills set out in the NMC Standards of
assessment proficiency for midwives, and

4.8 ensure the knowledge and skills for midwives set out in Article
40(3) and the activities of a midwife specified in Article 42 of
AEIs together with practice learning partners must:
Directive 2005/36/EC have been met as outlined in Annexe 1 of
4.1 provide support, supervision, learning opportunities and this document.

2
assessment that complies with the NMC Standards framework
for nursing and midwifery education

4.2 provide support, supervision, learning opportunities and

assessment that complies with the NMC Standards for
student supervision and assessment

4.3 ensure throughout the programme that students meet the

NMC Standards of proficiency for midwives and programme
outcomes

4.4 provide students with constructive feedback throughout the

programme to support their development

4.5 ensure all programmes include a specific focus on numeracy

assessment related to the midwifery proficiencies and the
calculation of medicines, which must be passed with a score of
100 percent

4.6 assess students to confirm proficiency in preparation for

professional practice as a midwife

www.nmc.org.uk Standards for pre-registration midwifery programmes 12

 5. Qualification to
be awarded
AEIs together with practice learning partners must:
5.1 ensure the minimum award for a pre-registration midwifery
programme is a bachelor’s degree, and

5.2 notify students during and before completion of the

3
programme that they have five years to apply to register with
the NMC if they wish to rely on this qualification3 . In the event
of a student failing to register their qualification within five
years they will have to undertake additional education and
training or gain such experience as specified in our standards.

3
Article 9(2)(a) of the Order www.nmc.org.uk Standards for pre-registration midwifery programmes 13
Annexe 1
Extract from Directive 2005/36/EC of the European The amendments referred to in the third sub-paragraph shall not
entail an amendment of existing essential legislative principles
parliament and of the council on the recognition of in Member States regarding the structure of professions as
professional qualifications (as amended) regards training and conditions of access by natural persons. Such
amendments shall respect the responsibility of the Member States
Article 40 for the organisation of education systems, as set out in Article
165(1) TFEU.
The training of midwives
1. The training of midwives shall comprise a total of at least: 2. Admission to training as a midwife shall be contingent upon one
of the following conditions:
a. specific full-time training as a midwife comprising at least
three years of theoretical and practical study (route I) a. completion of at least 12 years of general school education
comprising at least the programme described in Annex V, point or possession of a certificate attesting success in an
5.5.1, or examination, of an equivalent level, for admission to a
midwifery school for route I;
b. specific full-time training as a midwife of 18 months' duration
(route II), comprising at least the study programme described b. possession of evidence of formal qualifications as a nurse
in Annex V, point 5.5.1, which was not the subject of equivalent responsible for general care referred to in point 5.2.2 of
training of nurses responsible for general care. Annex V for route II.

The Member States shall ensure that institutions providing midwife

training are responsible for coordinating theory and practice
throughout the programme of study.

The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in

accordance with Article 57c concerning the amendment of the
list set out in point 5.5.1 of Annex V with a view to adapting it to
scientific and technical progress.

www.nmc.org.uk Standards for pre-registration midwifery programmes 14

3. Training as a midwife shall provide an assurance that the
professional in question has acquired the following knowledge
and skills:

a. detailed knowledge of the sciences on which the activities

of midwives are based, particularly midwifery, obstetrics
and gynaecology;

b. adequate knowledge of the ethics of the profession and the

legislation relevant for the practice of the profession;

c. adequate knowledge of general medical knowledge (biological

functions, anatomy and physiology) and of pharmacology in the
field of obstetrics and of the newly born, and also knowledge
of the relationship between the state of health and the
physical and social environment of the human being, and of
his behaviour;

d. adequate clinical experience gained in approved institutions

allowing the midwife to be able, independently and under his
own responsibility, to the extent necessary and excluding
pathological situations, to manage the antenatal care,
to conduct the delivery and its consequences in approved
institutions, and to supervise labour and birth, postnatal
care and neonatal resuscitation while awaiting a
medical practitioner;

e. adequate understanding of the training of health personnel

and experience of working with such personnel.

www.nmc.org.uk Standards for pre-registration midwifery programmes 15

Extract from Directive 2005/36/EC of the European 2. The certificate referred to in paragraph 1 shall be issued by the
competent authorities in the home Member State. It shall certify
parliament and of the council on the recognition of
that the holder, after obtaining evidence of formal qualifications
professional qualifications (as amended) as a midwife, has satisfactorily pursued all the activities of a
midwife for a corresponding period in a hospital or a health care
Article 41 establishment approved for that purpose.
Procedures for the recognition of evidence of formal
qualifications as a midwife
1. The evidence of formal qualifications as a midwife referred to in
point 5.5.2 of Annex V shall be subject to automatic recognition
pursuant to Article 21 in so far as they satisfy one of the
following criteria:

a. full-time training of at least three years as a midwife, which

may in addition be expressed with the equivalent ECTS credits,
consisting of at least 4 600 hours of theoretical and practical
training, with at least one third of the minimum duration
representing clinical training;

b. full-time training as a midwife of at least two years, which may

in addition be expressed with the equivalent ECTS credits,
consisting of at least 3 600 hours, contingent upon possession
of evidence of formal qualifications as a nurse responsible for
general care referred to in point 5.2.2 of Annex V;

c. full-time training as a midwife of at least 18 months, which

may in addition be expressed with the equivalent ECTS credits,
consisting of at least 3 000 hours, contingent upon possession
of evidence of formal qualifications as a nurse responsible for
general care referred to in point 5.2.2 of Annex V, and followed
by one year’s professional practice for which a certificate has
been issued in accordance with paragraph 2.

www.nmc.org.uk Standards for pre-registration midwifery programmes 16

Extract from Directive 2005/36/EC of the European g. recognising the warning signs of abnormality in the mother
or infant which necessitate referral to a doctor and
parliament and of the council on the recognition of
assisting the latter where appropriate; taking the necessary
professional qualifications (as amended) emergency measures in the doctor's absence, in particular the
manual removal of the placenta, possibly followed by manual
Article 42 examination of the uterus;
Pursuit of the professional activities of a midwife h. examining and caring for the new-born infant; taking all
1. The provisions of this section shall apply to the activities of initiatives which are necessary in case of need and carrying
midwives as defined by each Member State, without prejudice to out where necessary immediate resuscitation;
paragraph 2, and pursued under the professional titles set out in
Annex V, point 5.5.2. i. caring for and monitoring the progress of the mother in
the post-natal period and giving all necessary advice to the
2. The Member States shall ensure that midwives are able to gain mother on infant care to enable her to ensure the optimum
access to and pursue at least the following activities: progress of the new-born infant;

a. provision of sound family planning information and advice; j. carrying out treatment prescribed by doctors;

b. diagnosis of pregnancies and monitoring normal pregnancies; k. drawing up the necessary written reports.
carrying out the examinations necessary for the monitoring of
the development of normal pregnancies;

c. prescribing or advising on the examinations necessary for the

earliest possible diagnosis of pregnancies at risk;

d. provision of programmes of parenthood preparation and

complete preparation for childbirth including advice on hygiene
and nutrition;

e. caring for and assisting the mother during labour and

monitoring the condition of the foetus in utero by the
appropriate clinical and technical means;

f. conducting spontaneous deliveries including where required

episiotomies and in urgent cases breech deliveries;

www.nmc.org.uk Standards for pre-registration midwifery programmes 17

Extract from Directive 2005/36/EC of the European • Health and social legislation and health organisation
parliament and of the council on the recognition of • Professional ethics and professional legislation
professional qualifications (as amended) • Sex education and family planning
• Legal protection of mother and infant
ANNEX V Recognition on the basis of coordination of
b. Subjects specific to the activities of midwives
the minimum training conditions
• Anatomy and physiology
V.5. MIDWIFE
• Embryology and development of the fœtus
5.5.1. Training programme for midwives (Training types I and II)
• Pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium
The training programme for obtaining evidence of formal • Gynaecological and obstetrical pathology
qualifications in midwifery consists of the following two parts:
• Preparation for childbirth and parenthood, including
A. Theoretical and technical instruction psychological aspects
a. General subjects • Preparation for delivery (including knowledge and use of
technical equipment in obstetrics)
• Basic anatomy and physiology
• Analgesia, anaesthesia and resuscitation
• Basic pathology
• Physiology and pathology of the new-born infant
• Basic bacteriology, virology and parasitology
• Care and supervision of the new-born infant
• Basic biophysics, biochemistry and radiology
• Psychological and social factors
• Paediatrics, with particular reference to new-born infants
• Hygiene, health education, preventive medicine, early
diagnosis of diseases
• Nutrition and dietetics, with particular reference to women,
new-born and young babies
• Basic sociology and socio-medical questions
• Basic pharmacology
• Psychology
• Principles and methods of teaching

www.nmc.org.uk Standards for pre-registration midwifery programmes 18

B. Practical and clinical training The theoretical and technical training (Part A of the training
programme) shall be balanced and coordinated with the clinical
This training is to be dispensed under appropriate supervision: training (Part B of the same programme) in such a way that the
• Advising of pregnant women, involving at least 100 knowledge and experience listed in this Annex may be acquired in an
pre-natal examinations. adequate manner.
• Supervision and care of at least 40 pregnant women. Clinical instruction shall take the form of supervised in-service
• Conduct by the student of at least 40 deliveries; where this training in hospital departments or other health services
number cannot be reached owing to the lack of available approved by the competent authorities or bodies. As part of this
women in labour, it may be reduced to a minimum of 30, training, student midwives shall participate in the activities of the
provided that the student assists with 20 further deliveries. departments concerned in so far as those activities contribute to
their training. They shall be taught the responsibilities involved in
• Active participation with breech deliveries. Where this is not
the activities of midwives.
possible because of lack of breech deliveries, practice may
be in a simulated situation.
• Performance of episiotomy and initiation into suturing.
Initiation shall include theoretical instruction and clinical
practice. The practice of suturing includes suturing of
the wound following an episiotomy and a simple perineal
laceration. This may be in a simulated situation if
absolutely necessary.
• Supervision and care of 40 women at risk in pregnancy, or
labour or post-natal period.
• Supervision and care (including examination) of at least 100
post-natal women and healthy new-born infants.
• Observation and care of the new-born requiring special care,
including those born pre-term, post-term, underweight or ill.
• Care of women with pathological conditions in the fields of
gynaecology and obstetrics.
• Initiation into care in the field of medicine and surgery.
Initiation shall include theoretical instruction and
clinical practice.

www.nmc.org.uk Standards for pre-registration midwifery programmes 19

Glossary
Approved education Educators: in the context Lead midwife for education: Practice learning partners:
institutions (AEIs): the status of the NMC Standards is responsible for midwifery organisations that provide
awarded by the NMC to an for education and training education in the relevant AEI. practice learning opportunities
institution, or part of an educators are those who The lead midwife for education necessary for supporting
institution, or combination deliver, support, supervise and must be a midwife who holds pre-registration and post-
of institutions that work in assess theory, practice and/or registration with the NMC. registration students in
partnership with practice work placed learning. meeting proficiencies and
placement and/or work placed People: individuals or groups programme outcomes.
learning providers. AEIs will have Health and character: in the who receive services from
provided us with assurance NMC Order those applying nurses and midwives, healthy Quality assurance: NMC
that they are accountable to join our register must and sick people, parents, processes for making sure
and capable of delivering meet health and character children, families, carers, all AEIs and their approved
NMC approved education requirements in accordance representatives, also including education programmes comply
programmes. with the NMC Guidance on educators and students and with our standards.
health and character. others within and outside the
Designated midwife substitute: learning environment.
must be a midwife who holds
registration with the NMC.
Their role is to sign declarations
of health and character when
the lead midwife for education
is not available to do so.

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Reasonable adjustments: Simulation: when used for Student: any individual enrolled Supernumerary: students in
changes in the way services learning and/or assessment is onto an NMC approved practice or work placed learning
are offered to prevent an artificial representation of education programme whether must be supported to learn
students with disabilities from a real world practice scenario full time or less than full time. without being counted as part
being placed at a substantial that supports midwifery of the staffing required for
disadvantage, ensuring a fair student development through safe and effective care in that
and equal chance of accessing experiential learning with the setting. Placements should
services as set out in equalities opportunity for repetition, enable students to learn to
and human rights legislation. feedback, evaluation and provide safe and effective care,
reflection. Effective simulation not merely to observe; students
facilitates safety by enhancing can and should add real value to
knowledge, behaviours and skills. care. The contribution students
make will increase over time
as they gain proficiency and
they will continue to benefit
from ongoing guidance and
feedback. Once a student
has demonstrated that they
are proficient, they should be
able to fulfil tasks without
direct oversight. The level of
supervision a student needs
is based on the professional
judgement of their supervisors,
taking into account any
associated risks and the
student’s proficiency
and confidence.

www.nmc.org.uk Standards for pre-registration midwifery programmes 21

Information about the The lead midwife for education will:
• be responsible for midwifery education in the AEI

role of the lead midwife • be accountable for signing the supporting declarations of
health and character for applicants applying for admission to

for education the register after completing a pre-registration midwifery

programme or for applicants applying for readmission to the
register following a return to practice programme
The lead midwife for education is responsible for • be accountable for signing the supporting declarations of health
midwifery education in the relevant approved education and character for applicants who have successfully completed
an adaptation programme in the United Kingdom
institution (AEI) and is suitably qualified and experienced
If the lead midwife for education (or their designated midwife
to lead and advise on matters relating to midwifery
substitute) cannot be assured of a student’s health and character
education. The lead midwife for education and their they must not sign the supporting declaration. The student
designated midwife substitute must be a midwife who therefore, cannot be recommended for admission to the midwives’
holds registration with the Nursing and Midwifery part of the register. In the case of a student who is already
registered with the NMC, action should be taken in accordance with
Council (NMC). the NMC Guidance on health and character.
We require an AEI to do the following: In conjunction with Part 3: Standards for prescribing programmes
• appoint a lead midwife for education who is responsible for and Standards for return to practice programmes the lead midwife
midwifery education for education works with the programme leader and the practice
assessor to ensure adequate support for any midwives undertaking
• inform the NMC Council of the name of the lead midwife
prescribing programmes and return to practice programmes.
for education
The requirements of the lead midwife for education are set out AEIs in partnership with practice learning partners and/or
in Rule 6(1)(a)(ii) and Rule 6(3) of the Nursing and Midwifery Council work based learning partners have overall responsibility for the
(Education, Registration and Registration Appeals) Rules 2004. quality of their education programmes and AEIs may assign the
responsibilities they determine appropriate to the lead midwife for
education in order to enable them to carry out their role. This may
include, but is not limited to, advising on academic standards and
quality in midwifery education, contributing to the development,
delivery, quality assurance and evaluation of midwifery programmes
and providing input at strategic and operational levels within the
AEIs on matters relating to midwifery education.

www.nmc.org.uk Standards for pre-registration midwifery programmes 22

The role of the Nursing
and Midwifery Council
What we do
We’re the independent regulator for nurses, midwives and nursing
associates. We hold a register of all the 690,000 nurses, midwives
and nursing associates who can practise in the UK.

Better and safer care for people is at the heart of what we do,
supporting the healthcare professionals on our register to deliver
the highest standards of care.

We make sure nurses, midwives and nursing associates have the

skills they need to care for people safely, with integrity, expertise,
respect and compassion, from the moment they step into their
first job.

Learning does not stop the day nurses, midwives and nursing
associates qualify. To promote safety and public trust, we require
professionals to demonstrate throughout their career that they
are committed to learning and developing to keep their skills up to
date and improve as practitioners.

We want to encourage openness and learning among healthcare

professions to improve care and keep the public safe. On the
occasions when something goes wrong and people are at risk, we
can step in to investigate and take action, giving patients and
families a voice as we do so.

These standards were approved by Council at their

meeting on 3 October 2019.

www.nmc.org.uk Standards for pre-registration midwifery programmes 23