Further Information for the LWC ‘Champion’ role

The Labour Ward Co-ordinator education and development framework was informed and designed using a national, collaborative, multi-professional approach with input from service users and representatives across the maternity system.

The process included the following:

• A systematic literature review of current evidence.
• A cross-sectional survey representing 728 members of neonatal, maternity teams, student midwives and educators across England.
• Focus groups conducted with LWCs, maternity improvement advisors (MIAs), midwifery learners, heads and directors of midwifery, service users and professional midwifery advocates (PMAs).
• A matrix was constructed based on the thematic analysis and was cross-checked with other relevant frameworks.
• Live webinars with maternity teams in England were held to develop and refine the required standards for each domain in the framework.

Who the framework is for:

The framework provides LWCs – and midwives aspiring to the role – with a pathway of continuous development and supports the workforce to develop their skills and proficiencies to provide high-quality care. The framework also provides the opportunity for senior educators, neonatal and maternity leaders to assess and evaluate the development needs of their midwifery workforce.

Professional registration and regulation

LWCs (and those aspiring to the role) remain subject to the registration requirements, and so must continue to meet:

• NMC Standards of Proficiency for Midwives (NMC 2019)
• The Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates (NMC 2018)
• Regulatory body revalidation requirements.

It is expected that all LWCs will acquire the knowledge, skills, and behaviours to meet all the proficiencies across the framework. LWCs will demonstrate leadership in a range of clinical experiences and act as a credible support for other members of the maternity team to practice safely.

The LWC ‘Champion’ role will consist of:

• Benchmarking all LWC staff against the framework with support from the LMNS Workforce & Equity Lead Midwife
• Supporting with the completion of the self-assessment tool by all staff in post at an individual and organisational level
• Identifying gaps in LWCs knowledge and any development needs so training opportunities can be designed as appropriate
• Use the findings from the self-assessment to explore if additional training may be appropriate such as the Maternity Coordinators Programme Maternity Co-ordinator's Programme (Degree Level) UCPD course | Teesside University (places available in Jan and May 2025) or suitable leadership courses.

Skills needed:

• Have the motivation and enthusiasm to be an ambassador for the LWCs in your Trust
• Develop a strong understanding of the principles behind the framework
• Be confident and willing to address any challenges or reluctance to embed the LWC framework
• Work closely with HOMs/DOMs/LWC Managers and the LMNS team to ensure the successful implementation of the LWC framework
• Be computer literate and confident to complete a spreadsheet for all information required in the scoping exercise
• Have excellent communication skills
• Willing to work flexibly under own supervision

Support

The post holder will be supported by the Humber and North Yorkshire (HNY) Local Maternity and Neonatal System (LMNS).  The post will be paid at your current band, for an approximate duration of 10 paid days per Trust, with the aim of completion by the end of March 2025. The role is flexible and could be offered as extra hours if appropriate.

Office space can be provided at our LMNS base if required.

EOI

Please send an expression of interest stating why you wish to apply for this role and briefly outlining your skills and experience to Ricky Hurley (details below).

Or get in touch if you require any further information with either R.hurley2@nhs.net or sallie.ward1@nhs.net Closing date 12^th Jan 2025

Please discuss with your line manager before completing the EOI