Tiana Lawrence, a newly qualified midwife and University of Greenwich graduate, recently represented her peers at a landmark meeting with the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and UK Health Secretary James Murray. The meeting focused on the challenges many newly qualified midwives face when seeking their first roles after graduation and highlighted the importance of supporting the future maternity workforce.
The discussions formed part of a wider campaign to improve opportunities for newly qualified midwives across England. Following the meeting, the government announced a £10 million funding package for NHS Trusts, creating opportunities for up to 1,000 newly qualified midwives through a £10,000 investment in each role.
The engagement was facilitated by Dr Heather Bower, Head of Midwifery Education and Lead Midwife for Education at the Royal College of Midwives, who praised Tiana's contribution to the discussions.
“She did an absolutely fabulous job of articulating the frustration of new graduates who want to work but cannot get a first job because of the financial situation. We were impressed by how she represented the situation, the professionalism she showed, and the way she articulated the experiences of so many of our NQMs. She was a credit to the university and to the midwifery profession."
The collaboration between the University of Greenwich and the Royal College of Midwives facilitated this opportunity. Following discussions on graduate employability, Dr Yemi Onilude, Senior Lecturer in Midwifery, introduced Tiana Lawrence to the Royal College of Midwives to ensure that graduates' experiences were included in national workforce discussions.
Dr Yemi Onilude also recognised Tiana Lawrence’s role in representing the newly qualified midwives (NQMs):
“We are immensely proud of Tiana for representing newly qualified midwives with professionalism, confidence, and authenticity. Her contribution ensured that the realities faced by many graduates entering the profession were heard at the highest level. This opportunity highlights the value of collaboration among universities, professional bodies, and healthcare organisations in supporting employability and strengthening the future midwifery workforce."
Tiana indicated that her education and clinical experience at the University of Greenwich and one of its NHS partner Trusts in SE London have prepared her for a graduate midwifery role, for which she is actively seeking employment. This case demonstrates how well trained and employable midwives can enhance maternity services and improve outcomes for women, infants, and families.
The University of Greenwich is dedicated to supporting student success and graduate employability, and to facilitating opportunities for students and alumni to engage in professional and policy discussions that influence the future of healthcare services.
The midwifery programmes and professional leads, including Debbie Johnson, Laura Mackenzie, Dr Liz Gale, and Deniece Hardy, actively collaborate with the team to promote graduate employability attributes.
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At the University of Greenwich, students benefit from hands-on clinical experience, strong NHS partnerships and opportunities to engage with the organisations shaping the future of maternity care, preparing them to make an impact from day one.
