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Who we are

Learn more about the RCM

The RCM was established in 1881 as the Matron's Aid or Trained Midwives Registration Society, but has existed under its present name since 1947. In 1881, Vita Donum Dei was the College's slogan, which meant ''Life is the gift of God''. This was an old hymn that midwives used to sing.

We are the voice of midwifery and are the UK’s only trade union and professional organisation led by midwives for midwives and those that support them. The RCM is affiliated with the TUC.

The vast majority of the midwifery profession are members.

What we stand for

Our mission is simple:

  • Promoting midwifery, quality maternity services and professional standards
  • Supporting our members, individually and collectively
  • Influencing on behalf of members and the women and families they care for

The RCM represents the interests of midwives in all four UK countries individually and collectively. We strive to promote excellence, innovation and leadership in the care of childbearing women, newborns and their families, nationally and internationally.

Our mission is to enhance the confidence, professional practice and influence of midwives for the benefit of childbearing women and their families. We strive to operate with integrity, act in an open and transparent way, be accessible to members and support equity in service.

The organisation is comprised of several tiers:

RCM Board

The RCM is governed by an elected Board of qualified midwives and maternity support workers who are also RCM members. The Board sets the broad strategic direction of the organisation, ensuring it is viable, properly managed and governed. Learn more about the RCM Board.

RCM trust

A charity for maintaining and improving standards of professional midwifery. The Trust conducts and commissions research, publishes information, provides education and training and organises conferences, campaigns and other events.

The work of the Trust complements that of the RCM and, subject to requirements of charity law, the Trust and the RCM work together as a cohesive whole. It's managed by a chief executive and governed by a board of trustees who are ultimately responsible for directing its affairs and ensuring that it is solvent, well run and delivers charitable outcomes for the benefit of the public.

Some of the Trust’s income comes from its trading company, RCM Trust Trading Company Ltd. Through its benevolent fund, the RCM Trust makes grants to midwives and others who need financial help.

RCM Trust Trading Company LTD

This company transacts business to make a profit. After retaining funds to cover its costs, the company pays its profits to the RCM Trust under gift aid.

Chief executive

Responsible for the day-to-day running and management of the RCM, the chief executive works with the executive management team to carry out the tactical operations of the organisation working towards the RCM strategic objectives. Gill Walton is the current chief executive.

RCM president

The President is the RCM’s ceremonial figurehead and one of the RCM’s two principal ambassadors (the other being the CEO). The role of President includes representing the RCM at national and international events, including the International Confederation of Midwives; representing the RCM at social occasions; and leading deputations of the RCM when appointed to do so by the RCM Board. Rebeccah Davies is the current RCM president.

RCM staff

The RCM has a staff team of 80, who are based across our headquarters in London, our country offices in Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh, as well as home-based workers across the UK.

RCM UK country offices

Each of the four UK countries – Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England – has its own RCM office providing professional advice and employment relations services to RCM members in those countries.

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