MIDWIFERY
CONVERSATIONS

Courtesy of a start-up grant fro UnLtd, MIdwifery Conversations was ‘birthed’ under the NHS Health Accelerator Programme at Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.

Given the shortage of NHS maternity staffing, it seeks to enhance the recruitment and retention of ‘culturally safe’ midwife practitioners, focussing on updates and training for midwives and students,

Initially, a small group of local midwives colleagues would gather over lunch to share workplace experiences and challenges and hear from expert practitioners in midwifery practice and healthcare.

The platform now supports a wider reach of aspiring, non-practising and practising midwives in developing and enhancing learning practices for robust, holistic care and clinical outcomes.

As an engagement platform, it hosts a variety of events to support learning related to all aspects of the childbearing continuum, and the nurturing of mothers and babies, based in best evidence.

We hold local quarterly evening meetings with colleagues across health and social care, where we build networking relationships, and undertake learning and reflections on practice for revalidation.

Our one-day Introduction to Midwifery Module, led by experienced independent midwives, takes you from the history of the profession through to contemporary practice. You’ll gain hands-on experience with equipment, explore anatomy and physiology, and learn how political and public health factors shape maternity care.

The course includes antenatal and aquanatal sessions, opportunities to meet influential figures in maternity care, and practical insights that will strengthen your university application. Running three times per year in central Birmingham, it’s the perfect stepping stone to bridge the gap between aspiration and a successful midwifery career.

Events for 2026 will be updated soon.