“The role of a supervisor of midwives is to protect the public by empowering midwives and midwifery students to practise safely and effectively. Supervisors are accountable to the local supervising authority for allsupervisory activities. When midwives are faced with a situation where they feel they need support and advice the supervisor acts as a resource. Supervisors can also assist in discussions with women when concerns are expressed regarding the provision of care.”

(Rule 11, Guidance, Midwives rules and standards, 2004)

 

Supervision of midwives is a statutory system that increases protection of the public from poor midwifery practice. Supervision does this through monitoring midwives’ practice and by providing support and guidance to every midwife in the United Kingdom.

Supervision of midwives is achieved through a group of experienced midwives who undertake further training to become eligible to be appointed as a supervisor of midwives. All midwives, whether practising in hospital, the community or self-employed, have a named supervisor of midwives and are required to participate in the supervision process.

Supervisors of midwives provide support, advice and guidance to individual midwives on practice issues whilst making sure the midwife complies with the Midwives rules and encouraging further development of skills and knowledge. Supervisors of midwives also provide professional leadership in a variety of arenas.

• Supervision Of Midwives (south east coast LSA)
• Local Supervising Authority Midwifery Officer contacts - England
• South Central Contact Supervisors
• NMC document