Introduction

Working within the midwifery teams across Lancashire and South Cumbria offers an enriching and diverse experience, blending a strong sense of community with professional growth. The region is renowned for its commitment to high-quality maternity care, innovative practice, and supportive working environments. Whether you are newly qualified or an experienced practitioner, there is a place for you within these teams.

Various roles and banding

The midwifery workforce operates across several bands, each reflecting differing responsibilities and experience levels:

Band 5 – Newly Qualified Midwife: This is often the entry point for those who have recently completed their midwifery degree. Band 5 midwives work under guidance, building confidence and consolidating their skills.
Band 6 – Experienced Midwife: Upon successful completion of preceptorship and demonstration of core competencies, midwives progress to Band 6. Here, they take on greater responsibility, including autonomous clinical decision-making and supporting less experienced colleagues.
Band 7 – Senior Midwife/Team Leader: Band 7 roles are for those with significant experience and leadership abilities. Responsibilities include managing teams, coordinating care, and contributing to service development.
Specialist Roles: Opportunities also exist in specialist roles such as bereavement midwife, infant feeding coordinator, or safeguarding midwife, often at Band 6 or 7.

In addition to hospital-based roles, there are community midwifery teams who care for women before, during, and after birth, ensuring continuity and holistic support.

Newly qualified offer and preceptorship

A robust preceptorship programme is in place for newly qualified midwives across Lancashire and South Cumbria. This structured support system helps ease the transition from student to autonomous practitioner. The preceptorship typically includes:

Assigned preceptor for guidance and mentorship
Regular review meetings and feedback sessions
Opportunities to develop core competencies in all areas of midwifery practice
Access to peer support networks
Gradual increase in responsibility as confidence grows

The aim is to foster confidence, professional development, and clinical competence, ensuring that newly qualified midwives feel supported and valued from day one.

Training and development opportunities

Continual professional development is a cornerstone of working within the region’s midwifery teams. There are numerous opportunities for both formal and informal learning, including:

Regular in-service training sessions on latest best practice and emerging guidelines
Support for postgraduate study, including Masters programmes and specialist qualifications
Access to simulation suites and skills workshops
Leadership and management development programmes for those aspiring to senior roles
Opportunities to participate in research, quality improvement projects, and multi-disciplinary audits
Secondment and rotation options to broaden experience across different care settings

Midwifery teams in Lancashire and South Cumbria are committed to nurturing talent, recognising potential, and supporting career progression at every stage.

Team culture and working environment

Staff within these midwifery teams often describe a strong sense of camaraderie, shared purpose, and pride in delivering high standards of care. Collaborative working with obstetricians, health visitors, and allied professionals is the norm, ensuring women and families receive seamless support throughout their maternity journey.

The region is also known for embracing innovation and service development, with a focus on patient-centred care and positive outcomes. Whether working in a busy hospital, a community setting, or as part of a specialist team, every member is valued for their contribution.

Conclusion

A career in midwifery across Lancashire and South Cumbria is both rewarding and dynamic, offering opportunities for personal and professional growth within a supportive and forward-thinking environment. With a range of roles, a structured preceptorship, and ample opportunities for training, it is an excellent place to develop and thrive as a midwife.

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