Rachel Best

Rachel is also Associate Head of School (Midwifery) at Sheffield Hallam University, and is an NMC Registered Midwife, Adult Nurse and Lecturer/Practice Educator. She is also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Rachel’s career began as an adult nurse before following her true ambition to become a midwife. Rachel moved into midwifery education in 2001 and has undertaken various leadership roles developing a national and international reputation. Rachel has been Lead Midwife for Education since 2019, firstly at The University of Nottingham, and from 2022 at Sheffield Hallam University.

Rachel’s education interests are in assessment for learning (which is the focus of her doctoral studies), innovations in education, and curriculum development. She is passionate about high quality person-centred care for women and birthing people and educating future generations of midwives to provide this.