This strategy explains how the Nursing and Midwifery Council's midwifery function will contribute to public protection from September 2026 to March 2030. It sets a clear line from the NMC Corporate Strategy to five midwifery regulatory priorities which will inform the development and operationalisation of a phased implementation plan and governance framework.
The NMC Midwifery Regulation Strategy is deliberately focused on the regulatory levers the NMC owns, shares with partners or can credibly influence. It does not claim that regulation alone controls wider maternity outcomes. Its intended contribution is safer, more equitable, anti-racist and trusted midwifery regulation, with demonstrable learning, accountability and improvement.
The five priorities at a glance
Priority 1: Learn from national reviews and strengthen standards, education and practice
Turn evidence and review findings into clearer standards, stronger education assurance and better support for practice learning and transition
Priority 2: Ensure fair, informed and effective midwifery regulation
Make regulatory pathways and decisions equitable, consistent, timely and informed by midwifery expertise
Priority 3: Listen, learn and advance equity and anti-racism
Use lived experience and human rights to embed inclusion, cultural safety and anti-racism in regulation
Priority 4: Strengthen UK-wide midwifery regulatory leadership and accountability
Provide visible leadership, clear ownership and transparent governance across the four countries of the UK
Priority 5: Use intelligence to identify risk and drive regulatory action
Bring together data, concerns and learning to recognise emerging risks earlier and explain the regulatory response
