Midwife Community Engagement and Equity

Collaborate with VCSE organisations, maternity services and community stakeholders to address disparities in maternal health for Black and minoritised women, such as tackling barriers such as delayed access to care, lack of cultural sensitivity, poor communication and underrepresentation, while promoting inclusive education, early engagement and continuity of care. Engage with local communities to understand and address barriers to accessing maternity services. Facilitate culturally appropriate antenatal and postnatal education sessions with community settings, including topics such as: Healthier pregnancies, labour and birth, vaccinations in pregnancy, postpartum maternal mental health, safer sleeping, infant feeding, contraception and family planning. Deliver planned antenatal sessions at Maternity Circles across Bradford, ensuring accessibility and relevance for diverse communities.

Strengthen referral pathways between midwifery services and Maternity Circles, Family Hubs and specialist services (e.g. perinatal mental health, infant feeding, smoking cessation) Collaborate with VCSE organisations and community leaders to co-design and deliver inclusive maternity care and outreach initiatives. Promote continuity of carer and build trusting relationships with women and families, particularly those from underserved backgrounds. Support staff with safeguarding and complex cases, ensuring timely escalation and culturally sensitive responses.

Support the implementation of the Maternity Circles model to improve holistic care. Provide educational opportunities for the workforce, including informal learning and awareness-raising around cultural competence, health inequalities and inclusive practice. Contribute to audits, service evaluations and quality improvement initiatives, using feedback and data to inform equitable service development. Act as a role model for inclusive, respectful, and equitable care, advocating for the voices and needs of Black and minoritised women in all aspects of maternity care.

Maintain clear boundaries around clinical responsibilities, ensuring safe, accountable and professional practice in all settings. Communication and Working Relationships Communicate effectively with women, families and professionals, including in community languages where possible. Build strong partnerships with community leaders, VCSE organisations and healthcare providers. Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and interagency collaboration.

Provide culturally sensitive information and support to empower informed decision-making. Special Working Conditions Work across hospital, community, and home settings, including evenings and weekends as required. Travel to community venues and participate in outreach activities. Engage with diverse communities and adapt care to meet cultural and linguistic needs.