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Following last year’s inspiring SMiLe conference, we are bringing you another incredible event this year where the key theme for day is ‘by your side’.

We have a new venue for this year, the Quincentenary Conference Centre in Edinburgh.  The venue provides more space and facilities which will enable us to deliver an amazing conference that we know you will not want to miss. The conference is free to RCM members.

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SMiLe 25 Conference - Royal College of Midwives

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Event Details Date: 13 November 2025 Time: 8:00am – 4:00pm Capacity: 100 Available spaces: 100 Registration: Open Book Now

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RCM Scotland will be supporting two awards in 2025 to recognise and celebrate the work of students from both the BSc and MSc programmes.

Information about how to enter can be found at https://forms.office.com/e/bjkuBaP7WQ or scan the QR code.

Entries close on Friday 30 May and the winners will announced at the SMiLe 25 conference on 13 November.

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It is time to recognise our extraordinary activists who support our members in workplaces and branches.

Our activists often work in the background and goes above and beyond to create positive change. This your chance to say thank you – nominate them!

Tell us more about why deserve to be recognised, highlight their achievements, impact and dedication by completing the entry form at https://forms.office.com/e/GkvVxEjwgx or scan the QR code.

Entries close on Friday 1 August 2025 and the winner will announced at the SMiLe 25 conference on 13 November.

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Our WPRs came together for a training day on 3 April. A really positive day with a packed programme. Highlights included statement writing, RCM overtime campaign and next steps for the Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce.

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Together with NHS Education for Scotland and the University of the West of Scotland, we are developing an MCA Skills Passport that can be used in practice by MCAs to demonstrate their skills and for midwives and AHPs to understand the role of the MCA in Scotland. We held the first workshop in our office this month.

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What an amazing conference in Birmingham and great to meet up with so many colleagues from Scotland.

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Lorna Low and Camille Hayes (Workplace Rep in Tayside) joined delegates at the Caird Hall in Dundee for this year's Congress.

Lorna seconded the motion on Neurodiversity in the workplace.

An event marking International Worker's Memorial day was held outside the Caird Hall and interesting debates on issues currently affecting Scottish workers took place inside.

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Maternity Support Workers make a real difference to the lives of the women and families in Scotland and are an essential part of the team and midwifery community. The role continues to evolve and change to bring additional care around families and there are some amazing examples of great practice happening every day. We want to recognise and celebrate the vital role they have to  play.

Make a nomination by completing the form at https://forms.office.com/e/ZxRPDgja1x

or scan the QR code.

Entry submissions close at 5pm on Friday 1 August 2025 and the award will be presented  at the SMiLe 25 Conference on 13th November 2025.

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QRCode for RCM Scotland Maternity Support Worker of the Year Award 2025

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Clare Haughey MSP submitted a motion in the Scottish Parliament to recognise International Day of the Midwife. The motion was supported by 25 MSPs from across all political parties.

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That the Parliament recognises the International Day of the Midwife, on 5 May, along with its theme for 2025, “Midwives: critical in every crisis”; expresses its support for midwives in Scotland and around the world for the vital contribution that they make in providing care and support to women and their families during pregnancy, throughout labour and during the period after a baby’s birth; believes however that, globally, there are a growing number of compounding crises, including natural disasters, war, and the ongoing impact of climate change, which can threaten the safe, effective delivery of maternity care; recognises what it sees as the importance of the role of midwives in caring for women during these challenging times; further recognises that in both times of peace and in times of crisis, midwives can and do support safe births and provide antenatal and postnatal care as well as sexual and reproductive healthcare, and educate and prepare women with the knowledge and tools that they need to stay safe and healthy, and commends the contribution made by the International Confederation of Midwives and the Royal College of Midwives in championing better, safer maternity care, at home and abroad.

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Examination of newborn (1 hour 15 minutes)

This examination of the newborn module, also referred to as EON, is focused on the preparation needed for the examination and the key principles involved. It also looks at the examination environment, essential equipment, health and safety, communication, screening and immunisation, anatomy and physiology, and record keeping.

Learning outcomes:

Understand the key practices, principles and professional responsibilities involved in the examination of the newborn.

Be able to demonstrate best practice when examining the newborn’s eyes, heart, hips and testes, confidently identifying concerns and referring appropriately.

Conduct a holistic examination as part of a systematic and thorough newborn physical assessment, with a deepened understanding of the supporting anatomy and physiology, and potential variations.

Know where to access evidence-based guidelines and educational resources to support your learning, reflective practice and continuous professional development.

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IDM at the University of the West of Scotland

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IDM at the University of the West of Scotland

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It was lovely to join everyone at the IDM event held at UWS on 6 May. Thank you to the Midwifery Society and students for inviting the RCM to be part of this special day.