Professional Midwifery Advocate

Advocating and educating for quality improvement (A-EQUIP) is the new model and framework of midwifery supervision. The Professional Midwifery Advocate is a fundamental leadership and advocacy role designed to deploy the A-EQUIP model. The role supports staff through a continuous improvement process that aims to build personal and professional resilience, enhance quality of care and support preparedness for professional revalidation. To undertake the role, a midwife must successfully complete a PMA preparation programme (bridging module/shortened or long programme).

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Who is it for?

The programme is aimed at those midwives who have been nominated by the provider Trusts to become PMAs and who have not previously undertaken the Preparation of Supervisors of Midwives programme.

Applicants must be able to evidence previous study at level 6 or meet the non standard criteria for admission to PGT study. 

Applicants must be registered with NMC (with live registration status) and must satisfy the employers internal processes for attending a programme of education.

The programme delivery is designed to recognise the existing knowledge and experience of, and work with, the participants and will be one of blended learning – an approach which combines and aligns learning undertaken in face to face sessions with online learning opportunities. It is expected that the attendees will be prepared to actively participate in-group discussions and take responsibility to ask questions, give feedback and support their colleagues.

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Overview of content:

The programme is based on developing the attendee’s skills and expertise in the four areas of: clinical leadership; restorative clinical supervision, normative function and personal action for quality improvement.

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Indicative content:

• Background to the development of the model
• Role of the Professional Midwifery Advocate
• Adult learning styles
• Restorative Clinical Supervision
• Compassionate Resilience
• Leadership theory
• Change management theory and practice
• Supportive supervisory relationships
• Quality Improvement - methods and measures

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Mode of assessment:

Assessment will be through completion of a competency document. Participants must demonstrate proficiency in all competencies which should be benchmarked and evidenced against proficiencies and experience from having undertaken the Preparation of Supervisors of Midwives programme. In addition, participants must undertake a critical reflection of one PMA session (3000 words).

Both aspects must be passed in order to successfully complete the unit and become eligible to undertake the role as Professional Midwifery Advocate.

Application and funding

To apply for this course you need to complete an online application form and you can do this by visiting our how to apply page. A fees and funding form will automatically be sent on submission of your application form. Details of funding options can be found on our Funding Page.  Please provide accurate details of your Midwifery training qualifications on the online application form. You may be contacted to clarify these details if it is not clear.

All applicants need to have support from their Head of Midwifery/employer. If successful in your application for the course, you will receive a confirmation email with the exact details of the location of teaching closer to the start date.

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Delivery suite:

Our Nursing and Midwifery team in the School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery based at Barber House Annexe, 3a Clarkehouse Road, Sheffield; opposite the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. However teaching may take place across the University campus. 

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Programme Leader/Contact Name:

Rachel Jokhi

Tel: +44 114 222 2043

Email: rachel.jokhi@sheffield.ac.uk