What were your reasons for becoming a Governor?
Having had a substantial and varied career in a number of areas across midwifery/maternity and child health, and having worked at LWH for 4 years as a specialist midwife and team leader, when I was offered the opportunity to put my name forward as a representative for HEI’s I jumped at the chance. I had been a staff governor for midwifery previously, and had seen the positive and powerful impact and contribution that governors can make to the organisation. The chance to make a contribution and a difference to a special and unique Women’s Foundation Trust in the heart of Liverpool was also a contributing factor.
What is your background and experience?
Midwifery is my second career – previously I have trained and worked in nature conservation, holding a wide variety of roles, but my personal experience of childbearing with my first child led me to my midwifery training which I undertook at Manchester University. Following successful completion of my degree I worked in Manchester and rotated through all areas of clinical midwifery practice before taking up a senior post as a specialist midwife at LWH – focussing on vulnerable women and families and public health. I became the team leader for a group of specialist midwives, before moving on to take up a post as senior midwifery lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University, where I held a variety of roles. During this time I also gained some international experience and for 3 years co-led and led student nurse and midwife elective experiences to Uganda. In 2021 an opportunity arose to become Associate Head of Midwifery Education and fulfil the statutory role of Lead Midwife for Education (LME) at Edge Hill University, and I then was promoted to my current post as Head of Women’s and Children’s Health in the same year. I manage a department which spans all education and programmes covering Child Nursing and midwifery, including CPD. I am also a part time PhD student at LJMU – currently writing up my thesis on unknown childbearing, and have recently had book chapter published on communication in public health midwifery, and am involved in some smaller research projects. I am involved in various committees within School, Faculty and Institution including Fitness to Practice, Employability, validation of Programmes and Quality and have recently completed the EHU First Ascent leadership course. I am married to Paul, and have two children one of whom is a mental health nurse educator, and my other child who is volunteering with our local church.
What are you passionate about?
Using my knowledge, skills and experience to positive effect, being a role model and increasing awareness of the challenges and importance of midwifery, education and women’s health. Supporting staff development in a compassionate way, to improve the experiences of others including students and the women and families that we serve. As a registered midwife to uphold the values of the NMC Code and encourage the development of professional behaviours, improving the quality and safety of care.
