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Standards for the preparation of supervisors of midwives
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Standards for the preparation of supervisors of midwives
Section 1 - Introduction
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The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is the UK regulatory body for nurses
and midwives. Its primary aim is to protect the public. Statutory supervision
of midwives supports protection of the public by improving standards of
midwifery practice and promoting best practice thereby improving outcomes
for women.
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The Nursing and Midwifery Order 2001(The Order) 1 requires the Council ‘to
establish from time to time standards of education, training, conduct and
performance for nurses and midwives and to ensure the maintenance of
those standards’ (Article 3 (2)). The Order also provides for the Council to
make rules to regulate the practice of midwifery and the supervision of
midwives.
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These rules and their related guidance are contained within the Midwives rules
and standards (NMC, 2012) 2. The rules and standards prescribe the
qualifications of those that may be appointed as a supervisor of midwives.
They also require those midwives wishing to become supervisors of midwives
to undertake courses of instruction to ensure they have the competencies
necessary to undertake this role.
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This programme of preparation has been developed for the purpose of
preparing those midwives, who upon successful completion, intend to seek
appointment as a supervisor of midwives. Entry onto the programme
therefore, will require the midwife to undergo the relevant local supervising
authority’s selection process.
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Successful completion of the programme will be notified to the NMC by the
Approved Education Institution (AEI) and appointment will be notified to the
NMC by the LSA so that this can be noted against the midwife’s entry on the
Register.
6
Statutory supervision of midwives is a UK requirement. However, it is
acknowledged that it is undertaken in country and region specific contexts. It
is essential for the local supervising authority to provide the necessary
information relevant to the country or region to enable the supervisor of
midwives to undertake the role effectively.
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The standards for supervisors of midwives in Section 2 underpin the
principles of statutory supervision of midwives within the context of the full
scope and range of midwifery practice. Whilst undertaking the preparation of
supervisor of midwives programme, midwives will be required to demonstrate
they are proficient in all the competencies through theoretical and practical
assessment. Following programme completion, these are benchmark
competencies which must be maintained and against which a supervisor of
midwives performance in practice can be measured.
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2
SI 2002/253
SI 2012/3025
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Standards for the preparation of supervisors of midwives
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They are grouped into the following domains:
8.1
Professional values
8.2
Communication and interpersonal skills
8.3
Supervision in practice and decision-making
8.4
Leadership and team working
The requirements of AEI’s wishing to provide programmes for which the NMC
sets standards are contained within the Quality assurance framework, For
nursing and midwifery education and local supervising authorities for
midwifery Annexe 1 Requirements of approved education institutions (NMC,
2013). The requirements for education providers wishing to provide the
preparation programme therefore assume that these generic requirements
have been met. Section 3 sets out the specific education standards for the
delivery of the preparation of supervisor of midwives programme by AEIs.
Section 2 - Standards for supervisors of midwives
Domain 1: Professional values
Supervisors of midwives must:
1
Demonstrate an understanding of the statutory framework for the
supervision of midwives and the role of the NMC and the LSA in protecting the
public.
2
Demonstrate an understanding of, and comply with, the NMC standards,
guidance and related information in their practice as a supervisor of
midwives, in particular The code: Standards of conduct, performance and
ethics for nurses and midwives (NMC, 2008), the Midwives rules and standards
(NMC, 2012) and LSA guidelines on the supervision of midwives.
3
Demonstrate an understanding of the role of a supervisor of midwives
including their role in providing support and guidance to women who access
maternity services.
4
Demonstrate the ability to support midwives to maintain their fitness to
practise and provide safe and evidence-based care.
Domain 2: Communication and interpersonal skills
Supervisors of midwives must:
1
Support and work collaboratively with midwives working with complex ethical,
legal and professional issues.
2
Work in partnership with women and create opportunities for women to
engage actively with and influence maternity service provision.
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Standards for the preparation of supervisors of midwives
3
Support and work collaboratively with supervisor of midwives colleagues and
members of multidisciplinary and governance teams to improve standards of
care and ensure a safe service to women and their families.
4
Demonstrate the ability to engage with a wide variety of individuals, groups,
agencies and organisations at local and national levels.
5
Recognise when people are anxious or in distress and respond appropriately
so as to promote their wellbeing, personal safety and resolve conflict.
6
Use effective communication strategies and influencing skills to achieve
desired outcomes, respecting the dignity and human rights of all concerned
and know when to consult a third party and make referrals for advocacy,
mediation or arbitration.
Domain 3: Supervision in practice and decision-making
Supervisors of midwives must:
1
Demonstrate an understanding of statutory supervision within the context of
local governance policies and procedures.
2
Contribute to the development and monitoring of NMC standards and LSA
guidelines in relation to the supervision of midwives.
3
Contribute to the development and operation of local frameworks that will
enable student midwives to have access to a supervisor of midwives.
4
Demonstrate the ability to source information on evidence-based practice to
support effective strategy and service development in relation to the
supervision of midwives and midwifery practice.
5
Use appropriate strategies to support midwives to maximise their potential in
practice.
6
Investigate or escalate concerns relating to midwifery practice as set out in
the Midwives rules and standards (NMC, 2012).
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Operate in a way that takes account of all equality and diversity issues,
ensuring a fair, honest and transparent approach to the supervision of
midwives.
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Provide additional advice and support to women who are experiencing
difficulty in achieving their care choices.
Domain 4: Leadership and team working
Supervisors of midwives must:
1
Act as a role model, apply best practice in motivation and provide visible
leadership in the workplace.
2
Develop multidisciplinary team working which encourages mutual respect and
values the contribution of all parties.
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Standards for the preparation of supervisors of midwives
3
Be self aware, recognising own values, principles and assumptions.
4
Undertake continuing professional development in the supervision of
midwives.
5
Appraise and modify performance as a supervisor of midwives by learning
from experience, through feedback, reflection and evaluation.
6
Develop an understanding of the strategic and political factors which may
influence the provision of maternity services.
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Actively listen and provide support to women who raise concerns in relation to
the care they have received and, work in partnership with members of the
multidisciplinary and governance teams to investigate and respond
appropriately and in a timely manner to address these concerns.
Section 3 - Education standards for the preparation of supervisors of
midwives programme
Standard 1: AEIs must demonstrate that protecting the public is at the heart of
nursing and midwifery education
1.1
The preparation of supervisors of midwives programme will be provided in
NMC approved educational institutions (AEIs).
1.2
The programme will be approved and monitored in accordance with the
Quality assurance framework 3.
Standard 2: AEIs must demonstrate that their equality and diversity strategy
reflects current legislative requirements.
2.1
All AEIs providing preparation supervisor of midwives programmes must
comply with the requirements set out in the Quality assurance framework.
Standard 3: AEI must be open, accurate and fair in all selection, admission,
progression and completion processes
3.1
This programme of preparation has been developed for the purpose of
preparing those midwives who, upon successful completion of the
programme, intend to seek appointment as a supervisor of midwives in
accordance with Rule 8 of the Midwives rules and standards (NMC, 2012).
Entry onto the programme requires the midwife to undergo the local
supervising authority’s selection process in partnership with the programme
leader within the AEI.
3.2
All AEIs providing preparation supervisor of midwife programmes must
comply with the relevant requirements set out in the Quality assurance
framework.
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The Quality assurance framework for nursing and midwifery education and local supervising
authorities for midwifery. NMC, June 2013
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Standards for the preparation of supervisors of midwives
Standard 4: AEIs must provide the necessary resources to promote and sustain
programme delivery.
4.1
All student supervisors of midwives must be allocated a mentor who meets
the Standards to support learning and assessment in practice (NMC, 2008)
and is a current supervisor of midwives.
4.2
AEIs providing preparation of supervisor of midwives programmes must
comply with the relevant requirements set out in the Quality assurance
framework.
Standard 5: AEIs must have curriculum development and approval processes in
place to meet the NMC standards and requirements.
5.1
The minimum length of the preparation of supervisors of midwives
programme must be 26 weeks.
5.2
The programme must be divided equally between practice-based learning
and theory and must include a minimum of 90 4 hours for each.
5.3
Programme planning teams must include representatives from the LSA,
education, currently appointed supervisors of midwives, users of the
maternity services, student supervisors of midwives and mentors.
5.4
AEIs providing preparation of supervisor of midwives programmes must
comply with the relevant requirements set out in the Quality assurance
framework.
Standard 6: AEIs must ensure practice-based learning opportunities are safe and
appropriate to the programme outcomes.
6.1
To achieve the practice-based 5 elements of the programme and
competencies in practice, student supervisors of midwives must have
opportunity to observe and engage in a range of supervisory activities, for
example:
• observation of supervisory interviews
• attendance at supervisors of midwives meetings
• involvement with safeguarding activities
• involvement with audits of the supervision of midwives
• involvement in supervisor investigations
• attendance at policy meetings where supervisory input is required
• attendance at clinical governance meetings and activities
• attendance at NMC fitness to practise hearings
• providing support to women and midwives as a supervisor of midwives.
6.2
AEIs providing preparation of supervisor of midwives programmes must
comply with the relevant requirements set out in the Quality assurance
framework.
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90 hours equates to 90 hours÷ 7.5 hours = 12 days
Where a practice-based opportunity for observation is not available during the period of study
this may be undertaken through a simulated activity.
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Standards for the preparation of supervisors of midwives
Standard 7: The programme outcomes must ensure that the NMC standards for
competence are met and that students are fit for practice and fit for award.
7.1
The programme level must be a minimum standard of first degree 6 and
conform with the UK Quality Assurance Agency frameworks for higher
education qualifications 7.
7.2
Upon completion of the programme the sign-off mentor and programme
leader must confirm that the student supervisor of midwives has achieved
all learning outcomes and competencies through practice and theory based
assessments.
7.3
The lead midwife for education must inform the NMC and the LSA Midwifery
Officer that the student supervisor of midwives has successfully completed
the approved programme. This must be done as soon as possible and within
six weeks from the date of completion of the programme in order for the
midwife to be appointed as a supervisor of midwives by the LSA.
Standard 8: AEIs must have a reliable and valid assessment strategy.
8.1
AEIs providing preparation of supervisor of midwives programmes must
comply with the relevant requirements set out in the Quality assurance
framework.
Standard 9: AEIs must have all the necessary facilities and resources in academic
and practice settings to support delivery of the approved programme.
9.1
The designated programme leader must hold a teaching qualification
recorded in their entry on the midwives’ part of the register and should have
past 8 or current experience as a supervisor of midwives.
9.2
Where the programme leader is not a current supervisor of midwives, a
supervisor of midwives must be a member of the programme’s development,
teaching and assessment teams.
9.3
AEIs providing preparation of supervisor of midwives programmes must
comply with the relevant requirements set out in the Quality assurance
framework.
Standard 10: AEIs must demonstrate robust governance and quality assurance
structures are in place.
10.1
6
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AEIs providing preparation of supervisor of midwives programmes must
comply with the relevant requirements set out in the Quality assurance
framework.
NQF level 6, QCF level 6 or equivalent
QAA The frameworks for higher education qualifications and credit: how they relate to academic
qualifications.
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‘Past’ means within the preceding three years
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Standards for the preparation of supervisors of midwives
Explanation of terms
Approved education institutions (AEIs) are providers that meet the Nursing and
Midwifery Council’s (NMC) requirements to run approved programmes of nursing
and midwifery education in the UK. Programmes are delivered in partnership
between higher education institutions and practice settings, where students learn
from working directly with service users and carers.
Guidance should be followed and reflects what the Council believes is best practice.
Failure to follow guidance may be taken account of if a nurse or midwife’s fitness
to
practice has been called into question.
Local supervising authorities (LSAs) are organisations that hold statutory roles and
responsibilities for supporting and monitoring the quality of midwifery practice
through the method of statutory supervision of midwives. The LSA has a crucial
role in clinical governance and public safety by ensuring the standards for the
supervision of midwives and midwifery practice meet our requirements. LSAs sit
within strategic organisations such as an NHS authority and the type of
organisation varies in each country of the UK.
Local supervising authority midwifery officer (LSAMO) The LSAMO puts the
responsibilities of the LSA into practice and this work cannot be delegated to
another
person or another role. The LSAMO is a practising midwife who provides leadership,
support and guidance primarily on midwifery practice and the supervision of
midwives.
Qualifications Credit Framework (QCF) The QCF (Qualifications Credit Framework)
is a way of recognising skills and qualifications. It does this by awarding credit for
units (small steps of learning) and enables learners to gain qualifications at their
own pace along flexible routes.
National Qualifications Framework (NQF) The NQF provides an indication of the
relative demands of different qualifications. Qualifications in the NQF are grouped
together according to their difficulty. They are given a level from entry level to level
8. The levels are based on the standards of knowledge, skill and competence needed
for each qualification. Qualifications at the same level can be very different in
terms of content and the length of time they take to complete.
Rules must be complied with. These are statutory, drafted by our solicitors and
subject to approval by the Privy Council. The Midwives rules and standards (NMC,
2012) are one example.
Standards We are required to establish standards of education, training, conduct
and performance for nurses and midwives. Standards must be complied with.
Failure to comply may bring a nurse’s or midwife’s fitness to practice into question
and endanger their registration.
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Standards for the preparation of supervisors of midwives
Supervisor of midwives (SoM) Supervisors of midwives are experienced midwives
who have undergone additional education and training in the knowledge and skills
needed to supervise midwives. They can only be appointed by an LSA, not by an
employer, and act as an impartial monitor of the environment of care and the
safety of midwives’ practice. They are responsible to the LSA for all their
supervisory activities. By appointing a SoM, the LSA ensures that support, advice
and guidance are available for women and midwives 24 hours a day to ensure public
protection. SoMs have a responsibility to bring to the attention of the LSA any
practice or service issues that might put at risk a midwife’s ability to care for
women and their babies.
The Order The role and responsibilities of the NMC are governed by the Nursing and
Midwifery Order (the Order, Statutory Instrument 2002/253), as amended from
time to time. The NMC is the professional regulatory body for nurses and midwives
in the UK. Our role is to protect patients and the public through efficient and
effective regulation of nurses and midwives. We set and promote standards of
education and practice, maintain a register of those who meet these standards
and take action when a nurse of midwife’s fitness to practise is called into
question.
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