Chief Midwifery Officer for Wales
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Job summary
The Chief Midwifery Officer for Wales is the senior professional adviser for midwifery and neonatal services, providing leadership and expert professional guidance to Ministers and NHS Wales. The post will drive national improvement, workforce planning, and policy delivery across maternity and neonatal services, partnering with Health Boards and academia to achieve high-quality outcomes.
Based in Cardiff, this full-time, permanent role offers strategic influence on Wales-wide health priorities
Qualifications
- Proven ability to provide credible professional advice to senior leaders, Ministers and key stakeholders, with strong delivery focus.
- Strong communication, influencing, negotiation and relationship-management skills.
Responsibilities
- Act as Welsh Government's senior professional adviser for midwifery and neonatal services, providing expert advice to the Chief Nursing Officer, Ministers and NHS Wales organisations.
- Lead the professional contribution to the delivery and implementation of A Path to Safer Beginnings across Wales.
- Develop partnerships with Health Boards, NHS Wales Performance and Improvement, Public Health Wales, HEIW and universities.
- Provide professional leadership for national improvement, workforce sustainability, service transformation and quality improvement.
Skills
Job description
The Welsh Government operates name-free recruitment. The recruiting panel will not see personal information such as a candidate’s name and address during the sifting process. This policy is in line with our commitment to end bias and promote equality and diversity.
Chief Midwifery Officer for Wales
17/11/2026, 16:00
Advertising basis Permanent, Secondment
The starting salary of £88,023 (top of Grade 6 pay band) will be offered to the successful candidate based on their skills, knowledge, experience and performance at interview. This figure is not negotiable.
Salary range or pay band Grade 6 £76,715 to £88,023
Work pattern Full time (applications are welcome from people who work part time, as part of a job share or who work full time)
Group Health, Care & Prevention Group
Directorate Nursing, Experience and Safety
Branch Office of the CNO
Location (s) Cardiff, South East Wales
Main office base Cathays, Cardiff
Specific Location Cathays
The Chief Midwifery Officer is the most senior professional adviser for midwifery and neonatal services in Wales. The post holder will provide professional leadership for both midwifery and neonatal services, recognising their interdependence in delivering safe, seamless and high-quality care for women, babies and families. Working on behalf of, and as delegated by, the Chief Nursing Officer for Wales, the post holder will provide expert professional leadership and strategic advice to the Chief Nursing Officer, Deputy Chief Nursing Officer, Deputy Director – NES, senior Welsh Government officials on all matters relating to midwifery, maternity, neonatal and early years services. The Chief Midwifery Officer will provide visible national leadership for the midwifery profession and work across organisational, professional and governmental boundaries to improve outcomes for women, babies and families across Wales. The post holder will play a critical leadership role in the delivery and implementation of A Path to Safer Beginnings, the Welsh Government Programme for Government commitments, the Women's Health Plan and the Strategic Vision for Nursing and Midwifery in Wales 2025-2030. They will work with partners across Welsh Government, NHS Wales, Public Health Wales and the wider system to ensure maternity and neonatal services deliver safe, high-quality, equitable and person‑centred care. A key focus of the role will be improving population health outcomes through prevention, early intervention and reducing inequalities, recognising the importance of pre‑conception, pregnancy, birth and early years experiences on lifelong health and wellbeing. The post holder will champion evidence‑based approaches that support women, babies and families to achieve the best possible outcomes and a positive start in life. Working closely with the Women's Health Policy Team, NHS Wales Performance and Improvement, the Maternity and Neonatal Network, Public Health Wales, Health Education and Improvement Wales, the Royal College of Midwives and NHS Wales organisations, the post holder will provide professional leadership for national improvement, workforce sustainability, service transformation and quality improvement. The post holder will provide both individual and collective leadership as a key member of the Chief Nursing Officer's professional leadership team, ensuring the voice and expertise of midwifery informs policy development, workforce planning, service delivery and quality improvement. They will represent Wales at UK and international forums and provide authoritative professional advice to Ministers, senior officials and NHS leaders on matters affecting maternity and neonatal services. Success in this role will require exceptional professional credibility, strategic leadership, collaboration and influence, with a strong focus on delivery, implementation and measurable improvement in outcomes for women, babies, families and communities across Wales.
- Act as Welsh Government's senior professional adviser for midwifery and neonatal services, providing expert advice to the Chief Nursing Officer, Deputy Chief Nursing Officer, Deputy Director – NES, Ministers, senior officials and NHS Wales organisations.
- Act on behalf of, and as delegated by, the Chief Nursing Officer in relation to professional midwifery and neonatal matters.
- Provide visible, credible and inspirational professional leadership for the midwifery profession across Wales.
- Provide both individual and collective leadership as a key member of the Chief Nursing Officer's professional leadership team, contributing to delivery of national nursing and midwifery priorities.
- Work closely with the Deputy Chief Nursing Officer and Deputy Director – NES to provide integrated professional and policy leadership across maternity, neonatal and women's health services.
- Influence the strategic direction of maternity and neonatal services, ensuring alignment with Welsh Government priorities and wider UK and international developments.
- Develop strong partnerships with Health Boards, NHS Wales Performance and Improvement, Public Health Wales, HEIW, universities, regulators, the NMC, the Royal College of Midwives and third-sector partners.
- Represent Welsh Government and the Chief Nursing Officer at national, UK-wide and international forums relating to midwifery, neonatal care and women's health.
- Provide independent professional challenge and advice to support evidence-based decision making and service improvement.
- Lead the professional contribution to the delivery and implementation of A Path to Safer Beginnings across Wales.
- Provide professional leadership to support delivery of Programme for Government commitments relating to maternity, neonatal and women's health services.
- Work closely with Welsh Government policy teams to develop, implement and evaluate maternity, neonatal and women's health policy.
- Ensure midwifery and neonatal expertise informs policy development and implementation.
- Support implementation of the Women's Health Plan and wider national improvement programmes from a professional perspective.
- Advise on major service transformation programmes, legislative developments and national priorities affecting maternity and neonatal services.
- Promote co‑production and ensure the voices of women, babies, families and communities inform policy and service development.
- Identify emerging risks, opportunities and innovations and advise Ministers and senior officials on appropriate policy responses.
- Support development of innovative and sustainable models of care that improve outcomes, experience and service resilience.
- Champion a population health approach across maternity and neonatal services.
- Work collaboratively with Public Health Wales and system partners to improve outcomes through prevention, early intervention and health promotion.
- Promote the importance of pre‑conception health, healthy pregnancy, infant wellbeing and the first 1,000 days as critical determinants of future health outcomes.
- Support initiatives that reduce health inequalities for women, babies and families.
- Ensure maternity and neonatal services contribute effectively to broader goals around population health, wellbeing and the ambitions of the Well‑being of Future Generations (Wales) Act.
- Promote evidence-based approaches that provide babies with the best possible start in life and support women and families to achieve optimal health outcomes.
- Provide strategic leadership for midwifery workforce planning, sustainability and transformation.
- Work collaboratively with HEIW, universities and NHS Wales organisations to ensure workforce supply, capability and capacity meet future needs.
- Provide strategic leadership to strengthen recruitment, retention, succession planning and career development across the profession.
- Promote advanced practice, professional development and leadership opportunities for midwives.
- Support development of future professional leaders through talent management and succession planning.
- Champion staff wellbeing, compassionate leadership and inclusive workplace cultures.
- Advise on workforce risks, workforce intelligence and staffing models required to support safe and effective care.
- Monitor emerging workforce challenges and advise the Chief Nursing Officer on national action required.
- Provide professional leadership to improve quality, safety and outcomes across maternity and neonatal services.
- Work closely with NHS Wales Performance and Improvement and the Maternity and Neonatal Network to support improvement programmes and implementation of recommendations and evidence-based practice.
- Provide professional advice relating to governance, service quality, staffing and patient safety.
- Promote evidence-based practice, innovation and quality improvement methodologies.
- Support development and implementation of national standards, guidance and improvement initiatives.
- Promote learning from reviews, investigations, incidents and service evaluations.
- Ensure safeguarding and professional standards are embedded within maternity and neonatal services.
- Support Welsh Government and NHS Wales quality assurance, accountability and performance arrangements.
- Promote research, innovation and evidence-informed practice across midwifery and neonatal services in alignment with PRIORITY 2.
- Maintain awareness of emerging national and international evidence, policy and professional developments.
- Build and maintain influential networks across Wales, the UK and internationally.
- Develop productive relationships with the Royal College of Midwives, Nursing and Midwifery Council and other key professional stakeholders.
- Lead or contribute to national reviews, programmes and strategic projects on behalf of the Chief Nursing Officer.
- Prepare ministerial briefings, correspondence, reports and professional advice relating to maternity, neonatal and women's health services.
- Support development of the evidence base informing future workforce, service and policy developments.
- Contribute to delivery of the Strategic Vision for Nursing and Midwifery in Wales 2025-2030.
- Support Welsh Government assurance, accountability and performance management arrangements with NHS Wales.
- Work collaboratively with Nursing Officer colleagues to deliver shared priorities and collective leadership responsibilities.
- Promote professional excellence, innovation, inclusion and continuous improvement across Wales.
- Undertake programmes of work on behalf of the Chief Nursing Officer, Deputy Chief Nursing Officer, Deputy Director and Ministers.
- Support wider Welsh Government priorities where expert professional leadership is required.
The post holder will have the opportunity to influence maternity, neonatal and women's health services at a national level and contribute directly to delivery of major Welsh Government priorities.
They will develop experience advising Ministers and senior policy makers, influencing whole-system transformation and working across government, NHS Wales and UK‑wide professional networks.
The role offers significant opportunities to further develop strategic leadership, negotiation, influencing, partnership working and communication skills within a national leadership context.
The post holder will be supported to fulfil Nursing and Midwifery Council revalidation requirements.
- A reserve list may be held for this opportunity. Any candidate who is successful in being offered a reserve status, will remain on the reserve list for 12 months.
- We support Smart Working: a flexible, inclusive and safe approach that balances organisational needs with individual wellbeing. Most colleagues are expected to spend at least 40% of their working time in the office (around two days a week, pro-rated for part-time colleagues) to support collaboration, connection and delivery. For the purposes of this role, the CNO’s office is based in the Cathays Park office in Cardiff. Where the role allows, the remainder of the week may be spent working from home or other locations, subject to business needs. We recognise that some colleagues may require workplace adjustments or alternative working arrangements, and these will be considered in line with individual circumstances and organisational policies. Smart Working is supported through regular conversations with managers, Team Charters and agreed working arrangements that help teams work effectively across office, remote and blended environments.
- CVs will not be scored but will be used by the panel to gain a fuller understanding of your experience and employment history.
- If applying on a Secondment basis: Inward secondees are not eligible for any Welsh Government pay award or reward during the secondment. They will remain on their existing basic salary, with no alignment to WG salaries, or spine points, during the Secondment. You will need to be permanently employed, and permission from your employer to be eligible to apply for this role on a secondment basis.
- The secondee will be eligible for expenses under their parent organisation’s terms. Welsh Government will reimburse these on production of copies of receipts and evidence of payment to the employee.
Vetting level Basic
Number of posts 1
Contact point for further information regarding the post Nursing.experienceandsafety@gov.wales
Welsh language requirements 3 - Welsh language skills are not essential for this opportunity; you do not need Welsh language skills to apply. However, as the Welsh Government is a bilingual organisation, Welsh language skills are desirable and will be considered if two or more candidates receive the same score at the application or interview stage.
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our AI candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Welsh Government, like all other Government Departments use Success Profiles when we recruit. For each role we consider what you will need to demonstrate to be successful. This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job. It raises performance and improves diversity and inclusivity.
The selection process and stages are:
Number of Stages:
2 stage process
Stage 1 Application Form
Stage 2 Interview
We’ll assess you against these Behaviour criteria during the selection process.
Leadership
Inspire and motivate teams to be fully engaged in their work and dedicated to their role.
This will be tested at stage 1: Application Form
This will be tested at stage 2: Interview
Communicating and Influencing
Communicate with others in a clear, honest and enthusiastic way in order to build trust and deliver difficult messages with clarity and sensitivity, being persuasive when required.
This will be tested at stage 1: Application Form
This will be tested at stage 2: Interview
Working Together
Actively build and maintain a network of colleagues and contacts to achieve progress on shared objectives, remaining available and approachable to all colleagues and be receptive to new ideas.
This will be tested at stage 1: Application Form
This will be tested at stage 2: Interview
Delivering at Pace
Set out clear processes and standards for managing performance at all levels, giving honest, motivating and enthusiastic messages about priorities, objectives and expectations to get the best out of people.
This will be tested at stage 2: Interview
We'll assess you against the following Experience criteria during the assessment process.
Evidence to provide CV, Experience questions
Proven ability to provide credible professional advice and challenge to senior leaders, Ministers and key stakeholders, demonstrating exceptional communication, influencing, negotiation and relationship-management skills together with a strong focus on delivery and measurable outcomes.
This will be tested at stage 2: Interview
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria your application will not progress. If it becomes clear at a later stage in the process that you are not eligible to apply, your application may be withdrawn, or the offer retracted.
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Recruitment adjustments for disabled candidates
Welsh Government has adopted the social model of disability, which recognises that barriers in society act to disable people who have impairments, or health conditions, who are neurodivergent or who use British Sign Language.
We are committed to removing barriers in the recruitment process, ensuring all candidates have the opportunity to perform at their best. Recruitment adjustments can be made for any part of the recruitment process for candidates with an impairment or health condition, who are neurodivergent or who use British Sign Language.
Adjustment requests can be made on the Inclusion and Accessibility page of this form. Please contact DiversityInRecruitment@gov.wales if you would like a confidential conversation about potential adjustments.
We are committed to inclusive recruitment and offer interviews to eligible candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the role through the following schemes:
The Welsh Government is a Disability Confident Leader. As part of our commitment to this scheme we interview any candidate with an impairment, health condition, who is neurodivergent or who uses British Sign Language if they meet the minimum criteria for the post.
The Welsh Government operates the Great Place to Work for Veterans Initiative. As part of our commitment to this scheme we interview any eligible candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the post.
Civil Service employers can offer an interview to a fair and proportionate number of civil servants who are at risk of redundancy and who meet the minimum criteria for the post
By ‘minimum criteria’ we mean that candidates must provide us with evidence in their application (and/or test) that they meet the minimum level of competence for the role - usually defined as a minimum score of 4 per criterion.
In Welsh Government, the relationship between the employer and trade unions is based on social partnership. We believe our goals can best be achieved by management and trade unions working together.
Our three recognised trade unions are:
- PCS
- Prospect
- FDA
This relationship is underpinned by a partnership agreement. This sets out how our unions work with Welsh Government on issues such as:
- Pay
- Terms and conditions
- HR Strategy, policies and procedures
- Health, safety and well-being
- Organisational change
Our Welsh Government trade union colleagues work together to give their members a real say in the workplace. They make sure that the interests of their members are promoted and protected. They also help reduce inequalities and improve terms and conditions. Our Welsh Government has an excellent track record of working in partnership with its trade unions. We support you to join a recognised trade union, to ensure your voice is heard in the workplace. We encourage you to learn more about our trade unions, partnership working and to get involved in their work.
We support Smart Working: a flexible, inclusive and safe approach that balances organisational needs and individual wellbeing.
Most colleagues are expected to spend at least 40% of their working time in the office (around two days a week, pro-rated for part-time colleagues) to support collaboration, connection and delivery.
Some roles may require more office-based attendance, up to 100%. Where the role allows, the remainder of the week may be spent working from home or other locations, subject to business needs.
We recognise that some colleagues may require workplace adjustments or alternative working arrangements, and these will be considered in line with individual circumstances and organisational policies.
Smart Working is supported through regular conversations with managers, Team Charters and agreed working arrangements that help teams work effectively across office, remote and blended environments.
All Welsh Government staff are members of the Civil Service, and as a result are eligible for:
- 31 days annual leave (pro-rated for part time)
- training and development opportunities
- Cycle2Work Scheme
- Smart Working flexible working arrangement
- Green Car Scheme (subject to availability)
If you are an active Civil Service Pension member you can continue your membership throughout your employment with us.
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and wish to make a complaint please email complaints@gov.wales. Please ensure that you refer to the vacancy reference number.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Welsh Government, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: info@csc.gov.uk.
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