Job summary An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, compassionate, forward thinking and experienced Midwife to work as the Lead Professional Midwifery Advocate and Maternity and Neonatal Retention Lead at Somerset Foundation Trust. The successful candidate will advocate quality improvement to support the continuous improvement process which builds upon both the personal and professional resilience of midwives to enhance the experience and quality of care for women and their families. As an integral part of the Maternity and Neonatal service, you will collaborate and work closely with the Governance Team, MNVP, Matrons, Recruitment and Retention, Practice Development and Preceptorship Midwives. You will provide professional advice to drive quality improvement, set up and facilitate restorative supervision sessions, liaise with and coordinate our qualified PMAs and be part of the regional and national PMA network. The successful candidate would be accountable to the Head of Midwifery and report directly to the Head of Midwifery. This post will require cross site working. Please be aware that the salary banding provided is indicative and is currently under review. Final banding will be confirmed following recruitment, and may differ from the range specified. Main duties of the job Cross site between Yeovil District Hospital and Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, this post will involve providing professional leadership and support by being an expert practitioner and role model. You will be highly motivated and work well using your own initiative working closely with our Maternity Matrons and Clinical Facilitator lead Midwives on each site. You will work to improve staff wellbeing and reduce attrition of the future midwifery and neonatal workforce, focussing on opportunities, development and initiatives relating to staff retention, particularly opportunities and services relating to wellbeing, staff development, equality, diversity, and inclusion. As Lead PMA you will use the Advocating for Education and Quality Improvement approach to support all midwives to improve system performance and the experiences of staff and pregnant people. The model supports a continuous improvement process that aims to build personal and professional resilience, enhance quality of care, and improve outcomes, whilst developing leadership capability. It also aims to ensure that through staff development, action to improve quality of care becomes an intrinsic part of every job, every day, in all parts of the system. You will have oversight over the Birth Reflections service, a service offering women and birthing people, and their birthing partners the opportunity to have their birth experience story listened to in a non judgmental, trauma informed manner. About us At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer: Flexible working options to help you balance work and life NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work. We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds. Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London. The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future. Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy. Date posted 07 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 7 Salary £46,148 to £52,809 a year Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 184-OL-GR-2063 Job locations Musgrove Park Hospital Musgrove Road Taunton Somerset TA1 5DA Yeovil District Hospital Higher Kingston Yeovil Somerset BA21 4AT Job description Job responsibilities For a full list of duties and responsibilities, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification. Job description Job responsibilities For a full list of duties and responsibilities, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Registered midwife with valid NMC registration at band 6 experience Degree level or equivalent specialist clinical experience Evidence of Continuing Professional Development Mentorship qualification PMA qualification Desirable Leadership Qualification Experience Essential Evidence of leading a change management initiative which improved maternity care Experience in working with all levels of staff Desirable Experience in interpreting and implementing current NHS agenda and development of the midwifery maternity and neonatal service Additional Criteria Essential To carry out this role successfully the post holder needs to be fully aware of and adhere to Trust values. Kindness Respect Teamwork Person Specification Qualifications Essential Registered midwife with valid NMC registration at band 6 experience Degree level or equivalent specialist clinical experience Evidence of Continuing Professional Development Mentorship qualification PMA qualification Desirable Leadership Qualification Experience Essential Evidence of leading a change management initiative which improved maternity care Experience in working with all levels of staff Desirable Experience in interpreting and implementing current NHS agenda and development of the midwifery maternity and neonatal service Additional Criteria Essential To carry out this role successfully the post holder needs to be fully aware of and adhere to Trust values. Kindness Respect Teamwork Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Employer details Employer name Somerset NHS Foundation Trust Address Musgrove Park Hospital Musgrove Road Taunton Somerset TA1 5DA Employer's website https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)