Apply for a RCM Fellowship

Eligibility criteria for admission to Fellowship are:

1. Currently an NMC registered midwife practising for more than seven years
2. five continuous years of full RCM membership (including joint agreement)/special category associate/overseas membership prior to application
3. evidence of formal and/or ongoing professional development other than that gained from initial midwifery registration
4. exceptional contribution to promoting the art and science of midwifery and the effectiveness of midwives for the benefit of the health of women and their families as demonstrated by:

• professional and personal development of self and others within the sphere of midwifery practice
• significant contribution to midwifery through consistent professional excellence in midwifery care and/or practice, education, research, scholarship, management and any other outstanding development
• leadership in midwifery practice, leadership, education or research
• contribution to the enhancement of equality, diversity and inclusion in midwifery practice and care.

Electronic applications can be submitted by any midwife member of the RCM who meets the criteria, using the application form which can be downloaded here. Receipt of all application forms will be acknowledged.

All applicants are asked to complete an application that will:

• detail how each of the criteria has been met: this may be through one major project, a series of interlinked pieces of work or a number of smaller projects and/or pieces of work
• list a minimum of two key pieces of supporting evidence
• include a condensed professional portfolio containing the evidence as listed of major innovation or development achieved over the previous five years
• include evidence of peer review through crucial reflection and references

Each section of the form must be completed. The statement in support of the application should address each of the criteria that the Assessment Panel considers.

The names, addresses and positions of three referees must be supplied on the form. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that referees have the guidance for referees to support RCM Fellow Application.

Completed application forms and supporting evidence should be sent to fellowship@rcm.org.uk.

All Fellows must abide by their professional Code and the Fellows Code of Conduct and Practice, which means they must:

• act within their professional Code
• demonstrate respect, integrity and candour
• engage with RCM professional activities to promote the midwifery profession.

For Fellows, the RCM will:

• support Fellows to raise their professional profile through engagement with stakeholders and participation in events, activities and resource development
• support and encourage sharing of knowledge, innovation and practice issues.

The RCM and Fellows will show respect for the opinions and ideas of colleagues in the constructive development of the profession.

The RCM and Fellows will support and actively engage with colleagues to develop and promote excellence in practice, education and research, scholarship, leadership and management.

If a FRCM is found to be acting outside their professional Code or fails to demonstrate a commitment to the profession or the RCM, the RCM reserves the right to discuss the behaviours and actions with the Fellow and if it is considered appropriate will remove their name from the roll and the Fellow would not be able to continue to use FRCM.

The FRCM aims to create a body of support for the midwifery/maternity profession which could provide professional advice and intelligence, on practice, education, research, policy and women’s service provision.

FRCM are recognised leaders within their sphere of expertise in midwifery and maternity service. FRCM are midwives with a high profile and have the respect of their peers and who are willing to advocate on behalf of the RCM and the profession.

If you have been asked by a colleague to support their application you will need to feel confident that they meet the criteria.

Please keep these simple questions in mind:

• Does the midwife demonstrate excellence in their particular field?
• Does the midwife support and inspire others in their personal development?
• Have you read and reviewed the midwife’s application form?
• Are you willing to support the midwife’s application?
• Do you feel confident the midwife’s application is appropriate?
• Have you known the applicant for two years or more?
• Your reference needs to be submitted at the time of the Fellow application.