Tackling workforce inequalities

Who are we

MDT Maternity and Neonatal ERG

We are a group of nominated members from systems and trusts that are shaping the programme of work for our ethnic minority workforce that includes – enhancing talent and development, effective leadership and promoting innovative projects across the region.

What do we do

To aim to be a robust, efficient and upskilled group that delivers an inclusive, equitable, and innovative maternity care system that ensures the highest standards of health and wellbeing for all mothers and newborns, irrespective of their backgrounds.

We aim to develop the skills necessary to effectively advocate for much needed change to prepare services for the future:

Enhance talent and development:
Foster continuous professional growth and skill enhancement. Ensure a thorough understanding of the importance of talent management and career development in maternity services.
Address health inequalities:
Understand, identify and mitigate health disparities to ensure equitable care for all populations. Encourage and implement innovative solutions that address current challenges in maternity care. Be familiar with evidence-based strategies and tools for targeted innovative interventions to deliver results
Promote effective leadership:
Develop effective and inclusive leadership within the group to drive sustainable improvements and inspire positive change.

How do we support our staff

By focusing on talent and development and health inequalities, and leadership, the NHS Maternity Expert Reference Group will be well-equipped to advocate and support the delivery of significant improvements in maternity care and advocate for necessary changes to leadership, recruitment, training and retention and resourcing to deliver effective services and improve outcomes.
The commitment to equity and excellence in the Group will be transparent and showcase the importance of leading for change and fairness. It will drive the Group towards the vision of an inclusive and high-standard maternity system based on excellence, equality and equity.

Other programmes that we support:

Expert Reference Group: Tackling inequalities
Thrive programme
Elevate programme
Changing and growing together

Download

Expert Reference Group

The Maternity Expert Reference Group has a commitment to delivering on the NHS Maternity and Neonatal 3-Year Delivery Plan, which aims to transform maternity and neonatal care through a comprehensive, strategic approach.

The Reference Group adheres to the Equity and Equality Guidance for local maternity systems. The ambitious Delivery Plan is centred on core themes: listening to service-users; improving safety and quality of care; enhancing personalisation and continuity of care; and addressing health inequalities to ensure equitable outcomes for all families.

Equality and equity are at the heart of our mission. Equality ensures that everyone has access to the same resources and opportunities, while equity involves recognising and addressing the unique needs and barriers faced by different individuals and communities.

In the context of maternity services, equity means providing tailored support to vulnerable and underserved populations, ensuring that all service users have the best possible outcomes regardless of their socio-economic status, ethnicity, or other factors. By focusing on both equality and equity, we aim to create a more just and supportive maternity care system that meets the diverse needs of all service users.

Despite the dedicated efforts of NHS maternity services, significant challenges remain. Issues such as disparities in maternal and neonatal outcomes, variations in care quality, and gaps in access to services continue to affect many families. For example, women from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic heritage groups, as well as those from lower socio-economic groups, often experience poorer outcomes and face additional barriers to receiving high-quality care.

Additionally, workforce shortages, insufficient training, and inconsistent implementation of best practices can hinder the ability of maternity services to deliver optimal care. Addressing these problems requires a multifaceted approach, combining targeted interventions, robust training programmes, and a commitment to innovation and leadership.