On International Day of the Midwife RCM announces new chief executive

By RCM on 05 May 2017 RCM RCM CEO Midwives Trade Unions

One of the countries leading midwives Gill Walton has been appointed as the next Chief Executive and General Secretary of The Royal College of Midwives (RCM). She will succeed Professor Cathy Warwick who is set to retire in August.

The announcement from the professional association and trade union comes as thousands of RCM midwives and maternity support workers (MSWs) across the UK celebrate International Day of the Midwife 2017.

Gill Walton currently holds the post of Director of Midwifery and Maternity services at Portsmouth Hospitals and is a passionate midwife, experienced midwifery leader and manager. She started nursing at University College Hospital, and then undertook her Midwifery training at the Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton. Previously she has held Director of Midwifery posts at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading; Barking Havering and Redbridge; John Radcliffe in Oxford.

Gill has also led many transformation programmes for maternity services and been involved in several national maternity related projects.

Currently Gill is involved in a Better Births Choice and Personalisation Pioneer Programme and is actively engaged in setting up a Local Maternity System in Southampton, Hampshire and Portsmouth.

Gill has been involved in national policy and strategy development, including work with the RCM, NMC and Department of Health and actively supports improvement and development in other maternity services.

Commenting on her appointment Gill Walton said; “I am thrilled  to have been appointed to the role of Chief Executive and General Secretary for the RCM, an organisation I have tremendous respect for. I am really looking forward to working with members from all four countries of the UK, to help cement a positive future for midwives, maternity support workers and maternity services at this time of great change.”

Dr Susan Way Chair of the RCM Board said; “I am delighted with the appointment of Gill Walton as the next Chief Executive of the RCM. Gill has a wealth of experience that will be an asset to the College and I look forward to working with her.”

Related Press Release: RCM Chief Executive announces retirement

To contact the RCM Press Office call 020 7312 3456 or email pressofficer@rcm.org.uk.

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Notes to editors

 

The RCM is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences and online resources. For more information visit the RCM website at https://www.rcm.org.uk/.