National Maternity Support Workers' Conference 2026

Birmingham City University is hosting the National Maternity Support Workers' Conference on Wednesday 25 November, at the Seacole Building on the City South Campus in Edgbaston. It's the fourth time the conference has run, following three previous years, and it brings together maternity support workers (MSWs) and healthcare professionals from across the UK to share knowledge, celebrate the MSW role and look at professional development. The day is built around inclusivity, and it's open to anyone who wants to get a better handle on the role and the value it brings to maternity services.

The programme is built on expert-led sessions, but there's more to it than just sitting and listening. Between the talks, you can network with colleagues from other trusts and meet different organisations at exhibition stands. There's also a display of academic posters put together by MSW apprentices at the university, so you'll see some of the actual work and research coming out of the apprenticeship programme. It's a good mix of formal sessions and the kind of informal chatting that happens when people in the same role get together from all over the country.

For those working in the field, the conference also counts towards continuing professional development. It's aligned with the refreshed Health Education England MSW Competency, Education and Career Development Framework, so the day fits into the professional standards you're already working towards. Whether you're an established MSW, an apprentice, or just interested in how maternity support works, it's a chance to see where the role stands and where it's heading.

It runs from 10:00am to 3:00pm on Wednesday 25 November at the Seacole Building, City South Campus, Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3TN. Tickets are £25.