Official correspondents and lead midwives for education

In our work with approved education institutions (AEI), we typically liaise with two key roles at the institution: the official correspondent and the lead midwife for education.

The official correspondent is our primary link to the institution, while the lead midwife for education has a specific role within midwifery education. The two roles are designed to work in collaboration with each other and the education institution to deliver approved programmes which continue to meet our standards.

Official correspondents

Each AEI must have a named individual take on the role of AEI official correspondent.

We expect an AEI official correspondent to:

• act as the main point of contact for all NMC approved programme related enquiries

• actively engage with us regarding any concerns about an AEI or student learning environment by submitting an exceptional reporting form, and responding to us when we have concerns or queries

• provide the name of another member of staff who will be responsible for responding to us in their absence – updates should be sent to QATeam@nmc-uk.org, and

• maintain up-to-date contact details for the official correspondent - updates should be sent to QATeam@nmc-uk.org

Lead midwives for education

Lead midwives for education (LMEs) help to ensure high standards in midwifery education. LMEs are based at, and employed by, the AEI providing pre-registration midwifery education.

They are experienced practising midwifery teachers, leading on the development, delivery and management of midwifery education programmes.

The lead midwife for education is expected to:

• be accountable for their practice in accordance with the Code and fulfil registration requirements

• keep us updated on any changes to their contact details via the form on our website

• be accountable for their signature on the health and character declaration (or that of their designated midwife substitute) for student midwives and students undertaking return to practice programmes

• have the right to refuse to sign any supporting health and character declaration where the available evidence identifies that the student may not be of sufficient health and/or character to carry out safe and effective practice as a midwife in line with our health and character guidance.

If an LME cannot be assured of a student’s health and character they must not sign the NMC declaration. The student therefore, cannot be recommended for admission to the midwives’ part of the register. In order to reach this decision the LME may need to seek the support of the university’s fitness to practise committee.