Creating Space for Student Midwives: Giving Them a Voice in Your Association

This is the eighth blog in a series written by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) on how midwifery associations can meaningfully engage student midwives. In this blog, we explore one of the most effective and accessible approaches: creating space for students to be seen, heard, and involved. 

Giving student midwives space can take many forms. It might be through conferences and events, on your website or in newsletters, across social media, or through meaningful placement and collaboration opportunities. When students feel included and listened to, they move from being passive recipients of support to active members of the professional community. 

At the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) in the United Kingdom, student midwives are involved in many areas of the organisation’s work. Reflecting on her placement with the RCM, student midwife Emma Healy shared: 

“I didn’t expect to be so involved, and it was empowering to make a tangible contribution to projects that could impact other students and early-career midwives.”
RCM placement blog, 2025 

This sense of belonging and contribution is not unique to large or well-resourced associations. Any midwifery association, regardless of size or country, can create meaningful space for student voices. Below, we share why this matters and practical ways to make it happen. 

Why Creating Space Matters 

It builds a sense of belonging 

When students see themselves reflected in an association’s communications and activities, they begin to feel part of the profession. Feeling included supports confidence and professional identity. 

It supports professional socialisation 

Midwifery is not only a set of skills, but also a shared set of values and ways of working. Engaging students early helps them understand the profession and their place within it. 

It develops leadership skills 

Involving students in campaigns, communications, or events gives them safe and supported opportunities to contribute, speak up, and lead. 

It strengthens the future of the association 

Students who feel valued are more likely to stay engaged after qualification. Creating space now helps build committed, active members in the years ahead. 

Practical Ways to Create Student Spaces 

On your website 

Your website is often the first point of contact for students. Consider: 

• Creating a dedicated section for student midwives with news, blogs, and opportunities. 

• Inviting students to write short reflections or share placement experiences. 

• Including a “Student Voices” area with content written by students, not just about them. 

• Offering resources focused on study support, wellbeing, and leadership development. 

During her placement, Emma Healy reviewed and improved parts of the RCM website. She later reflected that this gave her “a deeper appreciation of the College’s work and a sense of pride in being part of it.” 

In newsletters 

Newsletters are a simple way to keep students engaged and informed. Associations can: 

• Create a dedicated student newsletter or include a regular student-focused section. 

• Feature short interviews with students about their learning journey. 

• Invite students to submit questions for senior midwives and publish the responses. 

• Share successes from universities and training programmes. 

On social media 

Social media provides a visible and accessible platform for student engagement. You can: 

• Like, share, or repost student-led activities using your main association channels. 

• Amplify student voices through quotes, reflections, or short videos. 

• Host “day in the life” takeovers by student midwives. 

• Celebrate student achievements, from research projects to community initiatives. 

Through placements and collaboration 

Associations can also offer placements or internships, either in person or virtually. These opportunities help students understand professional work beyond clinical practice, such as policy, education, communications, or advocacy. 

Reflecting on her experience, Emma Healy shared that her placement “made me feel that my voice mattered and helped me understand the power of collaboration between students and the association.” 

For associations with fewer resources, partnerships with universities or health services can offer similar opportunities. This might include involving students in local campaigns, community events, or policy discussions. 

Making Student Involvement Meaningful 

Creating space should be intentional and genuine, rather than symbolic. Associations may find it helpful to keep the following principles in mind: 

• Be clear about purpose: Define why and how students are involved, such as contributing content or advising on education issues. 

• Offer support: Provide mentoring, guidance, or editorial support so students feel confident participating. 

• Recognise contributions: Credit students by name in publications and online. 

• Ensure diversity: Include students from different backgrounds, regions, and training contexts. 

• Listen actively: Ask for regular feedback and be open to adapting based on students’ experiences. 

A Shared Future 

Creating space for student midwives is about more than visibility. It is about sharing ownership of the profession’s future. When associations open their platforms, listen to student perspectives, and involve them in meaningful work, they build relationships that last well beyond graduation. 

As Emma Healy reflected: 

“This experience gave me a sense of connection, motivation, and belonging. I could see myself not just as a student, but as part of the wider midwifery community.” 

Every midwifery association, wherever it is based, can foster this same sense of connection. By giving students real opportunities to contribute, associations help ensure the next generation of midwives enters the profession prepared, engaged, and proud to belong. 

The final blog in this series will explore how midwifery associations can recognise and reward student involvement.