Allison Cummins

Allison Cummins was elected as the Western Pacific Regional Board Member (RBM) in June 2026. As a Regional Board Member, Allison is responsible for sharing experiences from her region and steering the Board in meeting its strategic and governance responsibilities with a global focus, together with the other Regional Board Members. The Regional Board Member is a spokesperson for ICM in regional strategic partnerships and at national meetings and events for ICM’s member associations in the region.

Professor Allison Cummins is a midwife, educator and researcher with more than 20 years of experience in midwifery practice.

Allison is Head of Midwifery at the University of Newcastle in Australia. Before transitioning to midwifery education, she practised as a midwife for more than two decades. Since 2011, she has worked as a midwifery academic, gaining extensive experience in curriculum development, innovative approaches to teaching and learning, and preparing graduates to provide continuity of midwife care.

Allison’s research career began with a study exploring how newly qualified midwives could be supported to transition to providing continuity of care. Over the following decade, this research was developed into a workshop that has been implemented and evaluated within health services.

She has built a body of research evaluating models of midwifery care using the Quality Maternal and Newborn Care Framework. Allison also co-led the validation of an international index for measuring the quality of maternity care. Her international research profile has led to invitations to deliver keynote addresses in Japan and the United Kingdom. She has also led student study tours to Cambodia and Indonesia.

From 2021 to 2024, Allison served as a midwifery director on the Board of the Australian College of Midwives. During this time, she undertook professional development in financial literacy and Board governance.

Allison holds a Doctorate in Midwifery. Her commitment to advocating for midwifery, together with her experience in education, research and good governance, informs her work as ICM’s Western Pacific Regional Board Member.

Based in: Australia
Midwives’ Association: Australian College of Midwives
Languages: English