The Birmingham Maternity & Midwifery Festival 2026, held on Wednesday 13 May at Cranmore Avenue, Shirley, Solihull, brought together more than 300 healthcare professionals for a day of learning, reflection and celebration. A highlight of the festival programme was the Midwifery & Maternity Trailblazer Awards, recognising individuals and teams whose leadership, compassion and commitment are making a lasting difference across maternity and midwifery.
This year’s winners reflected the breadth and strength of the profession — from outstanding clinical leadership in practice, to student-led peer support and symposium development, to a lifetime devoted to midwifery education, research and professional development.
Midwifery Practice Award
Winner: Rebecca Talbot, Clinical Governance Lead, Warwick Hospital, South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust
Rebecca Talbot was recognised for her exceptional leadership as Clinical Governance Lead at Warwick Hospital, where colleagues described her as a tireless, knowledgeable and compassionate leader who has made a profound difference to the whole perinatal service.
In a video tribute made by colleagues and shared during the award presentation, Rebecca — known to many as Becky — was praised for creating an environment in which staff feel supported, listened to and safe in their practice. Colleagues highlighted her deep understanding of the impact that serious incidents can have on both midwifery and medical teams, and her unwavering commitment to ensuring safe care for women, babies and families.
Alongside her governance expertise, Becky was commended for the humanity she brings to the role. She was described as kind, approachable and insightful, with a leadership style that combines professionalism with warmth and humour. Colleagues also spoke movingly about the way she supports bereaved families, always keeping their best interests at the centre of the governance process during the most difficult times.
The nomination made clear that Becky’s influence extends far beyond systems and processes. She is seen as a leader who genuinely cares for her team, shares her knowledge generously and inspires those around her. One colleague described her as one of the kindest and most compassionate leaders they had worked with in a long NHS career.
Accepting the award, Becky responded with characteristic humility, paying tribute to her team and saying the recognition belonged to them. She spoke of how tirelessly they work every day and how continually inspired she is by their passion, commitment and ability to challenge and support one another. The Midwifery Practice Award recognises both Becky’s outstanding personal leadership and the culture of excellence she helps to create.
Student Midwives Award
Winners: Jainaba Hughes, Deborah Williams, Lorelei Margison, Bonita Tittrea and Tilly Cairn, 1st Year Student Midwives, University of Birmingham
The Student Midwives Award was presented to Jainaba Hughes, Deborah Williams, Lorelei Margison, Bonita Tittrea and Tilly Cairn, first-year student midwives at the University of Birmingham, in recognition of their outstanding leadership, enthusiasm and commitment to building community within the profession from the very start of their careers.
During the presentation, the group was celebrated for balancing the considerable demands of student life while showing real passion and determination for midwifery. Their nomination highlighted the way they had come together to establish a student society and help create a sense of connection and support among their peers.
They were also recognised for preparing a symposium at the festival itself — a significant achievement for first-year students and a strong indication of their confidence, initiative and willingness to contribute to the wider professional conversation. Their work reflects the energy and leadership that will help sustain and strengthen the future of midwifery.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Jainaba Hughes said it was important to create a community in which students could confide in one another and help each other adjust to the course. As first-year students, they are all navigating something new, and their focus on mutual support, inclusion and shared learning stood out as a powerful example of student leadership in action.
This award recognises not only their achievements to date, but also the promise they represent for the future of maternity services. Their initiative, professionalism and commitment to supporting one another embody the values that will continue to drive midwifery forward.
Lifetime Contribution to Midwifery Education Award
Winner: Dr Jenny Hall, Midwifery Educator, Researcher and Editor
Dr Jenny Hall received the Lifetime Contribution to Midwifery Education Award in recognition of an extraordinary career that has helped shape midwifery education, scholarship and professional dialogue across the UK.
Described during the ceremony as someone who is “part of the fabric of the profession”, Jenny has held many influential roles throughout her career — as a midwife, educator, researcher, editor and author. Her work has consistently challenged the profession to think deeply, practise reflectively and keep women’s needs at the centre of care.
Jenny has long been recognised as a creative and thoughtful educator. During the award presentation, reference was made to the memorable “Knitted Midwives” campaign, with which she was closely associated — a creative response to workforce shortages that captured attention across the profession and beyond. Her academic and research interests have included spirituality in maternity care, dignity and respect in education, and the human rights experiences of disabled women.
She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Midwives and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and has also made a major contribution through publishing and professional communication. Jenny previously served as editor of The Practising Midwife and Women and Birth, and in more recent years has played a central role in developing the Matflix box sets, supporting reflective learning and professional development for midwives, students and services.
She has also become a familiar and valued presence to many through the weekly Maternity & Midwifery Forum newsletters, curating research, news and professional commentary that helps keep the community informed and connected.
Accepting the award, Jenny responded with humour and characteristic modesty, noting that it was not the end of her professional journey and that “there’s still my lifetime left”. Her response captured the spirit in which she has always worked: reflective, generous, intellectually curious and still looking ahead. This award recognises a career of lasting influence and a continuing commitment to the future of midwifery education.
Watch the award presentation ceremony here:
Honouring trailblazers and inspiring the future
The Midwifery & Maternity Trailblazer Awards at the Birmingham Maternity & Midwifery Festival 2026 celebrated three very different but equally inspiring examples of leadership — in clinical practice, student initiative and educational contribution.
Together, the winners demonstrate the values that continue to drive maternity and midwifery forward: compassion, creativity, courage, collaboration and a determination to improve care for women, babies and families.
As the festival continues to evolve with new education sessions, wider professional content and opportunities for learning and networking, these awards remain an important moment to pause and recognise the people helping to shape the profession’s future.
Maternity & Midwifery Forum
May 2026