Where You Can Work as a Midwife in Surrey

  Entry Requirements and Training to Become a Midwife

Midwifery is a regulated profession, so you need formal training and registration before you can work as a midwife in the UK.

Qualifications Required

To work as a midwife, you must:

• Complete a NMC-approved midwifery degree (BSc or MSc)
• Be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
• Some specialist roles may require additional training

Routes Into Midwifery

There are several pathways to start your career:

• Undergraduate midwifery degree (usually 3 years)
• Postgraduate MSc midwifery for those with a relevant degree
• Apprenticeships or NHS graduate schemes (available in some areas)

Placements and practical experience are completed in hospitals, community clinics, and home birth settings across Surrey.

Skills and Personal Qualities

Employers look for people who are:

• Compassionate, patient, and caring
• Strong communicators and team players
• Confident and able to stay calm under pressure
• Observant, detail-focused, and organised
• Adaptable and willing to learn

Helpful Experience (Not Essential)

Experience that can help before training includes:

• Volunteering in maternity, health, or social care services
• Support worker roles or caring for others
• Work in healthcare, childcare, or education

With the right training and qualities, you can build a rewarding midwifery career in Surrey.

Working Life as a Nurse in Midwife

Working as a midwife is a rewarding and varied career, focused on supporting mothers, babies, and families throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period.

What a Typical Day Looks Like

Your day may include:

• Monitoring the health of mothers and babies during pregnancy, labour, and after birth
• Providing advice and support on birth, recovery, and baby care
• Assisting in deliveries and helping manage any complications
• Visiting mothers at home or in community clinics
• Working closely with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals
• Supporting families emotionally and providing reassurance

No two days are the same, and your work can change depending on the setting and the needs of the families you support.

Working Patterns

• Full-time and part-time roles are available
• Shifts can include early mornings, evenings, nights, and weekends
• Flexible working arrangements are often supported by employers in Surrey

Teamwork and Support

You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team, alongside:

• Nurses and doctors
• Midwives and student midwives
• Health visitors and community support staff

Employers provide ongoing training, supervision, and mentoring, helping you develop your skills and confidence in the role.

Pay, Benefits and Career Progression

Midwifery offers competitive pay, strong benefits, and clear opportunities for career progression in Surrey.

Pay

Most midwives in the NHS in Surrey are paid under the Agenda for Change system:

• Newly qualified midwives usually start at Band 5
• With experience, you can progress to Band 6 (specialist midwife) and Band 7 (senior or leadership roles)
• Some roles offer additional pay for evenings, nights, weekends, or specialist skills
• Pay may vary slightly for community services or private providers

Benefits

Working as a midwife in Surrey often includes:

• Paid annual leave
• Access to the NHS Pension Scheme (for NHS roles)
• Ongoing professional development and funded training
• Supportive team environments
• Opportunities to specialise in areas such as neonatal care, high-risk pregnancies, or education
• Job security and long-term career stability

Many non-NHS providers also offer similar benefits and flexible working options.

Career Progression

With experience and further training, midwives can progress into:

• Specialist or senior midwife roles
• Advanced practitioner or clinical lead positions
• Team manager or service manager roles
• Teaching, training, or research roles
• Specialised areas such as neonatal care, mental health in pregnancy, or community midwifery

Employers across Surrey actively support career development, mentorship, and further qualifications, helping you grow while making a real impact on families.

Locations Across Surrey