This report presents an independent mapping of the Standards of proficiency for midwives (NMC 2019/2024) and relevant elements of Part 3: Standards for pre‑registration midwifery programmes (NMC 2019/2023) against recommendations from seven major UK maternity and neonatal reviews published between 2020 and 2025. The work was commissioned by the Nursing & Midwifery Council as part of its Midwifery Action Plan (NMC 2025) and undertaken by the UK Network of Professors in Midwifery and Maternal and Newborn Health.

The mapping, conducted by independent pairs of reviewers, confirmed that all recommendations relevant to midwives’ practice are fully addressed within the current NMC standards. No gaps or mismatches were identified, and all relevant proficiencies were mapped to each recommendation.

The exercise also highlighted the significant impact of wider system and organisational factors—such as staffing levels, skill mix, multidisciplinary team functioning, and service models—on midwives’ ability to practise to their full scope. These factors can limit the effective implementation of proficiencies, including continuity of care.

The project also identified numerous proficiencies not referenced explicitly in the review recommendations. While expected given the specific focus of each review, this finding illustrates the breadth, depth, and preventative orientation of the Standards of proficiency for midwives (NMC 2019/2024), and the significant opportunity they provide to enhance safety and quality across the whole maternity pathway.