Leicester midwifery academic recognised for outstanding contribution to teaching

A leading midwifery expert from the University of Leicester has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to teaching and inspiring colleagues in Higher Education.

Professor Jayne Marshall is one of a select band of just 55 new National Teaching Fellows (NTF), announced by Advance HE.

The Foundation Professor of Midwifery pioneered the development of a four-year Master in Science Midwifery with Leadership which prepares students to be future leaders of the midwifery profession, alongside building a faculty of midwifery academics.

Recognised as a national and international academic leader, Professor Marshall has made substantial contributions to the development of midwifery education.

As a compassionate leader, her philosophy is to always empower students and colleagues to feel valued, respected and cared for, so they can reach their potential. Through a range of initiatives including mentoring, coaching, and shadowing, Prof Marshall supports their development within and outside, her own institution, including developing a UK-wide mentoring scheme for the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s Lead Midwife for Education Strategic Reference Group.

Professor Marshall said: “I feel very honoured and proud to receive recognition of the contribution I have made in teaching and learning and the impact it has had on developing the future midwife – specifically nurturing aspiring leaders of the profession irrespective of race or background.

“This has also involved creating opportunities for colleagues to professionally develop their careers and strive to build midwifery faculty of excellent standing here at Leicester.                               

“More recently, my vision has been at the vanguard of designing and implementing the first midwifery education programme at the University of Leicester for over 70 years - the MSci Midwifery with Leadership programme which remains the only one of its kind in the UK. This programme serves to address the NHS demands for improved leadership knowledge and skills among its midwifery workforce to enhance the birth outcomes of mothers and babies.”

Professor Marshall added: “It is always a privilege to be part of a woman’s childbirth experience, sharing such intimate and life-changing moments with her and her family.

“Although being a midwife can be very challenging at times, the safety of mother and baby will always be paramount – there is no other reward so great as facilitating the birth of a baby and supporting its integration within the family unit. I am biased, but midwifery really is the best profession, as well as one of the oldest, in the world.”

Alison Johns, Chief Executive, Advance HE, said:“Congratulations to all of the new National Teaching Fellows on this prestigious accolade which recognises and rewards their commitment to teaching and learning and the impact it has on student success.

“We look forward to working with the new NTFs and sharing their excellent practice with colleagues around the sector.”

The National Teaching Fellowship Scheme celebrates and recognises individuals who have made an outstanding impact on student outcomes and the teaching profession in UK Higher Education.  

The 2023 awards ceremony will take place on 28 September at The Library of Birmingham.