Beyond Brexit: Cross-border collaborations in pre-registration midwifery education

Abstract

In June 2016, the UK voted to leave the European Union (EU), which will have wide ranging social, legal and constitutional implications. Although the International Confederation of Midwives has established international standards for midwifery education, education and practice are regulated through an EU directive that includes the recognition of professional qualifications that is necessary for midwives to practise anywhere within the EU. While there is uncertainty around the future political landscape post-Brexit, it is important that pre-existing professional links are protected and strengthened, providing a platform for international collaboration for professional discourse, dissemination of research findings and sharing of best practice. At the University of Northampton, this is happening through partnership with The Florence Network, which connects nurses and midwives..