Salford Midwifery Programme achieves UNICEF Gold Award

The University is only the second in the UK to achieve this prestigious Gold Award status.

The award recognises the University’s commitment to ensuring students are effectively prepared and educated to the highest standards in infant feeding and that the leadership structures are in place to sustain this in the long term.

The process towards Achieving Sustainability involved a detailed submission of an application form. The University's application was commended for demonstrating innovation with regards to enhancing the teaching, learning and assessment related to the Baby Friendly outcomes and implementation of the Baby Friendly Standards within the Health Visiting and Children’s Nursing Programmes.

Anne Leyland, Lecturer in Midwifery and project lead, said: “I’m very proud to represent our school and to have led the project forward from its early days. The award is a real indicator of the quality of our curriculum.

“It shows how a model of education going forward can really make a huge difference to students, and we are privileged to be in a position where we can make a huge impact on new mothers’ lives and future generations of children.”

Dr Vicky Halliwell, Deputy Dean of the School of Health and Society and project guardian, said: “The prestigious Gold Award is a real achievement for the Midwifery team, the School of Health and Society and the university. I am guardian of the project, providing senior leadership support and oversight to ensure we continue to meet the standards, update our senior team, promote the Baby Friendly initiative and to advocate on behalf of the team.”

“We are delighted to receive this award, it aligns perfectly with our School values regarding civic and social responsibility, supporting public health initiatives, providing high standards of education, and preparing the future workforce. The initiative also aligns with the cities of Salford and Manchester’s ambition for public health and the recognition of the need to promote early years health and support.”

Lisa Bacon, Head of Midwifery, said: “It is testament to the leadership shown by Anne in driving this forward, supported by an engaged and highly motivated team of midwifery and neonatal educators and a firm commitment from the School Executive Team to ensure we were successful.

“This will now be a quality mark on our curriculum and will ensure our very high standards of infant feeding education are maintained. Perhaps most importantly will be the positive public health impact for families in Salford and Greater Manchester and the contribution we can make to the ambition that that this area will be one of the best places for children to grow up in.”