Establishment of Networks or Advisory Panels

on Aspects of Midwifery Practice,

Education or Service Management

 

 

 

 

Statement of Belief

 

The International Confederation of Midwives believes the provision of expert advice is an essential component of its operations which is necessary if midwifery is to be strengthened worldwide.

 

Policy

 

Expert networks or advisory panels be established with the following Terms of Reference:

·       The areas be limited in the first instance to

·       breast feeding

·       quality assurance

·       regulation

·       neonatal care

·       membership of the networks or advisory panels be based on nominations from Member Associations, of midwives willing to voluntarily give advice/support to colleagues seeking to advance an aspect of midwifery for which the nominees are recognised in their countries.

·       each panel/network be composed of up to six Member Associations from the African, American, Asian-Pacific Regions and two from the European Region

·       access to the panels/networks to be made via Headquarters

·       requests to be referred to the expert living within the region of the Association seeking the assistance.  No expert should be over burdened with requests to provide help.  If needed, a rotation system may be implemented

·       no request should necessitate more than two contacts

·       it is stressed that all advice should be specific to the request and be responded to in writing or by e-mail

·       to evaluate the value or otherwise of networks/panels it would help if each expert maintained a record of their activity in a form to be devised by Headquarters

·       requests for assistance with research or an education matter be referred to a member of the relevant Standing Committee.

·       the composition, viability and degree of access of each panel/network to be reviewed each three years.

 

Guiding Statement to Member Associations

 

Member Associations are encouraged to identify midwifery experts from the areas identified and forward their curriculum vitae to Headquarters for consideration for inclusion in one of the networks or advisory panels.

 

Adopted by the International Confederation of Midwives Council, Manila, May 1999.

 

 

Date for Review:  2005