Abstract
Since 1902, regulation has been integral to midwifery practice and indeed the professionalisation of midwifery. Midwives have practised for decades within the conceptual hallmark of ‘professionalism’ ( Freidson, 1970a ) where the profession has benefitted from ‘autonomy’ and ‘self-regulation’. However, this conceptual hallmark of ‘professionalism’ will find itself challenged by ‘revalidation’—a government-led, regulatory reform policy of proactively ensuring continued fitness to practise ( Department of Health (DH), 2007 ). Planned for implementation by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in 2015, this regulatory reform evokes iconic questioning of the historic sociological foundations from which the midwifery profession has emerged, posing implications for midwifery and its future professionalisation. The response of the midwifery profession to revalidation is critical to its implementation and outcome. Is revalidation a ‘professional crisis’ posing cause for concern regarding the future of midwifery professionalisation, or a ‘critique and change opportunity’ in reaffirming midwifery as an independent, autonomous profession, preserving future professionalisation?
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