Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent is a trailblazing midwife. She boasts a diverse career spanning clinical practice, education, leadership, and policy. She held senior positions in the UK’s National Health Service, including Director of Midwifery, and also worked as a lecturer and professor, developing midwifery curricula.
In 2019, she made history by becoming England’s first Chief Midwifery Officer, advocating for a well-resourced and empowered midwifery workforce. She led national maternity safety initiatives.
Currently, she serves as the Chief Midwife for the International Confederation of Midwives, championing the profession globally. Her achievements are numerous, including being awarded the Order of the British Empire and the Health Services Journal black and minority ethnic (BME) Pioneers award. Professor Dunkley-Bent remains a dedicated champion for better maternity care, both nationally and internationally.
