Job summary
The Lavender team is seeking an experienced perinatal mental health specialist midwife who has a passion for excellence and is dedicated in supporting women and birthing people, at risk of or whom, are experiencing severe and complex perinatal mental health conditions.

We support women with severe or complex mental health conditions who are planning pregnancy, pregnant or are in the postnatal period. Our team provides high quality, evidence-based specialist advice, assessment, and referral for interventions working closely with obstetricians, psychiatrists, IAPT, nurses, OT's, social workers, to provide holistic and quality care for our patients.

At ASPH we offer a working environment with an inclusive culture that looks after and values our people and creates a sense of belonging. We encourage applications from people who embrace our values and who will enable us to expand our diverse workforce.

In return, you will be rewarded with a kind and friendly team of professionals, flexible working opportunities and all the benefits that being an NHS Employee brings. Staff wellbeing is a priority for us, and access to wellbeing support and activities form part of the package at Ashford & St Peters NHS Foundation Trust. Please see our recruitment brochure attached for more details.

So, if you are an experienced midwife, able to meet the challenge of delivering high standards of care, we would love you to join our team!

Main duties of the job
This is a key, organisation-wide role in developing and maintaining high standards of care for women and birthing people with mental health problems in pregnancy and the postnatal period, and their families. The post holder will have a high level of relevant expert knowledge and skills, which they will use to manage, develop and lead care for pregnant and new mothers with mental health needs.

The postholder will:

• Provide additional support and care to pregnant women and birthing people with a history of substance misuse where indicated. This will be in partnership with their named midwife and obstetric consultant, neonatologist and other agencies.
• Work closely with women, birthing people, and their families to plan and coordinate their care based on their individual needs.
• Provide a link between the maternity service and other services involved in planning and providing care, including the GP, neonatal team, mental health team and health visitor.
• Ensure that relevant pathways, policies and processes for women and birthing people with, or at risk of, mental illness or substance misuse are developed, implemented and audited. This will involve working with a range of relevant professionals, services and agencies. The post holder will support colleagues through coordinating and providing training and guidance in maternal mental health for key maternity staff, to enable them to provide holistic care that optimises mental as well as physical health.

About us
Ashford and St. Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is the largest provider of acute hospital services to Surrey residents, serving a population of 410,00 people and employing approximately 4,800 staff.

Our vision is to provide an outstanding experience and best outcomes for patients and the team. We are committed to providing continuous professional development and flexibility to deliver our workforce plan.

We are part of a collaborative Group with the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust. As part of this partnership, colleagues may occasionally work across both organisations to support shared services, development opportunities and patient care.

St Peter's Hospital delivers complex medical and surgical care, maternity and emergency services. Day and orthopaedic surgery, ophthalmology and outpatient services are delivered at Ashford Hospital. Additional services are delivered at Woking Community Hospital.

Our Values provide us with the behaviours we respect and can commit to. By living our values through our everyday interactions, we can build a stronger, more resilient, and forward- thinking organisation, guiding us to achieve success and make a positive impact on how we deliver our services.

We can offer you the full range of NHS benefits and discounts.

Please note that adverts may close early, so early application is encouraged.

For more information about careers at ASPH please visit:www.asph-careers.org

Details
Date posted
11 August 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 7
Salary
£51,657 to £58,785 a year

pa inc. HCAS- pro rata for part time
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Part-time,

Job share,

Flexible working
Reference number
323-NM6690-MH
Job locations
Ashford and St Peters Hospital

Abbey Wing, Guildford Road

Chertsey

KT160PZ

United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

• To work closely with the Lead Midwife for Complex Pregnancies, Consultant Midwife for Public Health, Antenatal, Postnatal and Community Clinical Matrons, Named Midwife for Safeguarding Children and Obstetricians; being a source of information and guidance regarding policy and protocols relating to Perinatal Mental Health and the impact on women, birthing people and their families
• Ensure there is routine screening and early identification of women and birthing people with, or at risk of mental illness
• To provide clinical leadership and support to health professionals in the event of a mental health crisis
• Act as a source of expert specialised knowledge and clinical expertise in relation to mental health practice
• Liaise with Perinatal Mental Health Services, Community Mental Health Services and partner agencies to ensure that those with severe mental illness are appropriate managed in the perinatal period
• Have an up to date knowledge of local services available to women and birthing people in relation to their mental health needs
• Direct line management of Perinatal Mental Health Support Midwives
• Be responsible for maintaining and disseminating local and national guidance relating to maternal mental health in the perinatal period
• Develop and coordinate training programmes for staff and participate in the induction of new staff
• When the escalation policy requires the post holder may be required to support the department and organisation by carrying out any other duties that reasonably fit within the broad scope of a job of this grade and type of work.

Person Specification
Education & Professional Registration
Essential

• Registered and Practicing Midwife
• First degree or evidence of significant post registration education
• 997/998/Mentor preparation course

Desirable

• Specialist knowledge and experience in maternal and infant mental health.

Knowledge and Experience
Essential

• Significant all round midwifery experience
• Department of Health policies and guidelines, Clinical Risk, CNST,NICE and MBRRACE
• A specialist interest in perinatal mental health
• Understanding and knowledge of trauma informed care

Desirable

• Experience of leading change management

Skills
Essential

• You have knowledge & awareness of diversity and human rights as appropriate to your role
• You are able to communicate effectively to ensure high standards of care, treatment, service or support as appropriate to your role
• Patient facing roles -be able to understand an individual's communication, physical & emotional needs; recognise their needs and preferences

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details
Employer name
Ashford & St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Ashford and St Peters Hospital

Abbey Wing, Guildford Road

Chertsey

KT160PZ

United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.ashfordstpeters.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Lead Midwife for Complex Pregnancies

Sian De Cruz

sian.decruz@nhs.net

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.