This plan sets out how the NHS will make maternity and neonatal care safer, more personalised, and more equitable for women, babies, and families.

NHS England has engaged a wide range of stakeholders who supported the development of this plan. This includes women and families who have used or are using maternity and neonatal services, members of the maternity and neonatal workforce, leaders and commissioners of services, NHS systems and regional teams, and representatives from Royal Colleges, charities and other organisations.

There was clear agreement on what the plan’s focus should be, so for the next three years, services are asked to concentrate on four themes:

• Listening to and working with women and families, with compassion
• Growing, retaining, and supporting our workforce
• Developing and sustaining a culture of safety, learning, and support
• Standards and structures that underpin safer, more personalised, and more equitable care.

Delivering this plan will continue to require the dedication of everyone working in NHS maternity and neonatal services in England who are working tirelessly to support women and families and improve care.