Rachel Best

Rachel Best is the Associate Head of School (Midwifery) and Lead Midwife for Education at Sheffield Hallam University. She is an NMC-registered Midwife, Adult Nurse, and Lecturer/Practice Educator, with over 30 years of healthcare experience. Her career spans midwifery practice, education, and leadership, focusing on person-centred care and preparing future midwives.

Education Background: Began as a Registered Adult Nurse in the early 1990s, transitioned to midwifery in 1996, and entered midwifery education in 2001. Current roles include leading midwifery education programs and advocating for student welfare through national networks.

Research Interests: Assessment methods in midwifery education, application of biology in midwifery training, and interprofessional learning. Her work emphasizes innovative pedagogical approaches, such as group debates as assessment tools. She is pursuing a Professional Doctorate in Education focused on assessment practices.

Awards: Received the Lord Dearing Award (2017) for contributions to teaching and student learning. A Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and member of the Royal College of Midwives.

Teaching & Leadership: Teaches on the BSc (Hons) Midwifery and MSc Midwifery programs. Leads the UK-wide LME network, collaborating with the NMC, NHS England, and the Council of Deans for Health to address midwifery education challenges.

Advocacy & Grants: Advocates for midwifery student needs via national partnerships. Her work during the pandemic included improving digital learning experiences for students, highlighted in the 2021 FELSIG presentation.