From 1st April, Birthrate Plus enters a new era as one of its two original founders, Marie Washbrook, steps forward into a newly created Specialist Advisor role. This transition is part of our planned succession and reflects the continued growth and evolution of Birthrate Plus.
We would like to thank Marie for the exceptional contribution she has made over three decades in building and leading Birthrate Plus. Her work has shaped the national approach to maternity workforce planning and established Birthrate Plus as the leading workforce methodology in the UK and internationally. We are deeply grateful for everything she has built.
In her new position, Marie will contribute her extensive knowledge and expertise to the company’s strategic development rather than operational work. She will focus on key strategic areas, including involvement in delivery of the Independent Review recommendations, international development, and targeted specialist input to the Chief Executive Officer and team. This ensures Marie remains an influential voice in shaping the future of Birthrate Plus while enabling a smooth transition into the next chapter of leadership.
The current Birthrate Plus team, led by Chief Executive Officer Sally Ashton‑May MBE, will continue to work with services to support workforce planning studies and the use of our real- time Apps. The team will be strengthened by the appointment of a new member.
Sally brings more than 30 years’ experience in midwifery leadership, including serving as national lead midwife at Health Education England (now part of NHS England) and as Director of Policy and Practice at the RCM. She has a longstanding commitment to improving maternity care, with expertise in education, workforce planning, and the development of high‑quality, compassionate services.
Birthrate Plus remains committed to providing the best possible support to services and other partners. We are delighted that we will continue to draw in the experience of Marie as we move forward. Marie will also continue as a Director and board member of the company.
Commenting on her new role Marie said –
“Birthrate Plus is at a significant and exciting point in its history, and I am delighted to be able to continue to support its growth and development as Specialist Advisor. Much has changed in the years I have been working with Birthrate Plus. More will change as we continue to respond to developments in midwifery practice and policy, but the core principle Birthrate Plus has been based on from the very start – to support safe and effective care for women and their babies – will remain. As Birthrate Plus enters its fourth decade, I am certain it will continue to grow working closely with service. I am looking forward to continuing to play a role in its future”