The Importance of the NHS Band 5 Midwife Role for Newly Qualified Professionals
Starting your career as a Band 5 Midwife within the NHS is both exciting and incredibly rewarding. This position serves as the foundation of your journey into midwifery, offering hands-on experience in antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care. As a Band 5 midwife, you’re expected to work under supervision while building your clinical confidence and competence. You’ll be involved in promoting safe childbirth, offering emotional support to mothers and families, and managing complications within your scope of training.
The NHS Band 5 pay scale for midwives in 2025 starts from approximately £28,407 and can rise to £34,581 depending on experience, shift patterns, and location allowances. Alongside the salary, Band 5 roles offer benefits such as generous annual leave, pension contributions, and structured career development opportunities.
To help you prepare for your Band 5 Midwife interview, we’ve compiled 20 common interview questions along with example answers tailored specifically for newly qualified professionals entering this critical healthcare role.
Why did you choose a career in midwifery?
Answer: I’ve always been passionate about supporting women during one of the most transformative experiences of their lives. Midwifery blends clinical skill with emotional intelligence, and I felt called to be part of that journey. During my training, I was especially drawn to the continuity of care model, which reinforced my desire to build trusting relationships with patients.
What do you understand about the responsibilities of a Band 5 Midwife?
Answer: A Band 5 Midwife provides care to women and their families during the antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal periods. The role includes monitoring fetal development, supporting normal births, identifying complications, and escalating when necessary. It also involves collaborating with a multidisciplinary team and documenting all care provided.
How do you handle high-pressure situations?
Answer: I stay calm by focusing on what I can control—my actions and communication. For example, during a placement in labour ward, a patient experienced rapid fetal deceleration. I called for senior support immediately, monitored vitals, and provided reassurance to the mother. Remaining composed helps me prioritize tasks and support others.
Describe a time you had to work in a team.
Answer: On my community placement, I worked closely with a health visitor and GP to create a care plan for a new mother with postnatal depression. Each professional brought a unique perspective, and together, we developed a safe, patient-centered plan. Teamwork was essential for holistic care.
How would you support a woman experiencing anxiety during labour?
Answer: I would use active listening, offer reassurance, explain each step of the process, and involve her in decision-making. Comfort measures such as breathing techniques or massage can also help. Building trust is key to easing anxiety.
What steps would you take if you suspected domestic abuse?
Answer: I would follow safeguarding protocols by ensuring a safe and private environment to ask direct but sensitive questions. I’d document concerns accurately and escalate to the safeguarding lead or appropriate services, while always prioritizing the safety of the woman and child.
What would you do if you made a clinical error?
Answer: I would immediately report the error, ensure the patient’s safety, and reflect on what went wrong. Honesty, accountability, and learning from mistakes are essential for maintaining patient trust and improving practice.
How do you stay current with clinical knowledge?
Answer: I attend mandatory training, read NICE guidelines, subscribe to midwifery journals, and take part in reflective practice sessions. Continuous professional development is vital for providing evidence-based care.
How do you approach cultural competence in your care?
Answer: I ask open-ended questions to understand each woman’s beliefs and preferences, and I respect cultural practices that are safe. If unsure, I consult colleagues or resources to ensure culturally sensitive care.
What is your understanding of informed consent?
Answer: Informed consent means providing all relevant information—including risks and benefits—in a way the woman can understand. It’s about ensuring she makes decisions voluntarily, without coercion, and feels empowered throughout her care.
Describe how you manage time during a busy shift.
Answer: I prioritize tasks based on urgency and clinical need, delegate appropriately, and keep accurate notes. Regular handovers and using task lists help me stay organized, especially in fast-paced environments like triage.
How do you deal with emotionally challenging situations?
Answer: I reflect after difficult shifts, debrief with my team, and use support services when needed. Emotional resilience is developed over time, but being kind to yourself and seeking help are essential parts of the process.
What would you do if a woman declined recommended care?
Answer: I would explore her reasoning without judgment, provide all necessary information, and respect her autonomy. I’d document the discussion and involve senior colleagues or ethics teams if needed.
How do you ensure patient confidentiality?
Answer: I follow data protection regulations, speak privately when discussing sensitive information, and only share patient data on a need-to-know basis with authorized professionals.
How would you handle a disagreement with a colleague?
Answer: I’d address it professionally by discussing the issue calmly and respectfully. If necessary, I’d involve a senior or use formal channels to resolve the conflict. Good communication is key to maintaining a positive work environment.
Describe your understanding of risk assessment during pregnancy.
Answer: Risk assessment involves identifying factors—like medical history, social circumstances, or current pregnancy complications—that may affect the mother or baby. These guide whether care remains midwifery-led or is escalated to obstetricians.
What makes you a good fit for this NHS Trust?
Answer: I align with this Trust’s values of compassionate, safe, and patient-centered care. I’m eager to contribute to a supportive team that prioritizes continuous learning and quality improvement.
What are your long-term goals as a midwife?
Answer: I aim to gain confidence as an autonomous practitioner, possibly specializing in perinatal mental health or becoming a continuity of carer midwife. Eventually, I’d like to mentor students or explore a leadership role.
How do you manage personal stress outside of work?
Answer: I maintain a healthy work-life balance through exercise, journaling, and spending time with family. These outlets help me recharge and stay focused during demanding shifts.
Do you have any questions for us?
Answer: Yes, I’d love to know how the Trust supports newly qualified midwives during preceptorship and what opportunities there are for continued professional development within the first year.
Final Words: Interview Coaching Tips & Confidence Boost
Preparing for your first Band 5 Midwife interview can be nerve-wracking, but it’s also an exciting step forward. Here are some last-minute tips:
Practice aloud: Rehearsing with a friend or recording yourself can boost fluency and confidence.
Know your portfolio: Be ready to refer to placements or academic experiences that back up your answers.
Be authentic: Let your passion for midwifery and patient care come through.
Ask questions: Demonstrating curiosity shows initiative and genuine interest in the role.
Take a breath: Interviewers understand you’re newly qualified—they want to see your potential, not perfection.
You’ve made it through rigorous training, and you’re more ready than you think. Believe in your skills, trust your preparation, and show them the compassionate professional you are becoming. Best of luck—you’ve got this!
