Top 20 Interview Questions and Answers for NHS Band 8d Director of Midwifery Role
Understanding the Role and Its Importance
The NHS Band 8d Director of Midwifery is a senior leadership role critical to shaping maternity services, improving patient outcomes, and guiding midwifery practice at a strategic level. Reporting to the Chief Nurse or Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Midwifery holds responsibility for clinical governance, workforce planning, service improvement, and implementing national maternity strategies.
This role requires visionary leadership, deep clinical insight, and the ability to influence system-wide transformation. The position typically commands a salary between £83,571 and £96,376 (as per NHS Agenda for Change pay scale), reflecting the responsibility and seniority involved.
Here are 20 high-impact interview questions you’re likely to encounter—along with strong sample answers.
Can you describe your leadership style?
Answer: I practice a transformational leadership style, focused on empowerment, collaboration, and continuous improvement. I believe in developing others through mentorship, creating a culture of accountability, and ensuring our strategic goals align with patient-centred care.
How do you ensure the safety and quality of maternity services?
Answer: I use robust clinical governance frameworks, regular audit cycles, real-time incident reporting, and feedback mechanisms. I also champion multidisciplinary reviews and ensure all learning is embedded into practice.
Describe a time you led a significant change in maternity services.
Answer: At my previous Trust, I led the implementation of continuity of carer pathways across three LMNSs. Despite initial resistance, I engaged staff early, addressed concerns, and ensured co-design with service users, achieving over 90% coverage within 12 months.
How do you support staff wellbeing in high-pressure environments?
Answer: I introduced peer-support networks, quarterly wellbeing check-ins, and promoted access to occupational health services. Leadership visibility and psychological safety are essential pillars of my strategy.
What experience do you have with managing budgets?
Answer: I’ve overseen a midwifery budget of £12 million, balancing staffing needs, training investments, and cost-saving initiatives. I work closely with finance teams to align clinical priorities with financial constraints.
How do you drive improvement in perinatal outcomes?
Answer: I base decisions on national data (like MBRRACE reports), champion evidence-based practice, and work with consultant obstetricians to lead multi-agency improvement collaboratives, focusing on areas like preterm birth prevention and maternal mental health.
How do you stay up to date with national maternity policies?
Answer: I regularly review NHS England publications, NICE guidelines, and participate in regional maternity networks and webinars. I also contribute to professional forums such as the RCM.
How do you approach multidisciplinary team (MDT) working?
Answer: I foster inclusive and respectful MDT environments, where every voice is valued. This includes regular joint meetings, shared learning, and clear escalation pathways.
How would you respond to a serious incident in the maternity unit?
Answer: Immediate actions include ensuring patient safety, initiating the Duty of Candour process, and coordinating a rapid review. I then lead on root cause analysis and develop a robust action plan, with system-wide learning embedded.
How do you balance operational pressures with strategic priorities?
Answer: I maintain clarity on long-term goals while staying responsive to daily service needs. Delegation, time-blocking for strategic work, and regular horizon scanning help me balance both effectively.
How do you improve equity in maternity care?
Answer: I actively address inequalities by engaging with underserved communities, disaggregating data by ethnicity and deprivation, and co-producing culturally competent care models.
Describe your approach to workforce planning.
Answer: I use acuity tools, review birth-rate data, and anticipate future needs through scenario modelling. I also work with HR on recruitment pipelines and succession planning.
How do you handle conflict within your team?
Answer: I address conflict early, using coaching techniques to understand each perspective. I facilitate open dialogue, ensure accountability, and foster a resolution-focused environment.
What’s your experience with digital transformation in maternity?
Answer: I’ve led the rollout of electronic maternity records (BadgerNet), integrated digital dashboards for KPIs, and supported staff through training and transition.
How do you ensure service user involvement?
Answer: I regularly host Maternity Voices Partnership (MVP) forums, conduct listening events, and incorporate feedback into service redesign. Service users are embedded in project boards as equal stakeholders.
How do you contribute to organisational goals?
Answer: I align the maternity strategy with Trust-wide priorities, contribute to Integrated Care System (ICS) planning, and present regular updates to the board and executive committees.
How do you approach risk management?
Answer: Risk identification, early escalation, and mitigations are integral to my leadership. I use risk registers, audit trails, and staff training to maintain a proactive safety culture.
Describe a time you had to influence board-level decision-making.
Answer: I successfully presented a business case for a perinatal mental health hub, using evidence-based data and cost-benefit analysis to secure board approval and funding.
How do you inspire and develop future midwifery leaders?
Answer: I created a leadership development programme, offering shadowing opportunities, mentoring, and structured CPD plans. Empowering the next generation is core to sustainable leadership.
What makes you the ideal candidate for this Band 8d Director of Midwifery role?
Answer: I bring strategic acumen, clinical credibility, and a passion for safe, equitable maternity care. My track record of transformational leadership, workforce development, and system collaboration positions me to lead effectively in this role.
Final Tips and Encouragement
Preparing for a Band 8d interview can be daunting, but remember: the panel wants you to succeed. Here are some closing tips:
Know the national and local maternity context (Ockenden, Better Births, Continuity of Carer).
Use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for structured responses.
Be clear on your values—especially safety, compassion, and leadership.
Bring data and impact wherever possible.
Practice aloud and seek feedback from a mentor or colleague.
You’ve already demonstrated excellence by reaching this level. Walk into your interview with confidence, clarity, and commitment to making a difference in maternity care.
Best of luck—you’ve got this!
