Jacqueline Dunkley‑Bent is a British midwife, academic, and public health leader who served as the inaugural Chief Midwifery Officer for NHS England. She is recognized for her contributions to midwifery practice, education, and health policy development in the United Kingdom.
Early life and education
Details of Dunkley‑Bent’s early life, including her date and place of birth, are not widely documented in publicly accessible sources. She trained as a midwife in the United Kingdom and subsequently pursued postgraduate education, obtaining a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy in related health sciences. She holds a professorial appointment in midwifery and maternal health.
Career
- Clinical practice – Dunkley‑Bent began her professional career as a practicing midwife within the National Health Service (NHS), gaining experience in both community and hospital settings.
- Academic roles – She has held senior academic positions, including Professor of Midwifery and Director of the Centre for Midwifery and Women’s Health at a UK university. Her work has focused on evidence‑based practice, workforce development, and improving maternal and neonatal outcomes.
- Leadership in NHS England – In 2019, Dunkley‑Bent was appointed the first Chief Midwifery Officer for NHS England, a role created to provide strategic direction and advocacy for the midwifery workforce across the health service. In this capacity, she contributed to national policy development, workforce planning, and initiatives aimed at improving maternity services.
- Public health and advisory work – She has served on various advisory committees and boards, including the Royal College of Midwives and UK governmental health panels, influencing policy on maternal health, workforce sustainability, and health equity.
Honours and awards
- Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) – Dunkley‑Bent was appointed a Dame Commander in the 2022 New Year Honours for services to midwifery and public health.
- Fellowships – She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Midwives (FRCM) and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine (FRSM).
- Professional recognitions – She has received multiple awards for leadership and contributions to maternity care, including recognition from professional midwifery bodies and health organisations.
Publications and research
Dunkley‑Bent has authored and co‑authored numerous peer‑reviewed articles, book chapters, and reports focusing on midwifery practice, workforce issues, and maternal health outcomes. Her research often addresses the integration of clinical evidence into practice and the impact of policy on service delivery.
Professional affiliations
- Royal College of Midwives (RCM)
- Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Health Education England
- Various UK health‑policy advisory groups
Legacy and impact
As the first Chief Midwifery Officer for NHS England, Dunkley‑Bent helped shape the strategic direction of midwifery services at a national level, advocating for improved workforce conditions and evidence‑based maternity care. Her academic and clinical contributions have been influential in advancing the professional status of midwives and in promoting better health outcomes for mothers and infants in the UK.