National Maternity Voices invite anyone connected with a Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership to nominate a project undertaken in the last 2 years for one of our awards:
‘Listening’ award: for single changes made in response to feedback ‘You said ..We did’ e.g. a change in signage after a 15 steps inspection or provision of decaffeinated drinks on the postnatal ward after it was mentioned in feedback collected in the community.
‘Co-production’ award: when staff and service users have worked together over an extended period to identify an issue and bring about improvements in the service e.g. reviewing the arrangements for inductions and developing a new information leaflet about the process supporting informed decisions.
All nominations will be posted on our website to provide a positive picture of the work of MNVPs around the country. Up to 3 projects will be accepted for each MNVP. Up to 5 will be selected as stars in May and invited to present their project at an awards event.
Nominations will be judged on involvement of service users, effective collaboration with staff and the benefits of the change made, particularly in regard to improving service equity.
Fill in our google form to nominate a project by 30th April 2026.
The sooner you nominate, the sooner it will appear on our website!
Thanks to Natalie Whyte, former Midlands Regional Service User Voice Representative for the idea.
Nominations for the Listening Award
Project: Unconscious bias can affect care
MNVP: Bristol, North Somerset & South Gloucestershire
What? Disparities in maternity and neonatal services for under-represented groups are a significant issue, and unconscious bias can play a major role in affecting care and unintentionally shaping service users’ experiences. The MNVP used feedback and lived experiences from service users to co-produce an awareness poster that acts as a gentle but powerful visual reminder for staff to pause, reflect, listen, and act with empathy. The poster is planned for placement across maternity staff areas to encourage more inclusive, respectful, and person-centred care, focusing on growth rather than blame, with the aim of improving experiences and outcomes.
Service user involvement: The issue was identified through feedback and lived experiences shared by service users via the MNVP. Service users, including women from diverse backgrounds and those with additional needs, contributed their voices and experiences, which informed the messages used in the poster. This work was supported through MNVP engagement activities and collaboration with community voices, with consent respected at all times.
Staff involved: From the LMNS (local maternity & neonatal system)
Benefits: Early feedback has been positive from maternity staff across both trusts, the LMNS, other MNVPs, and community organisations. The poster has been welcomed as a supportive, non-blaming tool that encourages reflection and learning. While it is too early to evidence measurable outcomes, the work contributes to improving equity by centring lived experience and raising awareness of how unconscious bias can impact care for under-represented and marginalised groups. Further feedback and evaluation are planned.
Nominations for the Co-Production Award
Project: Induction of Labour Video
MNVP: Baywide MNVP
What? Issue with communication from tris to service users regarding induction of labour. (More information being sought on this project)
Service user involvement: MNVP Lead and service users involved in true coproduction
Staff involved: From the Morecambe Bay Trust
Benefits: A resource which can be shared with device users when considering induction of labour