THE LEARNING OUTCOMES:
When done with the workshop, participants will be able to: 1. Explain what accreditation is, 2. Identify how accreditation is different from licensure. 3. Evaluate the accreditation process, 4. Explain how accreditation can be used to support and strengthen the midwifery model of care 5. Assess how their work environment compares to the standards 6. Identify barriers to accreditation in their contexts.

THE PROCESS/ACTIVITIES:
Accreditation is an independent assessment against recognized standards to demonstrate competence and high-quality care. Using global standards for maternal-child health and midwifery-led birth centers, Goodbirth Network (GBN) created an accreditation process for midwifery centers that meet or exceed these standards. Centers in five different countries (Haiti, South Africa, Mexico, Philippines, Uganda) have been part of this process, with two fully accredited. In this workshop we provide an overview of accreditation, the GBN standards for accreditation, and their use. We will then break out into small groups to focus on the first step, a self-assessment tool. Through guided small group work we will review each domain, discuss how the standards translate into local contexts using a human rights based approach, and then use the self-assessment tool. Finally as a group we will identify barriers to accreditation and next steps to address them. .

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION:
This workshop is intended for current and prospective midwifery centers and midwives interested in learning more about midwifery centers and accreditation. Additional reading Stevens J, Alonso C. Developing operational standards for midwifery centers. Midwifery. 2021;93:102882. doi:10.1016/j.midw.2020.102882 World Health Organization. Implementation Guidance on Transitioning to Midwifery Models of Care. World Health Organization; 2025. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. International Confederation of Midwives. Policy Brief: Implementing Midwife-Led Birth Centres. International Confederation of Midwives; 2025.