PURPOSE:
To share Wales's strategic approach to development of the perinatal engagement framework led by Welsh Government. The framework embeds equity, inclusion and person-centred care across maternity and neonatal services by amplifying service user voices, particularly from minoritised groups, informing service design, delivery and continuous quality improvement.

DISCUSSION:
Co-produced with stakeholders, communities and clinicians, the framework responds to evidence of disparities in perinatal outcomes and experiences, particularly among women from the global majority. It supports Welsh Government priorities including the anti-racist Wales action plan and quality statement for maternity and neonatal services and algins with international midwifery standards promoting rights-based respectful maternity care. Key commitments include targeted engagement, building community trust, culturally safe communication and service redesign based on lived experience. Cultural workforce development and data informed actions are central to delivering system wide change. By fostering collaboration and amplifying service user voices, the framework drives sustainable equity improvements.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
Global research highlights how systemic racism, disrespect and culturally unsafe care worsen outcomes and experiences for women from minoritised groups. The World Health Organisation and international midwifery bodies stress the importance of listening to women and embedding rights-based care. UK inquires show Black, Asian and minority ethnic women face poorer maternal and neonatal outcomes and are often unheard. Maternity and Neonatal Voice Partnerships lack diverse representation, limiting equitable service design. In Wales, national policies prioritise equitable, inclusive care, with workforce plans focusing on diversity and capability. Local engagement confirms persistent barriers, including communication failures, cultural insensitivity and mistrust in services.

KEY MESSAGE:
The perinatal engagement framework offers a replicable model for embedding equity, inclusion and women's voices in maternity and neonatal services. Centring on lived experience, it empowers midwives and neonatal nurses to lead systemic change, delivering on national policy and advancing midwifery values of social justice in perinatal care. Policy - strategy (including three-minute presentation competition)