PURPOSE:
The author designed and implemented structured, authentic assessments to evaluate undergraduate midwifery students’ competence in managing clinical emergencies. The objective was to ensure midwifery graduates are safe, confident, and practice-ready, with the ability to respond effectively in emergency situations. Clinical competency assessments (CCAs) were developed, aligned with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Future Midwife Standards (2024), to support the preparation of midwives who are responsive, reflective, and capable of providing high-quality emergency care.

DISCUSSION:
The assessments were developed for the Healthy Teams in Maternity Care theory unit within the undergraduate midwifery programme at The University of Manchester, and used for the first time in June 2024. A five-station model was designed, using multiple modalities, to assess students’ ability to recognise, respond to, and manage emergencies. Two Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) stations required the demonstration of practical skills in simulated emergency scenarios. Two viva voce stations assessed theoretical understanding, critical thinking, and clinical judgement. A document interpretation station tested students’ ability to analyse clinical records and manage midwifery emergencies.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
Co-designed by academic staff, clinical educators, and practising midwives, the scenarios ensured relevance, authenticity, and alignment with real-world midwifery practice. Evaluation showed that students felt more confident and better prepared to manage emergencies in placement settings. Examiners reported greater consistency in marking and improved identification of individual learning needs. The scenario-based format is widely recognised as a valid and effective method for assessing competence in emergency care within a university setting (Wright, 2021).

KEY MESSAGE:
Fulfilling the ICM’s call for ‘One Million More Midwives’ requires more than increasing numbers; we must ensure graduates are safe, skilled, and ready to respond to emergencies with confidence and competence. Authentic assessment models such as CCAs help bridge the gap between theory and practice, supporting the preparation of midwives who are equipped to deliver high-quality, woman-centred care. Poster session 3 (Group B)