The Commission’s final report describes the experiences of people getting and providing maternity care in Southwark. 

These 10 recommendations will be used to support changes that reduce inequality and underpin a local action plan. 

Recommendations for central government:

1. Leadership in addressing racism that leads to unequal maternal health 
2. Develop a new national way of reporting maternal health
3. Review the maternity workforce

Local recommendations:

4. Evaluate the fairness of maternity services  
5. Listen to and empower families  
6. Preparation and support before pregnancy  
7. Give parents the right information, at the right time, in the right way  
8. Create a joined-up approach to families’ needs between the NHS, south east London boroughs, and voluntary and community sector  
9. Southwark Council to review their role in maternity care  
10. Review how feedback is dealt with  

What’s next 

We want to see the recommendations put into action over the next few years, including:

• September 2024: Organisations commit to change
• November 2024: Commitment from Health and Wellbeing Board 
• April 2025: Development of action plan 
• April 2025 to September 2027: Implementation of action plan 
• Annual review each April 
• September 2027: Three-year interim review 
• September 2029: Five-year review