As the UK's only dedicated trade union for midwives and maternity support workers in the UK  lobbing and influencing is central to what the RCM does day in day out. If you’ve ever wondered about the lobbying and influencing work that happens behind scenes at the RCM this is the episode for you and an opportunity to hear more about what the RCM is doing for you as a member at national and local level. In this episode, Gemma meets Stuart Bonar RCM’s Public Affairs to hear more about the RCM as a political influencer and how the RCM gets MP's to listen and advocate for RCM members. Maternity support worker, Keelie Barrett, shares her experiences and recent workplace wins as an RCM Health & Safety rep, Keelie also discusses her role as an RCM Board member. Gemma is also joined by Sean O’ Sullivan RCM’s Head of Health and Social Policy who talks about the RCM’s One Voice collaboration, how influential the RCM’s policy work has been, and how working together is key to securing stronger influence and wins for RCM members.