What does the Midwifery Council NOT do?

The Midwifery Council is primarily focused on ensuring that midwifery practice meets established standards for safety and quality. One of its core functions includes promoting the responsibilities of midwives, which entails providing guidance on best practices and ethical standards pivotal for maintaining public trust in the profession.

Regarding authorization of registration, the Midwifery Council plays a crucial role in assessing and verifying that midwives meet the necessary education and training requirements before they can practice, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the profession. This process ensures that only qualified individuals are allowed to register and provide care to patients.

Additionally, addressing concerns about competence is a fundamental part of the Council's role. When issues arise regarding a midwife's ability to practice safely and effectively, the Council has mechanisms in place to evaluate and respond to these concerns to maintain high standards of care.

While discipline for misconduct is an important aspect of regulatory bodies, the question specifically asks for what the Midwifery Council does not do. It's vital to clarify that while the Council may have a process for handling complaints, its primary responsibilities do not include disciplinary action—that function is typically carried out by a separate committee or body established to manage ethical breaches and misconduct directly.