Sophie Black
Head of Division
Biography
I am the current Head of Division for Mdwifery and Lead Midwife for Education. Previous to this role I have worked as an experienced Senior Midwifery Lecturer, having worked in Higher Education for many years now. I qualified as a midwife in 2007 and have worked in a range of settings within midwifery care including; community, intrapartum care, triage, antenatal clinic, antenatal day unit and basic ultrasonography. During my career I have worked as a rotational midwife, senior practice development midwife and lecturer in other Higher Education Institutes. I have worked hard to continually develop my skills and experience by looking for opportunities and challenges and have an invested interest in teaching and supporting our new generation of student midwives. I have been nominated by student's and received an award for going above and beyond as a senior midwifery lecturer and I feel honoured and proud to work for the University of Chester.
Teaching and Supervision
I am the module leader for a variety of modules across the BSc (Hons) Midwifery programme and have been lead in many areas during my academic career to inclue, practice lead, simulation lead and previous BSc programme leader. My interest’s include; complex care, simulation using the inter-professional team and preceptorship for newly qualified midwives. I also have training in human factors and hypnobirthing. My other roles include; Academic Assessor, co-ordination and implementation of MORA, and personal academic tutor to a named group of students.
Research and Knowledge Exchange
I have published 3 journal articles over the years and have an interest and experience in simulated learning, multi-disciplinary working during emergencies, preceptorship and human factors. My plan is to complete a doctorate when the opportunity arises to enhance and progress my career in Higher Education. Black, S. (2018). Obstetric emergencies: Enhancing the multi-disciplinary team through simulation. British Journal of Midwifery, 26 (2), Pg. 96-102. Black, S. (2018). Finding strength after bullying in the workplace: a reflective account. MIDIRS Midwifery Digest, 28 (1), Pg. 23-27. Black, S. (2018). Does Preceptorship support newly qualified midwives to become confident practitioners? British Journal of Midwifery, 26 (12). Pg. 806-811.