Independent midwives are regulated and registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). They are accountable for the actions as autonomous practitioners and are regularly assessed as competent and fit for practice by a named Supervisor of Midwives (SOM).

Independent midwives have chosen to work outside of the NHS in order to provide individualised, one-to-one midwifery care. Currently in the UK, professional indemnity insurance is not available to independent midwives. The implications of independent midwives not having indemnity insurance is that in cases where a baby may be born damaged there would be no financial recompense via an insurance company. This does not affect your right to make an official complaint to the NMC or the SOM should you have reason to.