The UK Government has announced that 14 NHS trusts will undergo an independent national maternity and neonatal services investigation, led by Baroness Valerie Amos.
On 14 August 2025, Amos was appointed as the maternity and neonatal investigation chair.
This investigation will prioritise the involvement of families, following the contributions of affected families to the development of the draft terms of reference.
It aims to comprehend the experiences of affected women and families, identify lessons learned, and drive necessary improvements to ensure safe and quality maternity and neonatal care throughout England.
In addition, the investigation will address systemic issues in maternity and neonatal care that have persisted for the past 15 years.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting announced the investigation in June, following the government's inheritance of these systemic issues.
This is accompanied by immediate measures to enhance care, such as increased intervention by the Secretary of State and the NHS Chief Executive to hold underperforming trusts accountable.
Streeting said: “Bereaved families have shown extraordinary courage in coming forward to help inform this rapid national investigation alongside Baroness Amos.
“What they have experienced is devastating, and their strength will help protect other families from enduring what they have been through.”
The investigation will scrutinise the complete maternity system, building on previous independent reviews that highlighted persistent issues, including women's concerns being ignored, safety risks being overlooked, and inadequate leadership contributing to negative workplace cultures.
The review will evaluate the lived experiences of families, the quality and safety of services, the factors driving inequality, and the obstacles to improvement.
Interim recommendations are expected in December 2025.
Amos said: “It is vital that the voices of mothers and families are at the heart of this investigation from the very beginning.
“Their experiences, including those of fathers and non-birthing partners, will guide our work and shape the national recommendations we will publish.”
