Caterina Raniolo is the National Maternity Quality Improvement Lead at NHS England. She is also a midwife and continues to practice clinically in a London Trust, which helps her to bridge the realms of clinical practice and quality improvement, maintaining her midwifery registration while actively contributing to national initiatives.

Her passion for Quality Improvement (QI) has become the driving force behind her career. Caterina’s expertise lies in applying QI methodologies to elevate the standards of quality and safety in maternity and neonatal services. She champions the cause of fostering engagement and involvement among staff and service users, recognizing the pivotal role they play when improving services. Caterina holds a Masters degree in Healthcare Leadership from the prestigious NHS Leadership Academy, a testament to her commitment to continuous learning and growth. This academic achievement has equipped her with a successful blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, enabling her to excel in various leadership roles.

Caterina has been a featured speaker at numerous national conferences, where she shares her insights and experiences with fellow healthcare professionals. In 2017, Caterina proudly received the RCM “Better births” Award, recognizing her contributions to maternity care. The following year, she emerged as one of the winners of the NHS 70 Women’s Leaders Awards, a testament to her leadership prowess and dedication to advancing healthcare for women. Her team’s outstanding efforts were recognized when they became finalists in the BMJ Awards for Women’s Health Team of the Year in 2015. The NHS Elect Excellent Teamwork Award in 2019 and the HSJ Staff Engagement Award in 2021 further underscore Caterina’s commitment to collaborative excellence.

Caterina’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of blending leadership, clinical expertise with a passion for quality improvement.