18th December 2025
The Institute of Health Visiting (iHV) is delighted to announce the appointment of Marcia Smikle as our new Safeguarding Expert Adviser.
Marcia brings exceptional knowledge and experience to this role, with a distinguished career across nursing, midwifery, and health visiting. She holds a BSc in Health Studies and an MSc in Nursing and is recognised as a Queen’s Nurse for her commitment to excellence in care. Alongside her clinical expertise, Marcia is a Visiting Lecturer at City St George’s University of London, where she teaches on the Public Health and Specialist Community Nursing programmes.
Currently, Marcia is the Head of Safeguarding Children at Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and an active member of the City and Hackney Safeguarding Children Partnership. Her work has championed diversity and equality, including establishing a BME Staff Network and developing award-winning services. She has also served as a registrant panellist on Fitness to Practise Panels with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
A passionate advocate for vulnerable children whose voices are often unheard, Marcia is committed to learning, sharing knowledge, and encouraging colleagues to do the same. We feel very privileged to have Marcia join our growing group of Expert Advisers to support the work of the Institute.
Commenting on her appointment, Marcia said:
“Health visitors play a vital role in protecting the health and wellbeing of children, families, and communities. I look forward to championing and embedding safeguarding practice that is equitable, anti-racist, and culturally competent. Because every child deserves to grow up safe, seen, and supported. Together at the iHV, we can make a real difference in the lives of children and their families.”
Marcia will work alongside Trish Stewart, iHV Expert Adviser for Safeguarding, to strengthen the iHV’s capacity to influence policy and practice in the crucial area of safeguarding.
