The investigation was announced by health and social care secretary Wes Streeting in June 2025 and will look at up to 10 services in the country. It will also review the maternity and neonatal system, bringing together the findings of past reviews into one clear national set of actions to ensure every woman and baby receives safe, high-quality and compassionate care.

The 10 maternity and neonatal units will be decided by Baroness Amos and her team, alongside the terms of reference of the investigation, which are being developed with the families who have experiences of maternity and neonatal care, including those in Leeds, Sussex, Nottingham and more. 

The investigation will begin its work this summer and produce an initial set of national recommendations by December 2025. 

Baroness Amos was selected by Streeting by direct ministerial appointment after feedback from bereaved families who expressed a preference for someone with distance from the NHS who is able to bring a fresh pair of eyes to the role.

She is currently master of University College, Oxford, and was previously a UK Government minister and senior official at the United Nations.

Baroness Amos will be supported by a team of expert advisors, who will be selected shortly following further engagement with families.

Streeting said: ‘I have been appalled by the many harrowing stories I've heard from mothers and fathers let down by the NHS.

‘Families asked for fresh eyes, independence and compassion - and that's why I've appointed Baroness Amos. Valerie has an outstanding record of leadership and driving change - nationally and internationally. She will work closely with families to uncover the truth, confront problems and drive the improvements needed so every woman and baby receives safe, high-quality care.'

Baroness Amos said: ‘I will carry the weight of the loss suffered by families with me throughout this investigation. I hope that we will be able to provide the answers that families are seeking and support the NHS in identifying areas of care requiring urgent reform.'

The investigation is separate from the National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce, which will be made up of a panel of experts and families, and chaired Streeting, to keep up momentum and deliver change.