Job summary
We're looking for an exceptional infection prevention expert and leader who's ready to make a real difference to patient safety at ELHT. This is a strategic role where you'll be the go-to expert and the champion for infection prevention excellence. You'll have senior leadership experience and worked at a strategic level in the NHS, and understand the complexities of the role, as well as the statutory and governance requirements. You will be able to combine strategic thinking with operational excellence, writing policies, shaping the future of infection prevention, and rolling up your sleeves to solve problems on the ground.You are a confident communicator who can write and present papers to the Board as well as negotiate improved practices with clinical teams. You are able to drive change and are not afraid to challenge poor practice when patient safety is at stake.
You will bring genuine expertise in infection prevention and control along with a Master's degree (or equivalent experience), ENB 329 or equivalent and substantial experience working at senior nurse level.
Main duties of the job
You'll lead the Trust's Infection Prevention Nursing Team, providing strategic direction and hands-on leadership to deliver excellence in infection prevention and control across all our sites. You'll develop the annual IPC programme and work plan, create and implement Trust-wide policies, and design surveillance programmes that track and reduce healthcare-associated infections. You'll present complex data and recommendations to the Board and senior committees, influencing decision-making at the highest level.
When outbreaks occur, you'll take charge, investigating, implementing control measures, and managing incidents through to resolution. You'll be the go-to expert for staff at all levels, providing advice on everything from complex clinical cases to capital building projects.
You'll drive quality improvement through robust audit programmes, deliver education and training across the organisation, manage the IPC budget, and ensure we meet all regulatory requirements including the Health and Social Care Act.
About us
At ELHT we serve over 530,000 people across East Lancashire, and employ around 10,000 colleagues, many of whom are internationally renowned and award-winning. We're rated 'Good' by the CQC and have sustained continuous improvement through our relentless focus on Safe, Personal and Effective Care. We're a professional and passionate team working together in an open and supportive culture. Our leadership is accessible and visible, our senior nurses meet regularly with colleagues at all levels, creating an environment where everyone's voice matters. We've built a continuous improvement culture that encourages learning and problem-solving, where staff are treated with respect and supported to grow. As part of the Corporate Nursing team, you'll be at the heart of strategic decision-making, working alongside the Deputy Chief Nurse and Director of Infection Prevention. You'll be shaping Trust-wide policy, influencing culture, and seeing the direct impact of your work across all our sites. We're committed to your development. We take training seriously and provide comprehensive opportunities for continuous professional development. Our compassionate leadership approach means we recruit, induct, appraise, and lead on the basis of values that matter.
Join us, and you'll be part of a team that's making a genuine difference to staff and patients every day and where your expertise will be valued.
Job description
Job responsibilities
You will also play a critical role in several other key areas.
- Deputy chair of the Infection Prevention Committee and a key member of Decontamination, Water Safety and Ventilation Safety groups.
- Work closely with Risk Management, Patient Safety and Clinical Governance teams, identifying where new guidelines could improve care quality.
- Line management responsibilities, conducting appraisals, managing performance, supporting professional development, and building a high-performing team.
- Managing the IPC budget, preparing business cases, and making strategic decisions about resource allocation.
- Working and networking with IPC colleagues locally and nationally, representing the Trust at conferences and professional meetings.
- Provide expert infection prevention advice when emergency situations arise requiring business continuity.
- Oversee patient information literature, manage the Trust's IPC intranet pages, and coordinate the IPC Champion network across clinical areas to ensure infection prevention expertise reaches every corner of the organisation.
Job description
Job responsibilities
You will also play a critical role in several other key areas.
- Deputy chair of the Infection Prevention Committee and a key member of Decontamination, Water Safety and Ventilation Safety groups.
- Work closely with Risk Management, Patient Safety and Clinical Governance teams, identifying where new guidelines could improve care quality.
- Line management responsibilities, conducting appraisals, managing performance, supporting professional development, and building a high-performing team.
- Managing the IPC budget, preparing business cases, and making strategic decisions about resource allocation.
- Working and networking with IPC colleagues locally and nationally, representing the Trust at conferences and professional meetings.
- Provide expert infection prevention advice when emergency situations arise requiring business continuity.
- Oversee patient information literature, manage the Trust's IPC intranet pages, and coordinate the IPC Champion network across clinical areas to ensure infection prevention expertise reaches every corner of the organisation.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Masters degree or equivalent
- Registered nurse
- ENB 329 or equivalent Infection Control qualification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working at a senior management level within the NHS
- Experience of MDT working with medical staff and other clinicians
Desirable
- Previous experience at Senior Nurse level
Knowledge
Essential
- Evidence of professional/clinical knowledge of IPC supplemented by specialist clinical, managerial training and CPD
- Expertise in the knowledge and practice of Infection Control nursing
- Up to date knowledge of IPC research
Other
Essential
- Ability to deal with competing priorities and demanding workload
- Effective communicator able to communicate complex and sensitive information
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Masters degree or equivalent
- Registered nurse
- ENB 329 or equivalent Infection Control qualification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working at a senior management level within the NHS
- Experience of MDT working with medical staff and other clinicians
Desirable
- Previous experience at Senior Nurse level
Knowledge
Essential
- Evidence of professional/clinical knowledge of IPC supplemented by specialist clinical, managerial training and CPD
- Expertise in the knowledge and practice of Infection Control nursing
- Up to date knowledge of IPC research
Other
Essential
- Ability to deal with competing priorities and demanding workload
- Effective communicator able to communicate complex and sensitive information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
