Band 7 Infection Prevention and Control Specialist Nurse

Band 7 Infection Prevention and Control Specialist Nurse

The closing date is 28 July 2026

The Band 7 Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Nurse is a key specialist role within the Trust's governance, quality, and patient safety framework. The post holder works as an autonomous practitioner within the IPC Team, providing expert advice and support across BSMHFT to ensure compliance with national standards, including the Health and Social Care Act (2008) and CQC requirements.

The role is essential in the prevention, surveillance, and management of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) and outbreaks. This includes undertaking risk assessments, supporting incident investigations, analysing data, and providing assurance on IPC performance.

The post holder leads on the development and implementation of IPC policies, audit programmes, and improvement initiatives, working across inpatient, community, and corporate services to influence practice and drive compliance. A key aspect of the role is delivering education and training, promoting a positive IPC culture, and supporting staff to embed best practice.

The Band 7 IPC Nurse contributes to operational resilience within the team and deputises for the Lead IPC Nurse and the Deputy IPC Lead Nurse when required, ensuring continuity of leadership and specialist support.

This role is critical to maintaining regulatory compliance and protecting patients, staff, and the wider community, and is fundamental to the delivery of safe, high-quality care across the Trust.

The Infection Control Nurse is based within the Infection Prevention and Control Team at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Northcroft site.

The post holder works as part of the IPC Team alongside the Lead IPC Nurse and the other well-established members of the IPC team, with overall responsibility held by the Director of Nursing in their role as Director of Infection Prevention and Control (DIPC).

In conjunction with the Lead IPC Nurse, the post holder contributes to the coordination and ongoing development of a high-quality, effective infection prevention and control service.

The role involves working autonomously within the IPC Team to support the prevention, surveillance, investigation, and control of infection across the Trust.

The post holder participates in the delivery of education and training programmes for clinical and non‑clinical staff to promote best practice and improve compliance.

The role requires flexibility to ensure a responsive and comprehensive IPC service, including deputising for the Lead IPC Nurse and Deputy IPC Lead Nurse where required.

• Registered Nurse with current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
• Degree in Nursing or equivalent level qualification with significant post‑registration experience at band 6 or above.
• Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to Infection Prevention and Control.
• Experience of advising and influencing staff at all levels within an organisation.
• Understanding of healthcare‑associated infections, outbreak management, surveillance, and infection prevention strategies.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage a complex workload. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and challenge practice constructively.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and evidence‑based practice.
• Experience of undertaking audits, surveillance, and quality improvement activities.
• Post‑registration qualification in Infection Prevention and Control, or evidence of working towards a recognised IPC qualification.
• Experience of developing, implementing, or reviewing policies, procedures, and clinical guidelines.
• Experience of delivering education and training to multidisciplinary staff groups.
• Understanding of risk management processes and incident reporting systems.
• Knowledge of the Health and Social Care Act 2008:
  Code of Practice on the Prevention and Control of Infections.

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.

Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.

Pay: £49,387 to £56,515 a year, pro rata.