Job summary An exciting opportunity has arisen with the Infection Prevention Management team at NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board. Somerset ICB IPC team are offering the opportunity of a nine month one year secondment (dependent on grade) to appoint an enthusiastic and motivated practitioner at a band 5/6 (experience dependent) to join our successful team. This is an excellent opportunity for the right candidate to expand their knowledge and gain experience in infection prevention and management and quality improvement in this challenging but rewarding role. The post holder will work collaboratively and flexibly across the Somerset system supporting primary care, dental practices, Pharmacists, Optometrists and health and social care with quality improvement and assurance focusing on high quality care and patient safety. The postholder will provide specialist advice, sharing knowledge and expertise working collaboratively across the organisation and wider Somerset health and social care system. You will be joining a supportive, enthusiastic, and compassionate team of senior staff both with a clinical and non-clinical background who provide a vital role in supporting the quality improvement and patient safety agenda across Somerset. This is an exciting developmental role for an individual who is interested and passionate about infection prevention management to gain experience working within NHS Somerset ICB IPM team. Main duties of the job To support Somerset Integrated Care Board and partnership organisations with infection prevention management working as a member of the infection prevention management team, supervised by the Head of Infection Prevention Management. You will be supported to assist with: - Monitoring that robust processes are in place within provider organisations to demonstrate compliance with national standards for IPM, including the Health and Social Care Act 2008: Code of Practice on the Prevention and Control of Infections Provision of expert advice across all health and social care settings across Somerset. Supporting IPM by promoting, advocating, and enabling best infection prevention and control practice through developing relationships with and health and social care providers across Somerset ICB Implementation of national guidance and evidence-based practice. Influencing clinical practice Surveillance of communicable infections and analysis of infection data Auditing of environments and clinical practice audits Educational and training Participating in quality improvement projects and monitoring Supporting the Nursing & Quality team with quality assurance and improvement of infection prevention and management provision across Somerset. The post holder will work collaboratively across the system to support the development of policies and procedures that are focused on high quality care and patient safety. About us NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB) is responsible for implementing a health and care strategy developed by the Integrated Care Partnership. It consists of approximately 350 staff across 8 directorates, each with multiple teams. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups, and are committed to equality of opportunity. We believe diverse organisations best reflect the communities they serve. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if sufficient applications are received before the advertised closing date. Visa sponsorship is not offered. Flexible working is available from day one, including an agile home/office-based approach. However, you will be required to work from our HQ in Yeovil for 2/3 days a week and traveling to other Somerset locations for meetings may be necessary. Please consider this before applying. Note for existing NHS Employees applying for Fixed Term vacancies at NHS Somerset If you are an existing NHS Employee and are applying for a Fixed Term role with NHS Somerset, the role will be offered on a secondment basis only. You should gain agreement from your current employer before applying to allow you to be released on secondment. Please ensure the reference section confirms your current HR Department details. Thank you for your interest Date posted 26 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £29,970 to £44,962 a year Contract Fixed term Duration 12 months Working pattern Part-time, Flexible working Reference number D9462-SOMICB016-25 Job locations NHS Somerset ICB Wynford House, Lufton Way Yeovil Somerset BA22 8HR Job description Job responsibilities Purpose of the role To support Somerset Integrated Care Board and partner organisations in the management and prevention of infection through working as a member of the infection prevention and control team, supervised by the Lead Infection Prevention and Control Nurse. The post holder will be a key member of the IPC and Quality, Safety and Improvement team whose overarching goals to enable, promote and support the effective use of data, information, knowledge and technology to improve, inform and support a portfolio of projects and initiatives related to IP&C. Work collaboratively across the ICB resolving day to day IPC issues autonomously where possible. Work flexibly within the IPC team to support all health and social care providers across the Somerset system. To assist or lead quality improvement projects/initiatives. Supporting IPC by promoting, advocating, and enabling best infection prevention and control practice through developing relationships with and health and social care providers across Somerset ICB Implementation of national guidance and evidence-based practice Influencing clinical practice Surveillance of communicable infections and analysis of infection data Auditing of environments and clinical practice audits Educational and training The ICB has responsibility for proving services and support to several primary care services including GP Surgeries, dental, community pharmacy and community optometry. Hence, the role will be required to support the IPC and Quality, Safety and Improvement team with quality assurance and improvement of dental practice provision across the Somerset system. Work collaboratively with across Somerset System to ensure policies and procedures are up to date and focused on high quality care and patient safety demonstrating compliance with national standards for IPC, including the Health and Social Care Act 2008: Code of Practice on the Prevention and Control of Infections Provide specialist advice and share dental knowledge and expertise across the IPC and Quality, Improvement and Patient Safety teams. Work collaboratively with Complaints team within the ICB to provide expert knowledge to complaint response related to dental practices and all health care providers across the Somerset system. To provide specialist clinical advice on quality and patient safety related to dental care to support local health and social care providers as appropriate. Key responsibilities of the role Professional/Clinical Participate and assist investigation of outbreaks of infection and participate in monitoring prevention and control measures. Participate and lead post infection reviews of alert organisms, identifying learning outcomes, assisting in the development of improvement action plans and escalating concerns. To be aware of infection prevention and control national guidance to provide advice on infection prevention and control principles to enable the provision of safe, quality care. Regularly evaluate control of infection measures in specific situations with a view to constant improvement. Advise on the care of individuals with infectious conditions and seek advice from IPC lead/team where appropriate. Collect clinical data for use by the infection prevention and control team for the purpose of monitoring and the surveillance of infections. Participate in audit programmes across health and social care settings, reporting results and facilitating change as appropriate Liaise and report on a daily basis to the Lead Nurse and IPC team on current infection prevention and control business and issues. Monitor compliance with infection prevention and control guidelines. Assist in the development of infection prevention and control champions across all health and social care settings. Enable and support their professional development through visits to their workplace, setting up link persons forums to support networking and educational sessions. To participate in specific system wide IPC and Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) improvement programmes as required. This will include assisting with the GNBSI reduction programme, with a specific emphasis on reducing cases associated with primary care and the care home sector. Be aware of and contribute to the wider IPC agenda system wide throughout Somerset. To attend Somerset Infection Control forum and other regional or national meetings as appropriate. Promote infection prevention and control principles and best practice, leading by example. Support the ICB patient safety and quality improvement function, working in collaboration with the quality team. Participate in patient safety quality improvement programmes in collaboration with the quality, safety, and improvement team. Analytical and Judgemental Responsibilities Participates and/or leads complex case reviews where information is obtained from a variety of different sources (sometimes conflicting), and interprets information gained to provide an opinion of whether evidence-based practice has been followed, and to identify any learning that needs to be taken forward with the appropriate organisation / individual. Assesses and participates in serious incident investigations for IP&C and other patient safety areas. Identifies root causes of incidents, recognises, and offers solutions to prevent recurrence Interprets and analyses sometimes complex HCAI surveillance data from a variety of different sources, including the identification of trends and themes, and produces reports to reflect these Reviews provider performance data and audit reports to assess performance and compliance with national standards, making recommendations accordingly, and works collaboratively to achieve improvements where necessary. Exercises own judgement in assessing events and prioritising work. Planning and Organisational Responsibilities Participates and develops complex programmes of work relating to IPC, and plans how these will be implemented, co-ordinating multiple organisations/ individuals, and taking into account changing priorities and circumstances. Plans, implements, and evaluates changes in practice, with an emphasis on sustaining improvements made in IPC. Collaborates with staff from a wide range of organisations such as provider organisations, Somerset County Council, Local Authority Public Health, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, National Health Service England etc. Collaborates with ICB quality, safety and improvement team in planning and implementing quality monitoring and assurance activities Lead and participate in quality improvement projects in response to learning from infection investigations/thematic reviews. Communication and Relationships Communicates and builds effective relationships with a wide range of professionals at all levels from a variety of commissioning and provider organisations. Uses motivational, persuasive, and negotiating skills with individuals and groups to promote compliance with best practice. Works collaboratively to ensure organisations or individuals identify any lapses in care, and action learning associated with these. Provides support to organisations and IPC teams to implement national guidance and evidence-based practice. Presents complex and /or contentious information to individuals and groups, including the public. Demonstrates confidence in conveying and justifying their professional opinion where this may be contentious. Communicates with patients / clients about sensitive and personal information in relation to Healthcare associated Infections (HCAIs). Builds strong, open relationships with IPC teams from provider organisations, in order to facilitate both performance monitoring, as well as to provide support. Communicates highly complex information in relation to HCAIs and IPC to a range of individuals with varying levels of knowledge of the subject, and at all grades of seniority. Works as part of the quality and nursing team in promoting quality improvement and patient safety across all commissioned services. Physical Responsibilities High levels of data accuracy required. Demonstrates advanced keyboard skills and ability to use a variety of different computer software packages e.g., surveillance software such as ICNET. Responsibility for Patient / Client Care Provides highly specialist advice regarding the care and/or treatment of patients with infection. Ensures all clinical advice complies with national guidance and evidence-based practice. Interprets microbiological and other clinical test results in order to provide appropriate clinical advice. Communicates with patients regarding surveillance information, including risk factors for infection, clinical history etc. Participates in patient and carer experience programmes as part of the quality and nursing team. Responsibility for Policy / Service Development Interprets national guidance and published material in order to advise how organisations should apply it to their specific areas of clinical practice. Proposes policy changes within provider organisations according to evidence based practice. Reviews data presented by provider organisations in terms of compliance with policy implementation, interprets this, and offers suggestions to improve compliance where necessary. Responsibility for Financial & Physical Resources Observes personal duty of care in relation to equipment and resources used in the course of their work Job description Job responsibilities Purpose of the role To support Somerset Integrated Care Board and partner organisations in the management and prevention of infection through working as a member of the infection prevention and control team, supervised by the Lead Infection Prevention and Control Nurse. The post holder will be a key member of the IPC and Quality, Safety and Improvement team whose overarching goals to enable, promote and support the effective use of data, information, knowledge and technology to improve, inform and support a portfolio of projects and initiatives related to IP&C. Work collaboratively across the ICB resolving day to day IPC issues autonomously where possible. Work flexibly within the IPC team to support all health and social care providers across the Somerset system. To assist or lead quality improvement projects/initiatives. Supporting IPC by promoting, advocating, and enabling best infection prevention and control practice through developing relationships with and health and social care providers across Somerset ICB Implementation of national guidance and evidence-based practice Influencing clinical practice Surveillance of communicable infections and analysis of infection data Auditing of environments and clinical practice audits Educational and training The ICB has responsibility for proving services and support to several primary care services including GP Surgeries, dental, community pharmacy and community optometry. Hence, the role will be required to support the IPC and Quality, Safety and Improvement team with quality assurance and improvement of dental practice provision across the Somerset system. Work collaboratively with across Somerset System to ensure policies and procedures are up to date and focused on high quality care and patient safety demonstrating compliance with national standards for IPC, including the Health and Social Care Act 2008: Code of Practice on the Prevention and Control of Infections Provide specialist advice and share dental knowledge and expertise across the IPC and Quality, Improvement and Patient Safety teams. Work collaboratively with Complaints team within the ICB to provide expert knowledge to complaint response related to dental practices and all health care providers across the Somerset system. To provide specialist clinical advice on quality and patient safety related to dental care to support local health and social care providers as appropriate. Key responsibilities of the role Professional/Clinical Participate and assist investigation of outbreaks of infection and participate in monitoring prevention and control measures. Participate and lead post infection reviews of alert organisms, identifying learning outcomes, assisting in the development of improvement action plans and escalating concerns. To be aware of infection prevention and control national guidance to provide advice on infection prevention and control principles to enable the provision of safe, quality care. Regularly evaluate control of infection measures in specific situations with a view to constant improvement. Advise on the care of individuals with infectious conditions and seek advice from IPC lead/team where appropriate. Collect clinical data for use by the infection prevention and control team for the purpose of monitoring and the surveillance of infections. Participate in audit programmes across health and social care settings, reporting results and facilitating change as appropriate Liaise and report on a daily basis to the Lead Nurse and IPC team on current infection prevention and control business and issues. Monitor compliance with infection prevention and control guidelines. Assist in the development of infection prevention and control champions across all health and social care settings. Enable and support their professional development through visits to their workplace, setting up link persons forums to support networking and educational sessions. To participate in specific system wide IPC and Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) improvement programmes as required. This will include assisting with the GNBSI reduction programme, with a specific emphasis on reducing cases associated with primary care and the care home sector. Be aware of and contribute to the wider IPC agenda system wide throughout Somerset. To attend Somerset Infection Control forum and other regional or national meetings as appropriate. Promote infection prevention and control principles and best practice, leading by example. Support the ICB patient safety and quality improvement function, working in collaboration with the quality team. Participate in patient safety quality improvement programmes in collaboration with the quality, safety, and improvement team. Analytical and Judgemental Responsibilities Participates and/or leads complex case reviews where information is obtained from a variety of different sources (sometimes conflicting), and interprets information gained to provide an opinion of whether evidence-based practice has been followed, and to identify any learning that needs to be taken forward with the appropriate organisation / individual. Assesses and participates in serious incident investigations for IP&C and other patient safety areas. Identifies root causes of incidents, recognises, and offers solutions to prevent recurrence Interprets and analyses sometimes complex HCAI surveillance data from a variety of different sources, including the identification of trends and themes, and produces reports to reflect these Reviews provider performance data and audit reports to assess performance and compliance with national standards, making recommendations accordingly, and works collaboratively to achieve improvements where necessary. Exercises own judgement in assessing events and prioritising work. Planning and Organisational Responsibilities Participates and develops complex programmes of work relating to IPC, and plans how these will be implemented, co-ordinating multiple organisations/ individuals, and taking into account changing priorities and circumstances. Plans, implements, and evaluates changes in practice, with an emphasis on sustaining improvements made in IPC. Collaborates with staff from a wide range of organisations such as provider organisations, Somerset County Council, Local Authority Public Health, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, National Health Service England etc. Collaborates with ICB quality, safety and improvement team in planning and implementing quality monitoring and assurance activities Lead and participate in quality improvement projects in response to learning from infection investigations/thematic reviews. Communication and Relationships Communicates and builds effective relationships with a wide range of professionals at all levels from a variety of commissioning and provider organisations. Uses motivational, persuasive, and negotiating skills with individuals and groups to promote compliance with best practice. Works collaboratively to ensure organisations or individuals identify any lapses in care, and action learning associated with these. Provides support to organisations and IPC teams to implement national guidance and evidence-based practice. Presents complex and /or contentious information to individuals and groups, including the public. Demonstrates confidence in conveying and justifying their professional opinion where this may be contentious. Communicates with patients / clients about sensitive and personal information in relation to Healthcare associated Infections (HCAIs). Builds strong, open relationships with IPC teams from provider organisations, in order to facilitate both performance monitoring, as well as to provide support. Communicates highly complex information in relation to HCAIs and IPC to a range of individuals with varying levels of knowledge of the subject, and at all grades of seniority. Works as part of the quality and nursing team in promoting quality improvement and patient safety across all commissioned services. Physical Responsibilities High levels of data accuracy required. Demonstrates advanced keyboard skills and ability to use a variety of different computer software packages e.g., surveillance software such as ICNET. Responsibility for Patient / Client Care Provides highly specialist advice regarding the care and/or treatment of patients with infection. Ensures all clinical advice complies with national guidance and evidence-based practice. Interprets microbiological and other clinical test results in order to provide appropriate clinical advice. Communicates with patients regarding surveillance information, including risk factors for infection, clinical history etc. Participates in patient and carer experience programmes as part of the quality and nursing team. Responsibility for Policy / Service Development Interprets national guidance and published material in order to advise how organisations should apply it to their specific areas of clinical practice. Proposes policy changes within provider organisations according to evidence based practice. Reviews data presented by provider organisations in terms of compliance with policy implementation, interprets this, and offers suggestions to improve compliance where necessary. Responsibility for Financial & Physical Resources Observes personal duty of care in relation to equipment and resources used in the course of their work Person Specification Qualifications Essential GCSEs or equivalent in literacy and numeracy Registered General Nurse, Allied Health Professional or Dental Nurse with current registration on NMC or equivalent clinical qualification (E.g., HCPC, GDC) Portfolios must be completed and signed. Evidence of continuing professional development and post qualification E.g., post graduate certificate, leadership course, etc. Registration with the appropriate councils E.g., NMC, GDC, HCPC etc. IT skills, including experience of surveillance systems Desirable Audit and surveillance skills Registered practitioner with several years post registration and practice manager experience Teaching qualification or evidence of extensive teaching experience Post Graduate qualification in infection prevention and control Knowledge and Skills Essential Extensive knowledge of Infection Prevention and Control practices. An understanding of national policy relating to Infection Prevention and Control (including hygiene code). Ability to problem solve and respond to sudden unexpected demands Evidence of keeping up to date information on infection control by attending relevant courses and conferences and by regular appraisal of research papers. Knowledge of practical skills with regards to maintaining and improve standards of infection control e.g. hand hygiene, use of personal equipment, decontamination of equipment, specimen taking and management of indwelling devices. Knowledge of quality improvement methodology and experience of implementing improvement programmes Desirable Ability to chair and facilitate meetings Knowledge of quality monitoring and assurance processes Personal Statement / Motivation for Applying Essential Please use this section to explain how you meet the additional criteria in the Personal Specification including your reasons and motivation for applying. Experience Essential Experience of working with senior clinical staff Desirable Experience of identifying and managing Infection Prevention and Control risks. Proven experience of capability to plan over short, medium and long-term timeframes and adjust plans and resource requirements accordingly Experience of quality improvement programmes/projects Experience of developing, writing reports and implementing action plans Experience of drafting briefing papers and correspondence at senior management level Experience of working across organisational and professional boundaries in complex organisations. Experience of audit of IPC practices, feedback and affecting change as a result of audit Experience of teaching and training to a variety of disciplines Experience of presenting information to large groups and ability to do so in an engaging manner Experience of working within an acute and a community setting Person Specification Qualifications Essential GCSEs or equivalent in literacy and numeracy Registered General Nurse, Allied Health Professional or Dental Nurse with current registration on NMC or equivalent clinical qualification (E.g., HCPC, GDC) Portfolios must be completed and signed. Evidence of continuing professional development and post qualification E.g., post graduate certificate, leadership course, etc. Registration with the appropriate councils E.g., NMC, GDC, HCPC etc. IT skills, including experience of surveillance systems Desirable Audit and surveillance skills Registered practitioner with several years post registration and practice manager experience Teaching qualification or evidence of extensive teaching experience Post Graduate qualification in infection prevention and control Knowledge and Skills Essential Extensive knowledge of Infection Prevention and Control practices. An understanding of national policy relating to Infection Prevention and Control (including hygiene code). Ability to problem solve and respond to sudden unexpected demands Evidence of keeping up to date information on infection control by attending relevant courses and conferences and by regular appraisal of research papers. Knowledge of practical skills with regards to maintaining and improve standards of infection control e.g. hand hygiene, use of personal equipment, decontamination of equipment, specimen taking and management of indwelling devices. Knowledge of quality improvement methodology and experience of implementing improvement programmes Desirable Ability to chair and facilitate meetings Knowledge of quality monitoring and assurance processes Personal Statement / Motivation for Applying Essential Please use this section to explain how you meet the additional criteria in the Personal Specification including your reasons and motivation for applying. Experience Essential Experience of working with senior clinical staff Desirable Experience of identifying and managing Infection Prevention and Control risks. Proven experience of capability to plan over short, medium and long-term timeframes and adjust plans and resource requirements accordingly Experience of quality improvement programmes/projects Experience of developing, writing reports and implementing action plans Experience of drafting briefing papers and correspondence at senior management level Experience of working across organisational and professional boundaries in complex organisations. Experience of audit of IPC practices, feedback and affecting change as a result of audit Experience of teaching and training to a variety of disciplines Experience of presenting information to large groups and ability to do so in an engaging manner Experience of working within an acute and a community setting 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. Employer details Employer name NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board Address NHS Somerset ICB Wynford House, Lufton Way Yeovil Somerset BA22 8HR Employer's website https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)