About this role
Job summary
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 also 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.
Main duties of the job
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.
About us
Welcome to Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. Our 4000 clinical and support staff help us to improve mental health wellbeing and meet the needs of the 70,000 people we serve each year. We provide a range of mental healthcare services across Birmingham and Solihull, as well as specialised services nationally. We also offer medical, nursing and psychology training and are proud of our international reputation for both research and innovation.
Our population is culturally diverse, characterised in places by high levels of deprivation which create an increasing demand for our services and a necessity for us to make sure everyone can access the help they need. We are a team of compassionate, inclusive and committed people working together to provide excellent care to support our community. If you are looking for a place to belong, where you can make a real difference to people's lives, join our team where our warm welcome is waiting for you.
Job description Job responsibilities
For further information about the main responsibilities please view the attached job description and person specification.
Person Specification
Application form and interview Essential
Registered Nurse with current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Degree in Nursing or equivalent level qualification with siggnificant 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.
Desirable
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.
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship 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).
Employer details Employer name Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
Address Northcroft Hospital (Trustwide working)
190 Reservoir Rd
Birmingham
B23 6DW
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.bsmhft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)