Get involved
As a learned Society, we are governed by our Council and rely on our Committees and Working Parties (all of whom are committed volunteers) to guide and work closely with our team of experienced staff.
Membership of HIS Council and Committees changes regularly, and expressions of interest are always welcome.
Staff vacancies
Council and committee vacancies
The 2023 applications round has now closed
Trustee roles
Trustees help inspire, set and maintain the charity’s vision, mission and values. Trustees attend Council meetings in order to help to develop the HIS strategy, and ensure compliance and accountability for finances, legal and governmental obligations are met. The typical anticipated time commitment for trustees is attendance and advance preparation (reading) for:
- Council meetings - take place four times per year
- Annual Away Day
- Annual General Meeting
Concerned about the time commitment? HIS has an experienced and committed staff team who undertake all operational work so that trustees can focus on the strategic activities of the Society. Joining meetings by teleconference is an option.
Many Trustees also choose to be involved in other Society activities, such as planning educational events and guideline development, all of which is coordinated and supported by the staff team.
HIS is committed to creating an inclusive culture that supports equality and diversity, and we welcome applications from any member who supports the Society’s objectives and wishes to make an active contribution to their delivery. A medical qualification is not essential, and we encourage applications from experienced professionals working in both immediate and extended IPC teams (including nurses, research scientists, epidemiologists, pharmacists, estates personnel and others), who gained their qualifications either within the UK or overseas.
Previous experience in a trustee role is not essential, as a full induction will take place.
Trustees who serve as ordinary members of Council do so for a three year term of office.
To express an interest in becoming a future Trustee
Please email Sarah Adibi, Chief Executive (sarah.adibi@his.org.uk) and include a short description of what you feel you could bring to the trustee role. Applications should also include a completed trustee eligibility form and include details of any roles you hold with in other learned societies or professional bodies.
Details of the members of the current HIS Council can be found here.
A description of the trustee role is available to download.
If you are interested in finding out more about being a HIS trustee and what it entails, you are welcome to chat informally with one of the existing Council members. To arrange a discussion, please contact Sarah Adibi - sarah.adibi@his.org.uk
The following committees will consider expressions of interest at any time.
Expressions of interest are particularly welcome from members who represent the diversity of the professional IPC community.
Professional Development Committee
The Professional Development Committee (PDC) is a standing committee of the Healthcare Infection Society (HIS) and is responsible for the design, planning and delivery of events and educational initiatives in keeping with the strategic aims of the Society.
Research Committee
The Research Committee (RC) is a standing committee of the Healthcare Infection Society (HIS) whose purpose is to design, plan, deliver and monitor the research strategy, including the management of grants, awards and fellowships in keeping with the strategic aims of the Society.
RC Terms of Reference Guidelines Committee
The Guidelines Committee (GC) is a standing committee of the Healthcare Infection Society (HIS) whose purpose is to make recommendations to HIS Council regarding the preparation and updating of clinical guidelines and guidance produced in accordance to NICE methodology, and in keeping with the strategic aims of the Society.
To apply for the PDC, RC or GC
To nominate yourself for a role within the committee, please review the Terms of Reference above and complete the HIS Committees Expression of Interest form. Expressions of interest should be sent to Sarah Adibi - sarah.adibi@his.org.uk.
Trainee Committee
The HIS Trainee Committee (TC) is a standing committee of the Healthcare Infection Society (HIS), responsible for overseeing Trainee membership recruitment and retention, the promotion of HIS activities, and establishing regular communication and engagement with Trainee members throughout the UK and RoI, in keeping with the strategic aims of the Society.
To apply for the TC
We are currently calling for members of the TC. To nominate yourself for a role within the committee, please review the Terms of Reference above. Nominees must be a Trainee member of HIS.
Nominees should self-nominate, with a short statement of interest, including a declaration of how long they have left before the end of training. Nominations should also be supported by their educational supervisor. Applications (or expressions of interest) should be sent to Sarah Adibi - sarah.adibi@his.org.uk
Guideline working party vacancies
Are you a patient or carer who has lived experience of a healthcare-acquired infection?
Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) pose a serious risk to patients, staff and visitors in healthcare settings.These infections can incur major costs for the NHS and cause significant morbidity to those infected. Infection prevention and control (IPC) is a key priority for our members and the NHS.
The Society (HIS) is a charity (no.1158172) whose objectives are to advance knowledge of, foster scientific interest in and disseminate information about the prevention and control of hospital and other healthcare- associated infections (HCAIs), to medical and allied professionals for public benefit.
HIS uses the NICE definition of ‘lay member’ to refer to a member of a committee who has personal experience of using health or care services, or is from a community affected by the topic area. A lay member can also be someone with experience as an unpaid carer, an advocate, or a member or officer of a voluntary organisation.
Lay members offer a different point of view from people who provide or commission services.
We are looking for patients and carers who have experience of HCAIs, to join a HIS working party as a lay member.
The appointment will be for up to 18 months and meetings will take place online.
Please email consultations@his.org.uk for further information.
Expenses claim policy for lay members