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
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
There are no vacancies for any committee positions currently.
When vacancies exist, nominations for membership of the committee will be sought via an open call to HIS members up to three times a year.
Expressions of interest are particularly welcome from members who represent the diversity of the professional IPC community.
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 using the HIS Committees Expression of Interest form 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
Journal vacancies
Work with the HIS Journals team as an Editor on IPIP
About IPIP
Launched in 2019, Infection Prevention in Practice (IPIP) is the official open access journal of the Healthcare Infection Society. It is a leading international research publication which provides a comprehensive, fully open access resource for all those working in the field of prevention and treatment of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) worldwide. This year, IPIP received a first impact factor of 1.8.
IPIP welcomes high quality articles (in the form of local research studies, experiences, case reports, novel techniques, best practice and outbreak reports) in the field of infection prevention and control (IPC) that will influence clinical best practice and reduce the global burden of infection in healthcare. Articles should relate to HCAIs, either directly or indirectly, and should provide practical information to healthcare professionals working in the field of IPC that is applicable on a global or regional scale. We are particularly interested in papers that provide unique insight into the challenges of preventing HCAIs in developing countries. All submissions are subject to a rigorous single-blind peer review process.
Please submit your application no later than Monday 2 September 2024.
About the role
We are inviting applications for the role of Editor on the journal.
Editors work closely with the Editor in Chief of IPIP to oversee the review process for IPIP submissions in a timely manner, make recommendations to publish or reject submissions, and participate in setting the editorial direction of the journal. It is an exciting time to join a young journal for the next stage of its growth.
Applicants should provide a CV, a short list of selected publications over the last five years and a covering letter addressing your suitability for the role based on the following selection criteria:
Essential
- Editorial and peer review experience
- Nominated area(s) of expertise
- A brief description of one strategic initiative that you could implement as an Editor to improve IPIP. This should include a summary of what you would do and what it would achieve.
Desirable
- Outline your any current involvement in research and/or research supervision
A full job description can be requested from the editorial office at journals@his.org.uk
If you’re unsure whether your experience is relevant, please get in touch and we would be happy to offer advice: journals@his.org.uk
At IPIP, we are deeply committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. In our pursuit of excellence, we recognize the strength in varied perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the diversity of our editorial team, we encourage applications from individuals who bring unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives to the role.
The role is for an initial three-year term with an option for two further terms of two years.