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
Location: London (2 days a week – Tuesday and Wednesday) and from home - Hybrid | 37.5 hours per week | Fixed term 18-month contract with possibility of a permanent role
Starting salary: £43-45K dependent on experience | 30 days annual leave plus time off in lieu for weekend work
Reporting to: Head of Membership and Professional Development (HOMPD)
The post holder will be an experienced events professional with excellent skills in planning programmes and delivering events, as well as managing relationships with volunteers, partner organisations, external stakeholders, and suppliers. The post holder will work closely with the Head Membership and Professional Development, Digital Learning Manager and Chair of the Professional Development Committee in the development and implementation of the education and events strategy. This is an exciting role that offers a generous holiday allowance and up to 7% pension contributions.
The Society
The Healthcare Infection Society (HIS) is a membership organisation whose objectives are to advance knowledge, foster scientific interest, and disseminate information about the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs).
We have an exciting opportunity to join our enthusiastic, committed and engaged team of staff, committees and our 1,300 members who are experts in the prevention and control of HCAIs. Members are drawn largely from the medical profession and are predominantly consultant microbiologists and doctors enrolled on an infection specialty training programme. Nurses, clinical scientists, research scientists and others with a demonstrable professional interest in HCAIs are also a vital part of our membership network.
Our working environment and team
Our team of eleven members of staff work to a hybrid model, spending two days per week (Tuesday and Wednesday) in our beautiful new offices in Bloomsbury, London, and the remainder of the working week from home. We work according to a flexible model with a generous annual leave allowance of 30 days per year. There is an expectation for flexibility and additional days working in office/venue to fit with the events programme.
Working with our members and volunteers is a pleasure, and each member of our staff team works closely with our committees and board of trustees. Our working culture is collegiate, respectful and motivating. We value our staff and offer generous travel and training support as well as employee perks and wellbeing packages.
About the role
The Events, Awards and Partnership Manager will join a small engaged HIS staff team to oversee the programme development, planning and delivery of the HIS eventstraining and awards programmes. The post holder will also have overall responsibility for supporting and managing the work of the Professional Development Committee and the Higher Awards Committee.
Partnership building with a focus on income generation is crucial to this role.
Main duties and responsibilities
Event management
Manage the planning and delivery of a programme of established and new events and training courses for HIS by establishing and maintaining effective SOPs and coordinating and delivering events. This will include:
- Working with the appointed Professional Conference Organisers to manage the biennial 3-day FIS/HIS international conference (usually attracting 600-800 delegates and a large exhibition)
- Working with leads from the Professional Development Committee on the programme development, planning and end-to-end management of the annual HIS Annual Conference, ensuring it is a success in terms of surplus generating, growing number of exhibitors and delegate numbers
- Working with the HOMPD to develop and deliver financially feasible education programme for the purposes of the fulfilment of charitable objectives
- Building partnerships with industry, increasing sponsorship income to support the delivery of HIS’s educational programme
- Development of programmes for ALL events and liaison with MGEC to ensure they are delivered
- Collaborating with the Digital Learning Manager to ensure content for new and established courses remains current and of a high quality
- Responsible for the income and expenditure budgets for HIS meetings and events, and ensuring accurate financial record keeping, generating forecasts and ensuring education programme sustainable.
- Organise the HIS Council meetings (hybrid) 4 times per year and the AGM event
- Creating and maintaining HIS website content in relation to events promotion and booking
- Responsible for management and work of the HIS Higher Awards Committee optimising meetings including setting agendas, writing minutes, liaising with the Chair and driving activity
- Responsible for management and work of the HIS Professional Development Committee, optimising meetings including setting agendas, writing minutes, liaising with the Chair and driving activity
- Evaluating and reporting on the success of HIS events and considering areas of improvement
- Working with the HIS team and committees to identify prospective speakers and audiences for HIS events
- Working with the Professional Development Committee to develop ideas for new events and training courses
- Venue and supplier contract negotiation and management
- Overseeing the delivery of HIS’s awards, including the Lowbury Lecture, Early Career Award and sourcing sponsorship to support the awards.
- Development and oversight of corporate partnerships
- Managing the application, review and award process for the Graham Ayliffe fellowship
Other
- Carrying out from time to time and as directed, any other duties as required in addition to the above that will be both reasonable and within your capabilities
- Providing cover for the Digital Learning Manager and Head of Membership and Professional Development as required
- Always ensuring that you take care of your health and safety and that of others by complying with health and safety obligations, particularly by reporting promptly any defects, risks or potential hazards
Person specification
We have an inclusive work environment and individuals those from all backgrounds, sexuality, ability, race, ethnicity, gender and age are welcome to apply.
Education and experience
- Degree level education (or equivalent) or relevant proven work experience
- Proven track record of managing and delivering successful multi-stream events
- Proven experience of developing event programmes
- Working with volunteers and committees
Competencies
- Knowledge of working with CRM/customer database systems for membership and event management (desirable)
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills - written and verbal
- Understanding of and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
- Task-driven self-starter, with good time management, attention to detail and the ability to manage own workload
- Ability to challenge the status quo
- Technical IT skills: competent in the use of Microsoft Office suite, ability to understand logical processes
- Excellent attention to detail and organisation skills needed to manage projects effectively
- Ability to work effectively in a busy and dynamic environment
- Ability to develop effective and supportive working relationships, working flexibly and collaboratively
- Positive and open-minded
- A proven track record of delivering a high standard of customer service
- Proven track record of producing work accurately and to a high standard whilst under pressure, with emphasis on attention to detail whilst working to deadlines
- Ability to work as a key and supportive member of a flexible team
- Willingness to travel and stay away from home on occasion and overnight
- Willingness to work outside of office hours when event management duties dictate
- Knowledge of compliance, specifically as it relates to data protection
- Numerate with budget management experience including forecasting, and planning
- Experience of event programme development
What we can offer you as our Events, Awards and Partnership Manager
- Hybrid working
- 30 days holiday
- Additional holiday between Christmas and New Year
- Employee perks programme
- Generous pension scheme
- Generous training budget
- Flexible working
- Employee assistance programme
- Opportunity for overseas travel to scientific and medical conferences
- Team days
To apply
We welcome applications from all individuals, and we are committed to our ED&I principles.
Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.
The deadline for applications is 09:00 on Monday 8 April 2024. Applicants are required to submit a CV and a covering letter of no more than two A4 pages in length addressing why they would like this post, and why they are perfect for this role via Helen Davies, Helen.davies@his.org.uk
Applications without a covering letter will not be selected for shortlisting.
First interviews will take place on Wednesday 17 April via Zoom. Successful candidates will be invited to a second interview at the HIS office in London on Wednesday 24 April.
Location: London (2 days a week – Tuesday and Wednesday) and from home - Hybrid | 37.5 hours per week | Fixed term 18-month contract with possibility of a permanent role
Starting salary: £33-35K dependent on experience | 30 days annual leave plus time off in lieu for weekend work
Reporting to: Head of Membership and Professional Development (HOMPD)
The post holder will be an experienced coordinator, ideally with previous experience of working in a membership (or similar) organisation. The post holder will work closely with the other members of the membership, education, and communications teams to ensure high quality coordination of membership and grants management and delivery of HIS events. This is an exciting role that offers a generous holiday allowance and up to 7% pension contributions.
The Society
The Healthcare Infection Society (HIS) is a membership organisation whose objectives are to advance knowledge, foster scientific interest, and disseminate information about the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs).
We have an exciting opportunity to join our enthusiastic, committed and engaged team of staff, committees and our 1,300 members who are experts in the prevention and control of HCAIs. Members are drawn largely from the medical profession and are predominantly consultant microbiologists and doctors enrolled on an infection specialty training programme. Nurses, clinical scientists, research scientists and others with a demonstrable professional interest in HCAIs are also a vital part of our membership network.
Our working environment and team
Our team of eleven members of staff work to a hybrid model, spending two days per week (Tuesday and Wednesday) in our beautiful new offices in Bloomsbury, London, and the remainder of the working week from home. We work according to a flexible model with a generous annual leave allowance of 30 days per year. There is an expectation for flexibility and additional days working in office/venue to fit with the events programme.
Working with our members and volunteers is a pleasure, and each member of our staff team works closely with our committees and board of trustees. Our working culture is collegiate, respectful, and motivating. We value our staff and offer generous travel and training support as well as employee perks and wellbeing packages.
About the role
Main duties and responsibilities
Membership administration
Oversee and responsible for the day-to-day management of the membership database, oomi (training will be provided) and member enquiries. This will include:
- Daily approval of new and renewing members and ensuring eligibility
- Co-ordinate and successful completion of member renewals
- Annual updates of renewal communications
- Dealing with telephone and email enquiries regarding membership eligibility, member benefits and payment
- Become the CRM (oomi) champion for the organisation.
- Responsible for the membership email inbox
Grants and awards coordination
Coordination of the education related grants and awards programme. This will include:
- Responsible for the review and awarding of the HIS certificates programme
- Responsible for the triage and review process for HIS travel grants
- Responsible for the review and award process for Sponsored Events Grant, Career development Bursary, Public engagement grant and the Mike Emmerson International Fellowship
- Responsible for the grants email inbox
Event coordination
Support the Events Awards and Partnerships Manager and the Digital Learning Manager in the planning and delivery of an agreed programme of events and training courses for HIS by establishing and maintaining effective SOPs and coordinating and delivering events. This will include:
- Delegate liaison, speaker liaison, venue logistics (face-to-face events), updating budgets, event marketing and communications and post event follow up communications.
- Creation and maintenance of HIS website content in relation to events promotion and bookings
- Attending and ensuring the smooth-running of events on the day and staffing the registration desk (face-to-face events)
- Setting up and running online events in the Zoom or MS Teams platform
- Providing technical support to convenors, trainers and participants prior to and during online webinars, events and training courses.
- Organising internal HIS events and meetings including accommodation booking, ordering catering and monitoring attendance
- Producing monthly statistical events reports
Other
- Responsible for the Society’s admin email inbox
- Using the Umbraco content management system (training will be provided) to make changes to the content and imagery of the website for events, grants and membership
- Carrying out regular audits to ensure content is up to date and accurate
- Carrying out from time to time and as directed, any other duties as required in addition to the above that will be both reasonable and within your capabilities.
- Always ensuring that you take care of your health and safety and that of others by complying with health and safety obligations, particularly by reporting promptly any defects, risks or potential hazards
- Providing cover for the Editorial and Production Manager and liaising with the external journal manager and publisher as required
Person specification
We have an inclusive work environment and individuals those from all backgrounds, sexuality, ability, race, ethnicity, gender and age are welcome to apply.
Essential, unless otherwise stated
Education and experience
- Educated to A’ level standard or equivalent
- Demonstrated experience of working in a similar role or a learned society
- Demonstrated experience of event management
- Demonstrated experience of running online meetings and webinars in Zoom (or similar platform)
Competencies
- Knowledge of working with CRM/customer database systems for membership and event management
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills - written and verbal
- Understanding of and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
- Task-driven self-starter, with good time management, attention to detail and the ability to manage own workload
- Technical IT skills: competent in the use of Microsoft Office suite, ability to understand logical processes
- Excellent administrative and organisational skills
- A proven track record of delivering a high standard of customer service
- Excellent telephone manner
- Knowledge of compliance, specifically as it relates to data protection
- Proven track record of producing work accurately and to a high standard whilst under pressure, with emphasis on attention to detail whilst working to deadlines
- Ability to work as a key and supportive member of a flexible team
- Willingness to travel and stay away from home on occasion and overnight
- Willingness to work outside of office hours when event management duties dictate
What we can offer you as our Membership, Grants and Education Coordinator
- Hybrid working
- 30 days holiday
- Additional holiday between Christmas and New Year
- Employee perks programme
- Generous pension scheme
- Generous training budget
- Flexible working
- Employee assistance programme
- Opportunity for overseas travel to scientific and medical conferences
- Team days
To apply
We welcome applications from all individuals, and we are committed to our ED&I principles.
Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.
The deadline for applications is 09:00 on Monday 8 April 2024. Applicants are required to submit a CV and a covering letter of no more than two A4 pages in length addressing why they would like this post, and why they are perfect for this role via Helen Davies, Helen.davies@his.org.uk
Applications without a covering letter will not be selected for shortlisting.
First interviews will take place on Wednesday 17 April via Zoom. Successful candidates will be invited to a second interview at the HIS office in London on Wednesday 24 April.
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