Job Description

Job Summary – Band 5/6 Infection Prevention and Control Practitioner (Developmental Role)

This is a Band 5 to Band 6 development opportunity, designed to support the successful candidate in becoming a Specialist Practitioner in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC). The role offers full support, including preceptorship, training, and competency development, tailored to your experience and readiness.

Newly qualified applicants with a clinical background—whether through placements, volunteering, or working in non-registered roles—are encouraged to apply. If you already have relevant IPC experience, you may be appointed directly at Band 6 level.

You will work across both acute (Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust) and community (Cornwall Partnership Foundation Trust) settings, delivering IPC services in line with national and local guidelines. The role involves providing expert advice, promoting best practices, supporting education and training, and contributing to audit and policy development.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct clinical assessments to support patient treatment plans, interpreting clinical signs and test results.

• Maintain accurate and comprehensive patient records in line with policy and legal requirements.

• Act as a point of contact for staff, advising on IPC policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure patient safety.

• Promote staff learning and professional development in IPC through coaching, support, and sharing best practice.

• Help develop and adapt IPC guidelines in line with national standards to improve safety and care quality.

• Identify and challenge poor IPC practices constructively.

• Act as deputy for the Lead IPC Nurse or Senior Specialist Practitioners when required.

• Support and deliver IPC training, including Corporate Induction and Mandatory Training.

• Develop and mentor IPC Link Practitioners to strengthen IPC knowledge across clinical teams.

• Plan and conduct IPC audits and research, and provide written reports or feedback where necessary.

About Us

Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) is the main provider of acute and specialist care for Cornwall and the Isles of Sicily, serving over 500,000 residents, plus seasonal visitors. We employ around 6,700 staff and have a £580 million budget.

We are a teaching and research-active organization, partnered with:

• University of Exeter Medical School

• University of Plymouth School of Nursing and Midwifery

• Peninsula Dental School

The Knowledge Spa on our main hospital site supports ongoing education for all healthcare professionals. We are proud of our commitment to innovation, research, and delivering specialist care close to home.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Registered with NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) or HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council)

• Minimum of 2 years’ clinical experience in a healthcare setting

• Basic computer skills

• Ability to travel across Cornwall (Full UK driving license required)

• Evidence of ongoing professional development

Desirable Criteria

• IPC-related qualification or training

• Teaching, mentoring, or assessment qualification

• Completed preceptorship

• Previous experience in IPC (e.g., IPC Practitioner, IPC Link role, or placement in IPC)

• Experience in audit, research, or delivering education

Additional Information

• This post is subject to:

  • Identity and background checks

  • Occupational Health clearance

  • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

  • Right to work in the UK

• Sponsorship may be available but is not guaranteed.

• The role may offer flexible working; please discuss at interview.

• For further details about employment standards, visit:
  NHS Employers – Employment Checks