Community Infection Prevention and Control Nurse

We have an exciting opportunity to join the newly established Sheffield Community Infection Prevention & Control (CIPC) service.

Background

Sheffield is a large city with a diverse population and geography, over one-hundred care homes, supported living homes and Extra Care housing facilities, as well as a number of early years, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) schools, and temporary accommodation settings that support some of the most vulnerable residents of the city.

The newly established Sheffield Community Infection Prevention & Control (CIPC) service, which sits within the Public Health and Integrated Commissioning Directorate, aims to provide high quality, specialist IPC advice, support, local surveillance, and care to community-based settings such as these that provide health and social care services.

The role

We are looking for an NMC-registered nurse with knowledge of infection prevention and control to join the Community Infection Prevention & Control (CIPC) team. As a CIPC Nurse you will contribute to the provision of all aspects of the Sheffield Community Infection Prevention & Control Delivery Plan.

You will support the team in promoting effective IPC practice and techniques to both staff and service users, with the aim of reducing the burden of avoidable infections, the transmission of infectious disease, and subsequent poor health outcomes across the community. You will help to foster a service that is flexible, convenient, confidential, and tailored to meet the needs of the population.

Key responsibilities

Service and Programme Delivery: You will provide clinical IPC expertise to community settings and commissioners, promoting evidence-based practice and ensuring compliance. You will support outbreak management and response in a clinical capacity, working closely with the UK Health Security Agency. Additionally, you will contribute to local IPC strategies, audits, and the Sheffield Community Infection Prevention & Control Delivery Plan.

Performance Management: You will support the effective delivery of the Sheffield Community Infection Prevention & Control Delivery Plan, contribute to improving Public Health Outcomes Framework indicators, and assist in reducing preventable infections in CQC-registered care settings.

Planning: You will support the development of Sheffield policies and plans, ensuring effective collaboration in addressing acute and longer-term issues. You will contribute to population health surveillance and the assessment of health inequalities, using epidemiological methods to inform policy and strategy. Additionally, you will analyse both qualitative and quantitative data, maintaining strong IT and analytical skills.

Stakeholder Management: You will build and maintain positive relationships with colleagues, commissioners, and health system partners, fostering collaboration and improving processes. You will keep relevant Sheffield City Council teams and public health colleagues informed on IPC issues and service outcomes. Using strong communication skills, you will effectively share information, deliver training, and manage conflict, including negotiating difficult decisions.

Representation: You will represent the service in relevant forums and communities of practice to support the operational delivery of IPC quality improvement. You will actively contribute to local, regional, and national discussions on antimicrobial resistance, ensuring the service’s interests and expertise are represented.

Skills and experience

We are looking for somebody who:

• Has a substantial nursing background with specialist knowledge of infection prevention and control, gained through both experience and training.
• Has experience in developing and managing audit activities, including reporting, action planning, and follow-up to ensure continuous improvement.
• Is skilled in delivering training and educational programmes, with the ability to effectively communicate complex information to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrates strong critical analysis skills in interpreting research, guidance, and data to inform both individual and team practice.
• Is committed to improving health outcomes, reducing health inequalities, and fostering a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

There are many benefits to joining Sheffield City Council. The package includes one of the best pension schemes available as well as flexible working arrangements, and we offer generous annual leave entitlement.