NHSCT Assistant Director of Infection Prevention and Control Band 8C

Advertised role location: Antrim Hospital Site: Laboratory
Official document: Assistant Director of Infection Prevention and Control 8C_Oct202 (docx)
Assistant Director of Infection Prevention and Control
Band 8C

Assistant Director of Infection Prevention and Control
Band 8C


The Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT) is responsible for the delivery of safe and effective health and social care (HSC) services to the population of the Northern Trust area in Northern Ireland.
We provide compassionate care with our community in our community. In order to do this we require the commitment of a highly skilled and professional workforce that meets the need of the service.
The diagram below outlines our values and our objectives which support the delivery of compassionate care within our community.

The below diagram details the values and associated behaviours that we expect staff working within Health and Social Care (HSC) to display at all times;

HSC Value
What does this mean?
What does this look like in practice? - Behaviours

Working Together

We work together for the best outcome for people we care for and support. We work across Health and Social Care and with other external organisations and agencies, recognising that leadership is the responsibility of all.


I work with others and value everyone’s contribution
I treat people with respect and dignity
I work as part of a team looking for opportunities to support and help people in both my own and other teams
I actively engage people on issues that affect them
I look for feedback and examples of good practice, aiming to improve where possible

Compassion

We are sensitive, caring, respectful and understanding towards those we care for and support and our colleagues. We listen carefully to others to better understand and take action to help them and ourselves.


I am sensitive to the different needs and feelings of others and treat people with kindness
I learn from others by listening carefully to them
I look after my own health and well-being so that I can care for and support others


Excellence

We commit to being the best we can be in our work, aiming to improve and develop services to achieve positive changes. We deliver safe, high-quality, compassionate care and support.
I put the people I care for and support at the centre of all I do to make a difference
I take responsibility for my decisions and actions
I commit to best practice and sharing learning, while continually learning and developing
I try to improve by asking ‘could we do this better?’

Openness & Honesty

We are open and honest with each other and act with integrity and candour.

I am open and honest in order to develop trusting relationships
I ask someone for help when needed
I speak up if I have concerns
I challenge inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour and practice


JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Assistant Director of Infection Prevention and Control

BAND: 8C

DIRECTORATE/DIVISION: Nursing, Corporate Support & Paediatric Services (NCSPS)

INITIAL LOCATION: Antrim Hospital – with the need to travel to all locations in the Trust as required by the demands of the post.

REPORTS TO: Executive Director of Nursing who is the identified leading Director for Infection Prevention and Control (DIPC) at Board Level.

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Executive Director of Nursing, Corporate Support & Paediatric Services

FLEXIBLE WORKING
PROVISIONS AVAILABLE: Full-time working, Homeworking as appropriate

JOB SUMMARY:
To function as a highly visible authoritative professional who provides assurance to the Exec Director of Nursing/DIPC and Senior Management Team, that systems and correct policies and procedures are in place across the organisation to ensure the safe delivery of safe and effective care across the Trust and in Commissioned Services such as Care Homes.
Act as principal adviser to the Director of Infection Prevention and Control, ensuring timely escalation of infection control risks and provision of independent assurance regarding infection prevention and control arrangements across all Trust services.
To provide strategic leadership to the infection prevention and control programme in order to ensure a high level of compliance with best practice across all programmes of care and Divisions and to provide assurance to the Director of Nursing/Director of Infection Prevention and Control that a safe effective infection prevention service and plans are in place.
To work collaboratively with the Trust Infection Control Doctor/Consultant Microbiologist and key clinical leaders across all Trust Divisions to oversee the delivery of the Trust Infection Prevention and Control Strategy and to address any emerging Infection Control Risks.
To assess the impact of all national and regional Infection Prevention and Control Guidance on all unscheduled and scheduled patient / service user pathways and lead on the Dynamic Risk Assessment to ensure best practice is employed.
To chair and lead outbreak control meetings in line with Trust Outbreak Policy and implement improvement plans for mobilising all resources available to manage the incident/outbreak swiftly and effectively.
To ensure the governance, accountability and visibility of the IPC agenda is robust, provides assurance and manages identified risks through the Infection Prevention and Control Committee, Strategic IPC Committee and the Trust Board, in collaboration with the Director of Infection Prevention and Control and the Infection Control Doctor
To provide expert advice and leadership to healthcare professionals Trustwide and to participate in Expert Reference Groups such as the Regional IPC Cell, Regional Healthcare Associated Infection Group and DOH Regional Anti-Microbial Expert Group.
To maintain productive partnerships with key staff in RQIA, Public Health Agency, Department of Health, Strategic Planning and Performance Group and Care Home Management Teams to provide expert advice on Infection Prevention and Control.
Lead on the development of the Trust IPC Annual Report and ensure timely production of reports as requested for Trust Board and Trust Assurance Committee.
To lead on the review and update of the IPC Principal Risk register.
To maintain and further develop a high quality, proactive, responsive and accessible infection control (IPC) service which can respond to emerging IPC incidents and plan for any potential global issues arising.
Provide expert advice, challenge and assurance to Corporate Support Services and operational teams to ensure that clean, safe and well-maintained healthcare environments are delivered and sustained across all Trust services.
Work in partnership with Estates colleagues and IPC Doctor to provide specialist infection prevention and control input into capital developments, refurbishment projects and environmental design to ensure healthcare environments support safe patient care and compliance with national standards on water safety and ventilation systems.
Provide robust challenge and assurance to Senior managers/leaders where standards of infection prevention and control fall below expected levels and oversee the development and monitoring of improvement plans.
To provide senior strategic and operational support for the IPC agenda across the Trust working closely with Divisional Directors and Nurses, creating workable solutions and providing high level of expert advice.
To take a lead role in planning and co-ordinating surveillance programmes and control measures.
To provide expert advice in performance management, policy development, risk management and control of infection procedures.
To provide visible support for patient safety and co-ordination of infection control practices in clinical areas and challenge poor performance in an effective, constructive and supportive manner.
To plan in conjunction with the Corporate Nursing Team and education providers, the provision of education and training to staff across the Trust.
As a senior member of the Corporate Nursing Team, contribute to the strategic leadership of nursing and quality services across the Trust, providing expert advice, supporting organisational improvement programmes and leading quality and safety initiatives aligned to Trust priorities.
To support Senior Nurses and Midwies in evidencing, reviewing and improving standards of nursing and midwifery performance Trustwide.

Northern Trust’s CORE Values
Our values are:
Compassion – we will treat the people who use our services and our colleagues with compassion.
Openness – we will display openness and honesty with our patients and colleagues, acting with integrity, providing professional, high quality services and support.
Respect – we will respect the dignity, diversity and individuality of all our patients, clients and colleagues and value their contribution.
Excellence – we will strive for excellence as a community of leaders, through consistent delivery of services and applied learning.
These CORE values now underpin all of our work, from recruitment and selection, planning and service delivery, to staff development, performance improvement and accountability.

KEY RESULT AREAS / MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Management
Provide highly visible leadership across the Trust, maintaining a regular presence within clinical and care settings to assess standards of practice, support improvement, identify emerging risks and ensure timely assurance is provided to the Director of Nursing and Director of Infection Prevention and Control.
To provide specialist infection prevention and control input in the identification, prevention, monitoring and control of infection
To lead the development and implementation of the Trust IPC Strategy and work plan for the Infection Prevention and Control Team
Will act as an expert practitioner demonstrating advanced knowledge and skill beyond that associated with traditional nursing roles, including the integration of research evidence into practice by expert clinical reasoning and decision-making.
To lead on highly complex or emotive issues that may attract high public, media and political interest, while also being adaptable and flexible in responding to competing demands and priorities in a rapidly changing professional and organisational environment.
Act as a visible and credible leader, influencing beyond organisational and professional boundaries to build partnerships, contribute to regional policy and guidance, drive improvement and promote a culture of safety, quality and continuous learning.
Develop and maintain highly effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, influencing decision-making at organisational, regional and system level.
To manage and be professionally responsible for the Infection Prevention and Control Nursing Team.
To ensure that the IPC Nurses visit all Trust Facilities and Commissioned Services as requested by the Public Health Agency in a planned and co-ordinated manner in order to ensure that specific audits and where appropriate, targeted support and specialist advice is provided and improvements monitored.
To co-ordinate the Infection Control Nursing Team on call rota and ensure effective delivery of the on call service to ensure that Divisions are supported throughout the 24 hour period to manage IPC Risk and to maintain service delivery.
To lead on the development of the Annual Report of Infection control activity and performance, reflecting statutory and mandatory guidance and national and locally agreed priorities and targets and provide quarterly and annual reports for the Infection Control Committee and Trust Board.
Responsible for overseeing and developing systems for data collection regarding patients with Healthcare Associated Infection, Contact Tracing, Post Infection Reviews and recording clinical advice and management of IPC concerns and for collecting data on agreed Infection Control performance indicators.
Lead on the investigation of complaints, incidents and serious adverse incidents related to infection control and produce written reports as required.
Develop the existing systems for Infection Control Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) to produce reliable data about standards of care. Ensure themes and learning from KPI work is shared and improvements made across the Trust as appropriate.
Ensure Trust systems identify and deliver the key objectives and targets of the Chief Nursing Officer, Trust Commissioning Plan and Patient Safety targets.
Lead on the development and delivery of the Infection Prevention and Control Trust Strategy and implementation of key actions to maintain motivation and improvements in practice.
Oversee the development of appropriate Infection Control policies.
Lead on changing organisational systems that hinder the delivery of safe and effective patient care.
Support and where appropriate lead service quality improvement initiatives and projects in relation to patient experience and Infection Prevention and control Trustwide.
Work closely with Senior Nurses and Midwives on all aspects of safe and effective Infection Prevention and Control practices and standards.
To prepare the Trust for reviews or external inspections by RQIA and lead on RQIA reviews as required.
Contribute to production of business plans or business cases.
Provide support to Senior Nurses and Midwives to review challenging complex complaints and serious adverse incidents
Lead on and oversee investigations and ensure learning from complaints, Post Infection reviews, Root Cause Analysis and Serious adverse Incidents is shared Trustwide.
Ensure changes and improvements arising from all sources of intelligence about the patient and client’s experience is actioned.
Identify and network to gain sources of expert opinion, evidence and information to dynamically assess risks.
Ensure the ability to work within financial resources available.
Lead and develop the team to maximise their performance, nurture effective skill mix and provide educational development in specialist IPC practice.
Facilitate modernisation and redesign of service provision Trustwide in conjunction with the other members of the Divisional Teams.
Ensure that IPC team receive regular clinical supervision, appraisal and maintain accurate records of registration and revalidation renewal.
Ensure that all IPC staff receive appropriate induction, supervision,development and completion of the IPC competency framework.

Surveillance and Outbreak Control
Provide risk assessed advice on the safe placement and management of patients with infectious diseases / resistant organisms based on interpretation of laboratory reports, taking into account service and patient care issues and the infection, prevention and control aspects of the environment / decontamination requirements and additional control measures.
Work collaboratively with the Infection control doctor in planning and co-ordinating surveillance monitoring and audit programmes in accordance with mandatory requirement and locally agreed priorities.
Lead the development and utilisation of digital IPC intelligence, including encompass IPC platforms to enhance surveillance data, contact tracing functionality and clinical dashboards, using real-time information to inform decision-making and provide organisational assurance.
Liaise with the Consultant Microbiologist and laboratory staff on a daily basis to identify any specific concerns and co-ordinate response to same.
Alert the Infection Prevention and Control Team and Occupational Health Department to any suspected outbreaks among patients and staff.
Alert senior Managers of any infection control incidents that might impact on the Trust and be responsible for providing comprehensive and strong professional leadership, guidance and direction in all aspects of IPC.
Lead and support organisational preparedness for emerging infectious diseases, outbreaks and High Consequence Infectious Diseases (HCIDs), ensuring robust escalation, response and recovery arrangements are in place.
Liaise with facilities, external contractors and any other staff to ensure they are aware of any potential infection control hazard and the control measures required.
Work closely with Occupational Health on the routine and ‘as required’ screening of healthcare staff.
Investigate declared outbreaks or suspected transmission of infection and work with Infection Prevention and Control team and Consultant Microbiologist to trace the source of infection and mode of spread and lead the Trust plan to manage the situation.
Chair and Lead Incident or Outbreak Control meetings in line with Trust Outbreak Policy, making recommendations to Senior Mangers regarding the containment and management of infections including undertaking Dynamic Risk Assessments in conjunction with the relevant Director regarding Service Delivery and impact on Trust business and actual and potential Corporate Risks.
Provide expert advice and play a major role in the planning and implementation of infection control measures during business continuity or under the auspices of the Major Incident Policy.
Produce written reports outlining any infection control incident that requires the implementation of the Outbreak Plan and disseminate as appropriate.
Ensure good record keeping and collation of information regarding investigation/surveillance of outbreaks/incidents.
Advisory
Ensure appropriate reviewing, evaluation and auditing of current infection control policies and practices to meet organisational requirements
Work collaboratively with the Infection Prevention and Control Doctor and Infection Control Team on the development of the Infection Control Service.
Ensure the implementation of the annual infection control audit programme for all sites across the Trust in conjunction with operational managers. To feedback and complete the audit cycle on a unit, service and Trust basis.
Ensure that policies and practices are based on up to date evidence.
Contribute to/ or lead the development of new policies or practices in relation to IPC elements.
To act as an expert resource for the Trust in evidence based information regarding infection, infectious diseases and infection prevention and control issues.
To lead on the annual infection control audit programme for all sites across the Trust in conjunction with operational managers and to feedback and complete the audit cycle on a unit, service and Trust basis.
Provide expert advice and support to all staff on areas of control of infection, isolation procedures and on the cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation of equipment.
Lead and advise on the risk assessment process by advising managers on infection control risk relevant to their areas.
To be a member of Capital Project Groups and provide expert advice on new and ongoing Estates and Capital Development Plans/Projects.
To provide leadership to, chair and/or actively contribute as the Trust's expert representative on relevant Trust, regional and multidisciplinary committees, groups and forums, including:
Infection Prevention and Control Environmental Hygiene Committee
Strategic Infection Prevention and Control Committee
Medical Devices Committee
Decontamination Committee
Water Safety Group
Ventilation and Air Quality Group
High Consequence Infectious Disease Preparedness Group
Antimicrobial Stewardship Group
Environmental Cleanliness and Food Safety Committee
Acute Capital Groups
Nursing & Midwifery Professional Leadership Team
PHA HCAI Forum/HCAI Working Group
Regional IPC Leaders Forum
Medicines Optimisation and Innovation Centre
Encompass IPC Pathway Group (Bugsy)
Present information and discuss infection control issues at public forums when requested.
Represent the Trust at Regional groups relating to Infection Prevention and Control and Nursing Quality Indicators.
Act in an advisory capacity to departmental colleagues and other members of the multidisciplinary team.
To lead on, or be an active participant in research and Quality Improvement projects relating to IPC or Patient Safety/Experience projects.
To participate in Procurement Groups for new products/services in relation to provision of expert Infection Control advice/specifications.
Present information and discuss infection control issues at public forums and conferences when requested.

Clinical and Operational
Ensure there is visible IPC presence and visits to clinical areas and Trust social care settings on a regular and as required basis to oversee and support specific monitoring of practice initiatives.
Will act as an expert practitioner demonstrating advanced knowledge and skills, integrating research evidence into practice by high levels of clinical reasoning and decision making.
Personally visit clinical areas regularly and as required to oversee and support specific monitoring of practice initiatives.
Maintain detailed records of all clinical advice given.
Challenge poor practice and foster the introduction of improved practices.
Develop the system of link practitioners in clinical areas and community teams/facilities.
Oversee daily review and prompt isolation or segregation of infection risk patients, prioritising according to available facilities and the organisms concerned.
To provide strategic advice about patient and client placement where an increase in infections is affecting patient flow.
Take a lead role in developing and co-ordinating specific improvement projects eg. Hand hygiene campaigns and seasonal Flu vaccination promotions.
Respond on behalf of the Trust to Freedom Of Information or Assembly Questions requests when required.
Respond or contribute to service user complaints when required.
Training and Education
Be responsible for own personal development, ensuring specialist knowledge is evidence based and up to date.
Using training needs analysis and appraisal processes, identify gaps in the current core mandatory training and specialist knowledge base training of the Infection Control Nursing Team and develop a strategy to address same.
Lead the development and delivery of education and training for Infection Prevention and Control to all disciplines and grades of staff.
Ensure the delivery of mandatory and induction Infection Control Training.
Be responsible for the dissemination and communication of relevant educational material for staff.
Take a lead role in raising awareness and knowledge of patients, carers, visitors and the wider public in relevant aspects of infection control and patient safety.
Co-ordinate and facilitate training for nursing staff on use of systems for nursing and midwifery safe and effective care regarding Infection Control Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s).
Co-ordinate and ensure the delivery of the Infection Prevention Control Link Nurse/Worker programme in collaboration with Clinical Education Teams.
Continue to develop link nurse service Trustwide and deliver educational update opportunities.
Liaise with Trust Practice Education Facilitators and Schools of Nursing in relevant Universities regarding Mentorship and Student Nurse placement with Infection Control Team.
Take a lead role in developing and raising awareness of IPC information and education to patients, carers, visitors and the wider public in relevant aspects of infection control and patient safety.
Provide visible support for patient safety and co-ordination of infection control practices in clinical areas, including the Independent Sector and challenge poor performance in a respectful, effective, constructive and supportive manner.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Ensure the appropriate governance and risk management arrangements are in place for the services you are responsible for and take appropriate action to identify and manage risk and to maintain safety of users, staff and others in accordance with relevant regulations, policies and procedures;
It is essential to ensure that the highest standards of infection prevention and control are maintained to ensure patient and client safety and maintain confidence in the Trust. As a Manager, you must ensure that you implement all instructions/ policy in this area and that all staff are made aware of and fully comply with these;
Where the post-holder has responsibility for managing a budget, ensure that services are managed and developed both in accordance with agreed and funded priorities as set out on a yearly basis and in accordance with Standing Financial Instructions, particularly ensuring your compliance with payroll documentation procedures and timescales;
Ensure the necessary arrangements are in place in regard to the ‘Knowledge and Skills Framework’ outlines, where this applies, for the posts for which you have management responsibility and ensure that each member of staff has an annual development and performance review, a personal development plan and that arrangements are in place to ensure that staff have maximum opportunity to progress through gateways in their pay bands and to contribute effectively towards our objectives;
Promote a culture of continuous service improvement amongst your staff, encouraging their participation and that of service users in reviewing and modernising current services and in service development;
Make sure you are trained and competent in the relevant policies and procedures which apply to the management of staff and other resources and abide by these policies; seeking advice as necessary from senior management or specialist staff as necessary;
Communicate effectively with staff and maintain productive working relationships amongst your staff and with others;
Delegate appropriate responsibility and authority to staff in order to ensure optimum and effective service delivery and decision-making, whilst retaining overall accountability and responsibility for outcomes;
Promote a culture of learning and development and facilitate arrangements for and participate in training and development of staff as agreed for the performance of their duties. Where training is in accordance with relevant standards make sure you have the relevant competences in order to carry out this responsibility;
Promote equality of opportunity for all by personal action, both in the management of your staff and in the provision of care to service users in accordance with the Trust’s Equality of Opportunity Policy and Equality Scheme;
Take responsibility for ensuring appropriate standards of environmental cleanliness and for encouraging staff to maintain standards in their work area. Have an awareness of environmental issues and take appropriate action, for example to ensure the efficient use of energy and other resources, recycling etc.;
Make sure that staff are aware of Trust policies regarding the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and Records Management and that they must not disclose, withhold, retain or dispose of any information unless legally authorised.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Employees of the Trust will be required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and:-
At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner

At all times demonstrate practice the HSC values of Working Together, Excellence, Openness & Honesty and Compassion

Carry out their duties and responsibilities in a manner which assures patient and client safety

Comply with all instructions in regard to Infection Prevention and Control

Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them

Comply with the Trust’s Smoke Free Policy

Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with health and safety policy and statutory regulations

Adhere to equal opportunities policy throughout the course of their employment

Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in service provision

Adhere to the Code of Conduct for HSC Employees which aims to guide staff, managers and employers in the work that they do and the decisions and choices they have to make. Professional staff are expected to follow the code of conduct for their own professions as well as this code.

The post holder will, in the event of a concern being raised with them, ensure that it is managed correctly under the NHSCT Raising Concerns Policy, and ensure feedback/learning is communicated at individual, team and organisational level regarding the concerns, and how they were resolved.

RECORDS MANAGEMENT
All employees of the Northern Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including e-mails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant and to comply with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust policies on Information Governance including (for example) the ICT Security Policy, Data Quality and Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy and to seek advice if in doubt.

SALARY
BAND 8c £76,965 - £88,682 per annum (pro-rata for part-time)

RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK
Please note this role may not meet the requirements for a Skilled Worker visa (including a Heath and Care Worker visa) and the Trust therefore would be unable to employ anyone that requires Sponsorship. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration).

HOURS
Normal full-time hours of duty are 37½ hours per week, exclusive of meal times

MEDICAL
Appointment will be subject to a successful pre-employment health assessment.

HOLIDAYS
27 days each year; 29 days after 5 years’ service; 33 days after 10 years’ service and 10 statutory and public holidays.

PENSION
The post-holder can participate in the Health Social Care Pension Scheme.

NORTHERN TRUST BENEFITS
You can explore the benefits on offer to you in the Northern Trust by clicking here

PROBATIONARY PERIOD
You will serve a probationary period of normally six months.

PAY PROTECTION
Legacy Trust Staff who apply for a promotion after 1 April 2011 should be aware that they will lose their legacy protection arrangements and will be entitled to pay protection in accordance with circular HSS (JNF)(1) 2011. This circular will also apply to legacy staff who are currently in receipt of protection and who move post on promotion.

Completed application forms should be returned to the BSO Recruitment and Selection Shared Services Centre, on or before the closing date as stated in the advertisement.

Canvassing, either directly or indirectly, will be an absolute disqualification.

We will review this Job Description and it may include any other duties and responsibilities we determine in consultation with the jobholder. We do not intend it to be rigid and inflexible but rather to provide guidelines within which the jobholder works.

(October 2026)

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

Title of Post: Assistant Director of Infection, Prevention and Control
Band of Post: 8C
Notes to applicants:
You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.
Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.
Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.
Volunteering experience may be considered appropriate in particular for roles within the context of direct patient/client care.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA


SECTION 1: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.

Factor
Criteria

Method of Assessment

Qualifications/ Registration/
Experience
Registered Nurse on the live NMC register;
Have a university Post Graduate qualification in Infection Prevention Control or a relevant Public Health related subject.
Educated to Degree level
Evidence of continuous professional development
A minimum of 5 years' experience within Infection Prevention and Control or Public Health related specialty, of which at least 2 years must have been at senior management level* within a large complex organisation*.
Demonstrate evidence of leading improvement in nursing or midwifery practice, resulting in improved standards of safe patient care and patient experience.
Demonstrate experience working with multiple key stakeholders including RQIA, PHA and Department of Health.
Evidence of effective leadership, expertise and education and innovation in infection control practice and patient safety.
*Senior management is defined as Band 8A or above or Equivalent
* Complex Organisation is defined as one with at least 200 staff or an annual budget of at least £100 million
Shortlisting by Application Form

Other
Hold a current full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment. This criteria will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to a form of transport approved by the Trust which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post.

Will be required to be flexible and may have to provide onsite presence at weekends/public holidays or during periods of surge/incidents when IPC intervention/advice may be required.

Shortlisting by Application Form

SECTION 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the interview/ selection stage:

Skills / Abilities
Successfully demonstrate high level people management, governance, leadership and organisational skills for a minimum of 2 years.
Ability to lead improvement through people and to provide example of this
Ability to hold people to account and provide example of this
Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders, both internal and external to the organisation and to provide examples of this.
Excellent ability to communicate policy, ideas and reports both verbally and in writing effectively across all levels of the organisation.
Ability to demonstrate an understanding of quality, safety, governance and risk management.
Demonstrate ability to rapidly assimilate and analyse complex information; consider the impact of decisions before taking action; anticipate problems and act as a key participant in dynamic risk assessment in relation to infection control and competing demands across the organisation.
Demonstrate ability to maintain a constructive approach and high level of performance when faced with opposition.
Demonstrate ability to manage stressful situations when dealing with conflicting demands and pressures.
Ability to manage complex change and develop practice across a large organisation.
Problem solving and negotiation skills
Ability to manage complex and difficult situations where there is direct conflict.
Ability to manage and influence staff
Excellent presentation skills.

Interview / Test

Knowledge
Specialist Knowledge of current and future trends in respect to infection prevention and control.
Expert specialist knowledge of the principles and evidence base for infection prevention and control.
Excellent understanding of current local and national policies and guidance regarding infection and infectious diseases.
Excellent knowledge of safe and effective patient care and patient experience quality improvement initiatives and strategies.
Knowledge and experience of digital clinical systems, including the use of electronic patient records, surveillance systems, data analytics and digital solutions to support contact tracing and infection prevention and control risks.
Knowledge of nursing and midwifery safe and effective care Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s).
Knowledge of service delivery, including governance and risk management arrangements.
Knowledge of relevant professional regulatory standards.
Knowledge of Quality improvement methodology and project management.
Knowledge of leadership and people management skills.
Knowledge and experience of:
Incident/outbreak management
Audit
Data collection and analysis
Research methodology and interpretation.

Interview / Test

Value Based Recruitment
Value Based Recruitment is a process adopted by the Northern Trust to attract and select employees on the basis that their individual values and behaviours align with those of the Trust.
It focuses on the ‘how’ and ‘why’ people do what they do.
Candidates who are short-listed for interview will need to demonstrate at interview that they have the required knowledge, skills, competencies and values to be effective in this new role.
In answering the value based questions you have the opportunity to share examples of when you have demonstrated values relevant to the Northern Trust.

Criminal Offences, Investigations and Charges
Having a criminal record will not necessarily debar you from working with the Trust. This will depend on the nature of the position, together with the circumstances and background of your offences or other information contained on a disclosure certificate. Where it is necessary to obtain an Access NI disclosure the Trust operates in line with the Access NI Code of Practice (www.nidirect.gov.uk/publications/accessni-code-practice).

If you require further information or a copy of the policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders or the policy on the Secure Handling, Use, Storage and Retention of Disclosure Information, please contact the Trust Human Resources Department.

Essential Leadership Capabilities
The successful candidate will need to provide evidence and demonstrate their Leadership capabilities against the required dimension on the NHS Leadership framework.
A shortlist of candidates for interview will be prepared on the basis of the information contained in the application form. It is therefore essential that all applicants demonstrate through their application how and to what extent their experience and qualities are relevant to this post and the extent to which they satisfy each criterion specified. An assessment centre may also be used as part of the short-listing process.
Candidates who are short-listed for interview will need to demonstrate at interview that they have the required competencies to be effective in this demanding leadership role. The dimensions concerned are given in the Healthcare Leadership Model details of which can be found at http://www.leadershipacademy.nhs.uk/resources/healthcare-leadership-model.
Particular attention will be given to the following:
Inspiring shared purpose
Leading with care
Evaluating information
Connecting our service
Sharing the vision
Engaging the team
Holding to account
Developing capability
Influencing for results

As part of the Recruitment & Selection process it may be necessary for the Trust to carry out an Enhanced Disclosure Check through Access NI before any appointment to this post can be confirmed.

THE NHSCT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

Successful applicants:
may be required to attend for a Health Assessment
can expect to be placed at the minimum point of the pay scale, although a higher starting salary, within the range of the pay band may be available if the person appointed has experience relevant & equivalent to the post. If the successful candidate is an existing HSC employee moving to a higher band, AfC Pay on Promotion will apply.
have the right to request Flexible Working from the 1st day of their employment. A number of flexible working provisions are offered by all HSC Organisations including Full-time working, Fixed working patterns, Part-time working, Flexi-time, Compressed/elongated hours, Average hours working patterns, Term-time working, Job-share or Homeworking for some or all of the working pattern, depending on the role being undertaken. Successful applicants are encouraged to discuss with their manager what Flexible Working provisions may be available in the role they are taking up, prior to commencing employment, to help them achieve a positive Work/Life Balance.
(October 2026)