The HIS IPC Leaders' Programme consists of a series of six, independent, one-day events, which cover the current challenges faced by those working as IPC Leaders.

TOPICS COVERED

Through a combination of expert presentations and facilitated discussions, delegates will have the opportunity to share experiences, exchange knowledge, and learn from colleagues working across a range of healthcare environments. The programme provides a valuable forum for networking, collaboration, and the development of future research partnerships, while helping to bridge knowledge gaps between professionals from different clinical backgrounds.

Outbreak management demands strong leadership, informed decision-making, and effective communication. This course will equip delegates with practical knowledge and insights that can be applied directly within their organisations, enhancing their ability to respond confidently and effectively when outbreaks occur.

By attending, delegates will gain a clear understanding of the regulatory expectations surrounding outbreak management and how these influence organisational responses. Sessions will explore how to collect, analyse, and interpret data to support timely and proportionate decision-making, while also encouraging critical discussion around whether current outbreak definitions provide genuine assurance or require further development.

Recognising that communication is critical during periods of crisis, the programme will examine strategies for delivering clear, accurate, and effective messaging to stakeholders, healthcare teams, and patients. Delegates will also explore how to support healthcare worker wellbeing during outbreaks and how organisations can foster a culture that protects and empowers individuals who raise concerns about patient care.
The course will further examine the distinct challenges of managing outbreaks in long-term care and secondary care settings, helping participants understand how response strategies must be adapted to different healthcare environments.

By the end of the programme, delegates will be able to:

• Explain the regulatory perspective and expectations for outbreak management.
• Collect and analyse data to support effective outbreak responses.
• Evaluate whether current outbreak definitions provide false reassurance and consider opportunities for improvement.
• Communicate confidently and effectively during healthcare crises.
• Support healthcare worker wellbeing and promote a culture of openness and patient safety.
• Understand the differences between outbreak responses in long-term and secondary care settings.

Whether you are new to the DIPC role or an experienced leader looking to expand your knowledge, this course offers a unique opportunity to strengthen your expertise, learn from peers, and develop practical strategies for managing outbreaks effectively. Join fellow infection prevention leaders to gain the confidence, knowledge, and connections needed to enhance patient safety and improve organisational preparedness.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

The HIS IPC Leaders’ Programme recognises that IPC leaders come from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including medicine, nursing, healthcare science, allied health professions, and management. Designed to bridge knowledge gaps between these groups, the programme supports the development of consistent, effective infection prevention and control leadership. While open to all, it is particularly valuable for those working in, or aspiring to, senior and managerial IPC roles who wish to strengthen their leadership skills, knowledge, and understanding of healthcare-associated infection.

SPEAKERS TO INCLUDE

• Kirsty Morgan, NHS England
• Mairead Skally, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland
• Emma Hoyle, Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
• Katie Jeffery, Oxford University Hospitals
• Teresa Inkster, Consultant Microbiologist and Infection Control Doctor with ARHAI Scotland
• Bethany Carter, Combat Stress
• Anne De Bono, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust