We are a charity with a network of over 2,000 healthcare professionals in infection prevention and control.
The Infection Prevention Society (IPS) is a charity dedicated to creating a world where no one is harmed by a preventable infection. We achieve this by promoting, supporting, and advancing evidence-based infection prevention practices. By collaborating with healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public, we play a vital role in making care safer for patients, their families, and healthcare workers.
A world where no person is harmed by a preventable infection.
To collaborate with, educate, and bring together health and care communities and policymakers to positively influence and improve evidence-based infection prevention and control (IPC) practice for the benefit of all.
IPS Branches provide local support, networking, and learning opportunities for members, including study days, webinars, and events with expert speakers. Run by volunteers, the 14 branches across the UK and Ireland connect members with colleagues, share professional insights, and offer valuable educational programmes.
SIGs offer the chance to collaborate with professionals, share ideas, and advance your expertise. By joining a SIG, as part of your IPS membership, you’ll receive updates, attend events, and work with others to develop solutions in your field. We have nine SIGs including ones for people working in Care Homes, Vets, and people with an interest in sustainability, and built environments.
We have supported the infection prevention community since 1959 when the need for infection control was first identified. You can read more about the history of the society here.
The need for infection control was identified
The first Infection Control Nurse (ICN) was appointed at Torbay Hospital in April 1959 to manage and prevent cross-infections among patients.
The 1960s marked the start of Infection Control Conferences
Infection Control became recognised as a medical specialty.
First recorded 3-day Infection Control conference
Held at Lyngford House in Taunton, it was attended by 17 Infection Control Sisters, including Miss Jorgensen from Denmark. The conference focused on discussing challenges, sharing progress, and planning future collaborative studies. It was so successful that it became an annual event.
Annual meeting grows to 45 participants
It included visitors from Denmark, Sweden, Holland, and the USA, and was held in Birmingham.
Formation of the Infection Control Nurses Association (ICNA)
The ICNA was formed at the conference in Bristol University, with Dr Brendan Moore elected President and Mr. A. Isbister as Chairman.
The ICNA conference continued to grow
It moved to new locations each year, such as Sheffield (1971), Manchester (1972), and Oxford (1973). As the event grew, it moved to larger venues like conference centres.
The first International ICNA Conference
The first International ICNA conference was held in Harrogate, attracting delegates from countries like the USA, Australia, Africa, and South East Asia. Following its success, every fourth conference was designated as an International Conference on Infection Control. This tradition continued until 2004.
ICNA becomes the Infection Prevention Society (IPS)
At the annual conference, ICNA members voted to expand the organisation to include all health professionals involved in infection prevention and control. They also decided to change the name to reflect the broader membership.
4th June 2007
The Infection Prevention Society (IPS) was officially formed.
IPS launched a new logo
This was part of a rebranding project for the society.
Strategy for the future
The Society has focused on creating a clear strategy to make sure its voice is heard by everyone involved in infection prevention and control.
Rebrand and new website
IPS launched a new website and rebrand to increase its presence, provide a better member experience, and support its goals.
The IPS Strategic Plan 2024–2027, Working Together to Prevent Infection, focuses on four key goals: supporting members, improving evidence-based IPC practices, engaging a diverse workforce, and influencing policy and education. Through collaboration, sustainability, and inclusion, we aim to create a future where preventable infections no longer harm individuals.
As a society we are run by a combination of elected officials and full time staff.
The Infection Prevention Society (IPS) is a registered charity (Charity no: 1120063) and is bound by strict rules about what we can do and how we operate.
Learn More
The IPS is led by a team of dedicated volunteers from the health and care sector, supported by a small staff team and overseen by our board of trustees.
Learn MoreThe climate emergency is a health emergency. Climate change is worsening existing health problems, such as infections from vector-borne diseases and waterborne infections, but it is also creating new health challenges. See how you can join us in improving sustainability in infection control and prevention, to keep us safe and well today, and in the future.
IPS recognises excellence in infection prevention and control through awards and grants. Our Honorary Awards celebrate significant contributions, while the IPS Impact Awards highlight outstanding initiatives. We also offer Research and Quality Improvement Grants to support practice-based projects.
