The Infection Prevention Society (IPS) is delighted to announce that Kerry Holden has officially begun her term as President, following a memorable IP2026 conference in Leeds.
Kerry formally took over as President during the conference, handed over from Jude Robinson, who has led the Society over the past two years.
Reflecting on the moment, Kerry said she was incredibly grateful for the warm welcome and support she received from members and friends across the IPS community.
“It was a proud and deeply meaningful moment, made even more special by sharing it with so many members of our IPS community and my friends.”
Looking ahead
As she begins her Presidency, Kerry is committed to keeping members’ voices at the heart of IPS decisions and building on the work of previous Presidents.
Her priorities include strengthening the Society’s public voice, continuing to develop our education offer, supporting and developing today’s IPC workforce and inspiring the workforce of tomorrow.
She also wants to continue championing evidence-based practice while supporting members to translate evidence into the complex realities of care.
Kerry said: “I see the Presidency not as something to possess, but as the temporary stewardship of something precious. My responsibility is to respect what has come before, care for it, strengthen it and eventually pass it on in an even better position.”
Kerry will work closely with members, Branches, Special Interest Groups, volunteers and colleagues across the profession, with a continued focus on collaboration, inclusion, curiosity and learning.
Thank you, Jude
Kerry also paid tribute to outgoing President Jude Robinson, thanking her for her leadership, friendship and contribution to the Society.
During her Presidency, Jude strengthened engagement with members, encouraged new voices and supported closer working across IPS Branches and Special Interest Groups.
Kerry said: “Jude has led IPS with intelligence, authenticity, determination and heart. It has been an absolute privilege to serve alongside her.”
The Society would like to thank Jude for her commitment and leadership during her Presidency.
Welcoming our new Vice President
IP2026 also saw Joanne Taylor become the Society’s new Vice President.
Kerry said she was delighted to welcome Jo to the role and looked forward to working alongside her and continuing the strong tradition of collaboration between the President and Vice President.
Taking the inspiration from IP2026 forward
Kerry’s Presidency begins at an exciting time for IPS. Over two days at IP2026, members and colleagues came together to explore the breadth of modern infection prevention, from antimicrobial stewardship and emerging threats to decontamination, water and ventilation safety, sustainable healthcare, behaviour change, compassionate care, digital technology and artificial intelligence.
Across all of these discussions was a shared purpose: preventing avoidable harm.
As she begins her Presidency, Kerry has encouraged every IPS member to take one small piece of learning from the conference back into their workplace, whether that means starting an important conversation, sharing learning, encouraging a future leader or questioning a practice that no longer serves patients and communities.
“Small changes, multiplied across our community, become powerful change.”
We look forward to supporting Kerry throughout her Presidency and working together with our members and the wider IPC community towards our shared vision of a world where no person is harmed by a preventable infection.
