IPC Practitioner of the Year

What is this award for? 

This award recognises practitioners who have advanced IPC practice through their work and have made a meaningful difference to patients, colleagues and services. 

Judges are looking for individuals whose influence extends beyond their day-to-day responsibilities and who champion infection prevention as everyone’s responsibility. 

What are the judges looking for? 

Measurable impact 

Applicants should demonstrate: 

• Improvements in infection prevention outcomes. 
• Contributions to outbreak prevention, antimicrobial stewardship or compliance initiatives. 
• Use of data, audit or quality improvement methods to influence positive change. 
• A clear focus on patient and service user safety. 

Leadership and inspiring others 

Successful nominees will: 

• Lead by example. 
• Build collaborative relationships across multidisciplinary teams. 
• Encourage colleagues to embrace IPC. 
• Act as role models, mentors and advocates for best practice. 

Innovation and improvement 

Judges want to see examples of: 

• Practical, evidence-based improvements. 
• Creative responses to emerging risks and challenges. 
• Initiatives that strengthen infection prevention practices. 

Commitment to IPC as a profession 

Applications should demonstrate how nominees: 

• Raise standards and motivate others. 
• Share knowledge through teaching, mentoring, publications or conferences. 
• Promote awareness and professional development in IPC. 

A testimonial from a line manager or senior professional who has seen their work should support the application. 

 IPS values 

Alongside the award-specific criteria, judges will consider how nominations reflect the values at the heart of IPS and our commitment to supporting the infection prevention community. This includes evidence of how nominees: 

• Support and empower the workforce to deliver safe, high-quality care. 
• Improve evidence-based IPC practice, surveillance and outcomes. 
• Engage diverse communities and promote equitable access and inclusion. 
• Create impact through leadership, education, collaboration and policy influence.