How We Are Governed

Patrons

We are delighted to have two very distinguished patrons who provide priceless support and expertise to the IPS.

the board of trustees

The Board of Trustees of the Infection Prevention Society (IPS) is made up of ten Trustees. This includes the chair, four independent Trustees who bring expertise in finance, executive leadership, charity governance and fundraising, as well as three members of the Society and the President and Treasurer who are both Trustees. Together, they guide the Society’s work and ensure it aligns with its charitable purpose. 

Their key roles include: 

• Setting the vision and strategic direction of the Society. 
• Monitoring performance and ensuring we meet our goals. 
• Overseeing finances, managing risks, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. 
• Supporting and developing the Board to ensure it has the right skills. 

The Trustees play a vital role in leading IPS, ensuring accountability, and supporting our mission to improve infection prevention. 

Staff Team

The elected members are supported by an in-house team of professionals.

Committees

The IPS has several standing committees that play an important role in supporting the organisation and ensuring members receive up-to-date professional support. 

Editorial Management Group (EMG) 

The EMG works with Sage Publications (the publisher of the Journal of Infection Prevention) to manage and develop the journal. They also advise the IPS Board on publishing strategies that align with the IPS’s mission, vision, and goals. Key activities include: 

• Promoting the journal as a destination for academic and clinical publications at IPS and other events. 
• Developing the journal’s scientific content to meet the needs of infection prevention practitioners and achieve Medline indexing. 
• Commissioning articles and editorials for publication. 
• Encouraging colleagues in clinical, management, and academic roles to publish their relevant work in the journal. 

Education & Professional Development Committee (EPDC) 

Education is a central focus for the IPS, and this committee helps deliver the society’s strategic aims. It develops a yearly education and professional development strategy, business plan, and financial forecast. The committee also collaborates with IPS branches to review competencies for infection prevention practitioners and ensures that educational materials are evidence-based. Key activities include: 

• Working with IPS members and branch educational leads to review and market IPS competencies. 
• Supporting the board in exploring academic accreditation for competent practitioners. 
• Ensuring educational materials are developed, reviewed, and evaluated in line with evidence-based research. 
• Enhancing educational and professional development opportunities for members. 

Research & Development Committee (R&D) 

This committee works to support the IPS strategic aims related to research. It focuses on influencing and promoting the evidence base for infection prevention practices, ensuring that research and development capabilities are maintained and expanded. 

Scientific Programme Committee (SPC) 

The SPC develops the educational program for the annual IPS Conference, the largest infection prevention event in the UK, which attracts around 1,000 attendees. This event is the highlight of the IPS calendar and showcases the society’s work. 

The SPC starts planning the event about three years in advance and begins program planning 18 months before the event. Key activities include: 

• Producing a scientific conference programme that reflects the educational and research strategies of the IPS. 
• Using IPS members’ expertise to maximise the scientific content. 
• Supporting the organisation of the trade exhibition. 
• Evaluating the event to inform future programme planning. 
• Developing financial forecasts and business plans for the event, in consultation with the IPS Treasurer. 
• Communicating with all relevant parties. 

Clinical Leadership and Engagement Committee (CLEC)

The Clinical Leadership and Engagement Committee (CLEC) ensures IPS members’ voices and expertise shape the Society’s direction and priorities. Previously named the Management Executive Group (MEG). 

Purpose 

CLEC advises the IPS Board of Trustees and CEO, drawing on members’ clinical, research, and educational expertise to inform strategy and decision-making. The committee represents the diverse experiences of members across infection prevention and control. 

Key function 

• Amplifies member voices, ensuring inclusivity and diversity are reflected in decision-making. 
• Provides expert advice on strategies, policies, and clinical communications. 
• CLEC fosters transparency, increases member participation, and promotes IPS’s mission externally. 
• Offers insights to enhance IPS resources, events, and member benefits. 
• Supports the Society’s strategy, drives membership growth, and engages underrepresented groups. 

 Who’s part of CLEC?   

• IPS President (Chair) 
• IPS Vice-President (Deputy Chair) 
• Country Leads 
• Special Interest Group (SIG) Leads 
• Business/Committee Leads 
• Early-career representatives