For Infection Prevention Week 2026, we’re highlighting the experiences and practical lessons shaping the next generation of infection prevention and control (IPC) professionals.
At a recent Early Careers Network webinar, IPC leaders shared honest reflections on their careers, challenges and the realities of the profession.
Hosted by Joint Early Careers Network Coordinators Rachael Burton and Joana Nodora, IPC in Action: Real Experiences and Real Learning featured Kerry Holden, IPS President and Deputy Director of IPC at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Graham Pike, IPC Lead at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Sustainability Special Interest Group Coordinator; and Rashima Hamdan, Senior IPC Specialist at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust and NIHR Fellow.
There is no single route into IPC
A strong theme was that there is no typical route into IPC.
The panel’s experience spanned clinical nursing, research, international practice and leadership. Each speaker stressed how persistence, curiosity and openness to opportunity shaped their career.
Kerry Holden’s interest began during a placement on a Clostridioides difficile cohort ward. After an unsuccessful first application, she persisted and secured an IPC nursing role.
Graham Pike moved between research, ward management and IPC leadership, while Rashima Hamdan practised in several countries before developing her UK IPC, research and academic career.
Their stories showed that varied experiences and backgrounds can be strengths within the profession.
Rashima Hamdan spoke at the event, saying: “Your background, whatever it is, is not a barrier. It’s a unique perspective for you to bring into this profession.”
Moving from operational practice to strategic leadership
A key area of discussion focused on the transition from Band 6 to Band 7 roles.
Progression requires more than technical knowledge: it means shifting from day-to-day operational challenges towards organisational systems, governance and strategic decisions.
It also requires confidence in risk-based decisions when answers are not straightforward.
As Kerry Holden explained: “In IPC we have to work in the grey, and it’s about growing confidence in working in the grey rather than looking for black-and-white textbook answers.”
Aspiring leaders were encouraged to chair meetings, lead improvement projects, present data and engage with wider organisational priorities.
Challenging the ‘IPC police’ stereotype
The panel also challenged traditional enforcement-based perceptions of IPC teams.
Rather than focusing only on compliance, IPC professionals should understand frontline pressures and build relationships based on collaboration and trust.
Recognising competing clinical demands can support sustainable behaviour change and better patient safety.
Graham Pike told the group: “Always think: what’s it like to be on the receiving end of IPC? Try and tailor your approach based on how you would like to receive that message.”
Empathy, curiosity and partnership are often more effective than criticism in supporting change.
Understanding behaviour to improve practice
The webinar explored how behavioural science and human factors inform modern infection prevention.
Frameworks such as COM-B examine capability, opportunity and motivation, while systems-based approaches consider wider organisational influences on behaviour.
These methods help IPC teams identify root causes and design more sustainable interventions.
The panel also linked IPC with environmental sustainability, including reducing unnecessary glove use and challenging single-use cultures where appropriate.
The value of professional networks
All three speakers highlighted professional networks as vital to career development.
IPS branches, Special Interest Groups, mentors and local forums can offer learning, confidence, support, practical advice and new ideas.
Reflecting on what he wished he had known at the start of his IPC career, Graham Pike said he would have become actively involved with IPS sooner. He described how participation had transformed his view of IPC, broadened his professional network and given him trusted colleagues to contact when facing practical questions or challenges.
His advice was simple: take opportunities to contribute through a local branch or Special Interest Group. “People will welcome you with open arms if you want to get involved and help out. It’s well worth the effort.”
The panel also discussed imposter syndrome, career setbacks and the value of diverse perspectives.
Five key takeaways for early career professionals
The webinar concluded with five practical messages for those starting or developing their IPC careers:
- Take a compassionate, supportive approach and focus on partnership rather than enforcement.
- Get involved with professional networks such as IPS branches and Special Interest Groups.
- Develop leadership, influencing and strategic thinking skills alongside technical expertise.
- Use behavioural science and quality improvement approaches to support sustainable change.
- Recognise that diverse experiences and backgrounds are valuable assets in IPC practice.
As Infection Prevention Week celebrates the impact of infection prevention and control professionals, the webinar provided a powerful reminder that successful IPC is ultimately about people, relationships and continuous learning.
And as Kerry Holden reflected: “No one’s ever going to thank you for the infection that they didn’t get. So you have to find your joy and your value out of your job in the improvement you support delivering.”
Find out more
Are you in the first three years of your IPC career? Find out more about the IPS Early Career Network and discover opportunities to connect, learn and grow.
