As part of Volunteers Week, we’re celebrating the volunteers who help shape and strengthen the infection prevention community. We spoke to Beverley Gregory, Consultant Nurse for Healthcare Associated Infections at Public Health Wales, about her volunteering journey with IPS and the impact it has had on her professional development and wider practice.
Beverley has been a member of IPS since 2006 and began actively volunteering with the Society in 2022. Her motivation came from a passion for improving patient safety and reducing healthcare associated infections, alongside a desire to collaborate with others across the profession.
“I wanted to contribute to a wider professional community, share best practice and continue developing my knowledge and leadership in infection prevention and control,” she explained. “The opportunity to collaborate with like-minded professionals and influence positive change in healthcare also motivated me to get involved and represent Wales.”
Beverley is currently the Coordinator for the IPS Welsh Branch and is approaching the end of her second year in the role. Prior to this, she served as Deputy Coordinator and has also been involved in organising and chairing the Welsh Branch Conference.
Alongside branch leadership, Beverley has volunteered at the IPS Annual Conference, supporting the Society by staffing the IPS stand, speaking with delegates and promoting membership and Society activities. She has also contributed to the development of professional resources, including work on a dental audit tool.
For Beverley, one of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering has been working alongside a passionate and supportive network of professionals dedicated to improving patient safety. “It is very rewarding to contribute to initiatives that have a real impact on infection prevention practice both locally and nationally,” she said.
She also values the opportunities volunteering has provided for personal and professional growth. “Volunteering with IPS has helped me develop my leadership, communication and organisational skills,” she explained. “It has increased my confidence and broadened my understanding of infection prevention practice beyond my own organisation.”
Reflecting on standout moments from her volunteering journey, Beverley highlighted becoming Welsh Branch Coordinator as a major achievement, alongside chairing the Welsh Branch Conference and supporting national IPS events.
“Contributing to professional guidance, such as the dental audit resource, has also been particularly meaningful because it has practical value for infection prevention practice,” she added.
Volunteering has also encouraged Beverley to reflect on her own practice and feel more connected to the wider infection prevention community. “Being involved in organising conferences and contributing to national activities has given me valuable insight into how professional standards and resources are shaped and translated into practical improvements,” she said.
Beverley encourages anyone considering volunteering with IPS to get involved, regardless of their experience or confidence level. “There are opportunities to contribute at many different levels and everyone is so welcoming,” she said. “It offers the chance to learn from others, broaden your perspective and develop both personally and professionally.”
For Beverley, volunteering plays a vital role in strengthening the infection prevention profession. “Infection prevention relies heavily on collective expertise and shared learning,” she explained. “Volunteers help bring people together to share knowledge, experience and best practice.”
She added: “Ultimately, the time and commitment given by volunteers helps strengthen the infection prevention community and contributes to improved patient safety and quality of care.”
A huge thank you to Beverley and to all our volunteers for the time, expertise and dedication they bring to IPS and the wider infection prevention community.
