New Infection Prevention and Control Specialist Career Framework launched
A new Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Specialist Career Framework has been launched to support the development of Scotland's specialist IPC workforce and strengthen safe, effective care across health and social care services.
Developed by NES, now PSD Scotland, on behalf of the Scottish Government, the framework sets out the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for specialist IPC roles and provides a structured pathway for career development and workforce planning.
The framework has been designed in response to recommendations within the Scottish Government's Infection Prevention Workforce Strategic Plan and reflects learning from the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the critical role IPC specialists play in protecting patients, staff and communities.
About the framework
Covering three levels of specialist practice, Skilled, Enhanced and Advanced, the framework supports individuals, managers, educators and organisations to develop capability, strengthen recruitment and retention, and plan for future workforce needs.
The framework can be used to:
- support career development and professional progression
- inform appraisal and personal development planning discussions
- guide workforce planning and service development
- support recruitment, role design and succession planning
- align education programmes and learning pathways
- strengthen organisational resilience and quality improvement
A strong infection prevention and control workforce is essential to reducing avoidable harm, improving patient safety and supporting the delivery of high-quality care across all health and social care settings.
Supporting national priorities
The framework also supports a number of national priorities, including the Infection Prevention Workforce Strategic Plan, the Scottish Healthcare Associated Infection (HCAI) Strategy and wider workforce development ambitions across Scotland.
Who should use the framework
We encourage colleagues, managers, educators and organisations to review the framework, consider how it can be used within their own settings, and share feedback on their experience to inform future evaluation and development.
Find out more
The IPC Specialist Career Framework is available on the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Zone on Turas Learn.
Visit the IPC Zone to explore the framework and find out how it can support career development, workforce planning and service improvement across health and social care.
