IPC Practitioner Review

Item: IPC Practitioner at Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Rating: 4.9
Author: Anonymous

at Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Degree Apprenticeship

Healthcare

Nottingham

Review Submitted: April 2026

Overall Rating

4.9 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

5/5 - Overview of Role

5/5 - Skills Development

4.8/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

5/5

As an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) specialist, I work to reduce the risk of infections in healthcare and community settings. My role involves monitoring infection rates, implementing hygiene and safety protocols, educating staff, and ensuring compliance with guidelines. On a day-to-day basis, I may conduct audits, investigate outbreaks, review procedures such as hand hygiene and PPE use, and provide training. I collaborate with healthcare teams to promote best practices and protect patients, staff, and visitors from preventable infections.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

5/5

I enjoy my Level 5 Operational Management programme to a good extent, as it develops practical leadership and organisational skills that I can apply in my role. I find topics such as team management, problem-solving, and performance improvement particularly valuable. While some elements can be challenging—especially balancing study with work—the overall experience is rewarding and helps build confidence, knowledge, and effectiveness as a manager.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

5/5

Yes, I have developed several new skills and strengthened existing ones during the programme. I’ve improved my leadership and communication skills, particularly in managing teams and handling difficult conversations. I’ve also developed better problem-solving and decision-making abilities, using structured approaches to analyse situations. Additionally, my time management and organisational skills have improved, helping me balance work and study more effectively. Overall, the programme has increased my confidence and ability to apply management techniques in practice.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

5/5

The programme is well organised and clearly structured, with modules laid out in a logical order that builds knowledge progressively. Learning materials, assignments, and deadlines are communicated clearly, which makes it easier to plan and stay on track. Support from tutors is available when needed, and guidance is provided for assessments. At times, workload can feel intense, but overall the structure helps maintain focus and supports steady development throughout the course.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

I receive a good level of support from my employer throughout the programme. They provide time to study and complete assignments, as well as encouragement to apply what I’ve learned in the workplace. My manager is approachable and offers guidance when needed, which helps link the course content to real work situations. While balancing responsibilities can still be challenging at times, the overall support makes it easier to stay motivated and progress successfully.

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

5/5

I receive a good level of support from my training provider while working towards my qualification. Tutors are accessible and provide clear guidance on assignments, expectations, and deadlines. Regular check-ins and feedback help me stay on track and understand how to improve. Learning resources are well structured, and there is support available if I need clarification. Overall, the support is consistent and helpful in building my knowledge, confidence, and progress throughout the programme.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

5/5

My qualification through the training provider helps me perform better in my role to a great extent. It provides practical knowledge and tools that I can apply directly to my work, particularly in areas such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving. I feel more confident in managing tasks and supporting my team, and I’m able to approach challenges in a more structured and effective way. Overall, it has strengthened my skills and improved my performance in the workplace.

Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

4/5

At Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, there are a range of extra-curricular and social-type activities available, although they are often centred around wellbeing, charity, and staff engagement rather than traditional “clubs”.
Wellbeing activities and groups – regular sessions like Wellbeing Wednesdays, mindfulness courses, and peer support groups where staff can connect and support each other.
Physical and lifestyle activities – access to gym discounts and a Cycle to Work scheme, encouraging fitness and informal social interaction.
Charity and community events – such as bake-offs, Christmas markets, and fundraising events that bring staff together socially while supporting patient care.
Networking and engagement opportunities – involvement sessions, volunteering, and Trust-wide initiatives that allow staff to meet colleagues across departments.
Overall, while there may not always be formal sports teams, there are regular opportunities for social interaction, wellbeing activities, and networking depending on your team and site.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to a friend?

Yes

Why?

I would recommend it for the learning opportunities and supportive teams, but I would also highlight that experiences can vary depending on the department and leadership.