Equity, diversity and inclusion

Equity, diversity and inclusion at HIS

Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) strategy at HIS is led by EDI Focus Group.

Our five EDI objectives

Objective 1: To better understand diversity within the IPC community by reviewing key diversity data across all HIS activities - including among volunteers (Council, Committees, Work Parties, Editors), members, and staff - and in relation to membership recruitment and retention, event participation, grant applicants, and journal contributors.

Objective 2: To fulfil our responsibility to embed EDI awareness and best practice among all volunteers and staff through training, dialogue, and inclusive organisational culture.

Objective 3: To ensure meaningful representation of diverse communities within volunteer and staff teams and across all Society activities.

Objective 4: To ensure all internal and external communication reflect and promote our commitment to EDI.

Objective 5: To integrate EDI as a core element of strategic decision-making, led and supported by the HIS Council.

Timeline: Equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives

2024 | EDI recommendations report approved and to be implemented across three years
2023 | HIS Journals publish EDI statements
2023 | EDI objectives and progress are the focus of HIS Council away day in March
2022 | EDI blog published and EDI becomes a standing item on all agendas
2021 | HIS Council approve EDI strategic objectives proposed by EDI Focus Group and EDI data begins to be collected from the HIS membership
2021 | EDI Focus Group (EDIFG) was formed to develop EDI strategy for the Society. Dr Manjula Meda appointed as Honorary Membership Secretary and Chair of a new EDI Focus Group
2020 | a new membership category - Associate Trainee Membership - launched in 2020 specifically open to undergraduate medical students and others in pre-specialty training.
2020 | Mike Emmerson International Fellowship launched, supporting healthcare professionals from low-income countries to undertake clinical observerships in the UK or Republic of Ireland.
2019 | Reviewed committee composition to improve diversity and representation across the membership.
2019 | Launched “Infection Prevention in Practice,” a Gold Open Access journal, with reduced APCs to enhance access for clinicians without research funding. APC waivers are available to members from low- and middle-income countries.
2019 | Membership fees were reduced for members in low and middle income countries.
2018/2019 | Broadened membership categories and criteria to welcome all individuals working in, or with an interest in, infection prevention and control.
2017 | Introduced a Lay Trustee role on Council to incorporate public and patient perspectives.
1980s | Travel grants – the Society has awarded travel grants to support members in an early career or trainee post to present their research at a scientific conference or meeting

HIS offers travel grants and bursaries to support delegates who may have difficulty obtaining funding to attend FIS and HIS International Conferences, and also offers travel grants to support members presenting at non HIS conferences.