National Infection Prevention and Control Boar

Version 1.0 March 2023

Publication approval reference:

ontrol Board Assurance Framework
Introduction
The National Infection Prevention and Control board assurance framework (‘the framework’) is issued by NHS England for use by organisations to enable
to respond using an evidence-based approach to maintain the safety of patients, services users, staff and others. The framework is for use by all those
involved in care provision in England and can be used to provide assurance in NHS settings or settings where NHS services are delivered. This framework
not compulsory but should be used by organisations to ensure compliance with infection prevention and control (IPC) standards (unless alternative inter
assurance mechanisms are in place).

The purpose of the framework is to provide an assurance structure for boards against which the system can effectively self-assess compliance with the
measures set out in the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM),
the Health and Social Care Act 2008: code of practice on the prevention and control of infections, and other related disease-specific infection prevention
control guidance issued by UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

The aim of this document is to identify risks associated with infectious agents and outline a corresponding systematic framework of mitigation measures.

The framework should be used to assure the executive board or equivalent, directors of infection prevention and control, medical directors, and director
nursing of the assessment of the measures taken in line with the evidence based recommendations of the NIPCM (or whilst the NIPCM is being impleme
including the relevant criterion outlined in the Health and Social Care Act 2008: code of practice on the prevention and control of infections. The outcom
can be used to provide evidence to support improvement and patient safety. The adoption and implementation of this framework remains the responsib
of the organisation and all registered care providers must demonstrate compliance with the Health and Social Care Act 2008. This requires demonstratio
compliance with the ten criteria outlined.

If the criterion is not applicable within an organisation or setting for example, ambulance services then select not applicable option.

Links
NHS England » National infection prevention and control manual (NIPCM) for England
Health and Social Care Act 2008: code of practice on the prevention and control of infections - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
 for use by organisations to enable them
ramework is for use by all those
ices are delivered. This framework is
standards (unless alternative internal

y self-assess compliance with the

sease-specific infection prevention and

framework of mitigation measures.

rol, medical directors, and directors of

whilst the NIPCM is being implemented)
d control of infections. The outcomes
s framework remains the responsibility
ct 2008. This requires demonstration of

plicable option.
 Legislative framework
The legislative framework required to protect patients, service users, staff and others from avoidable harm in a healthcare setting is detailed in the Hea
and Social Care Act 2008: code of practice on the prevention and control of infections, the duty of care and responsibilities are set out in the Health an
Safety at Work Act 1974, and associated regulations for employers and employees.

Local risk assessment processes are central to protecting the health, safety and welfare of patients, service users, staff and others under relevant
legislation. This risk assessment process (primary care, community care and outpatient settings, acute inpatient areas, and primary and community car
dental settings) has been designed to support services in identifying hazards and risks, and includes guidance on measures that should be maintained t
improve and provide safer ways of working by balancing risks appropriately. Where it is not possible to eliminate risk, organisations must assess and
mitigate risk and provide safe systems of work using the risk assessment process and the organisation’s governance processes.

Links
Health and Social Care Act 2008: code of practice on the prevention
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

Primary care, community care and outpatient settings

Acute Inpatient areas

Primary and community care dental settings

hcare setting is detailed in the Health
bilities are set out in the Health and

ff and others under relevant

s, and primary and community care
asures that should be maintained to
k, organisations must assess and
processes.
Instructions for use
The adoption and implementation of the National Infection Prevention and Control Board Assurance Frame
organisation and all registered care providers must demonstrate compliance with the Health and Social Ca
compliance with the ten criteria outlined in the Act.

The Board Assurance Framework worksheet is ordered by the ten criteria of the Act and allows for evidence
mitigations, and comments to be recorded in a text format.
The compliance rating column allows for the selection of a RAG rating for each criteria using a drop down lis
partially compliant, compliant.

Once options have been selected a summary plot for each criteria is generated automatically, which are dis
overall RAG status for an organisation/provider across all ten criteria is shown in plots under the summary w

N.B. Use of the framework is not compulsory but should be used by organisations to ensure compliance wi
standards (unless alternative internal assurance mechanisms are in place). In addition, not all of the criteria
applicable to all organisations or settings.

Please note: Specific URL's referred to in the document can be accessed via the ' Hyperlinks included in th
accessed by clicking here.
rol Board Assurance Framework remains the responsibility of the
th the Health and Social Care Act 2008. This requires demonstration of

Act and allows for evidence of compliance, gaps in compliance,

riteria using a drop down list. Specifically: not applicable, non-compliant,

utomatically, which are displayed in the corresponding worksheet. The

plots under the summary worksheet.

ns to ensure compliance with infection prevention and control (IPC)

dition, not all of the criteria outlined in the framework will be relevant or

' Hyperlinks included in the BAF' tab. Or alternatively, can be

Links
Section 1
1.4 NIPCM
1.6 NICPM
Primary care, community care and outpatient settings,
1.8 Acute inpatient areas
Primary and community care dental settings
Section 2
2.1 National cleanliness standards
2.2 Patient-Led Assessments of the Care Environment (PLACE)
2.4.1 HTM:03-01.
2.4.2 HTM:04-01
2.5 HBN:00-09
HTM:01-04
2.6
NIPCM
2.7 HTM:07:01
HTM:01-01
2.8 HTM:01-05
HTM:01-06
Section 3
3.2 UK AMR National Action Plan
3.3 UK AMR National Action Plan.
NICE Guideline NG15
3.4 TARGET
Start Smart, Then Focus
Section 5
5 NIPCM
Section 6
6.2 Roles and responsibilities
Section 7
7 NIPCM
Section 9
UKHSA
9
NIPCM
Section 1

Section 2

Section 3

Section 5

Section 6

Section 7

Section 9
 Infection
Key Lines of Enquiry

1. Systems to manage and monitor the prevention and control of infection. These systems use risk assessments and con

Organisational or board systems and process should be in place to ensure that:

1.1 There is a governance structure, which as a
minimum should include an IPC committee or
equivalent, including a Director of Infection
Prevention and Control (DIPC) and an IPC lead,
ensuring roles and responsibilities are clearly
defined with clear lines of accountability to the IPC
team.

1.2 There is monitoring and reporting of infections with

appropriate governance structures to mitigate the
risk of infection transmission.

1.3 That there is a culture that promotes incident

1.4 reporting, including
They implement, near misses,
monitor, whileadherence
and report focusing on
to
1.5 the NIPCM.
They undertake surveillance (mandatory infectious
1.6 agents
Systemsasanda minimum)
resourcesto ensure
are identification,
available to implement
1.7 and
All staff receive the required training prevention
monitor compliance with infection
1.8 commensurate
There is supportwith their duties
in clinical to undertake
areas to minimise the
a
local dynamic risk assessment based on the
hierarchy of controls to prevent/reduce or control
infection transmission and provide mitigations.
(primary care, community care and outpatient
settings, acute inpatient areas, and primary and
community care dental settings)

2. Provide and maintain a clean and appropriate environment in managed premises that facilitates the prevention and c

System and process are in place to ensure that:

2.1 There is evidence of compliance with National
cleanliness standards including monitoring and
mitigations (excludes some settings e.g.
ambulance, primary care/dental unless part of the
NHS standard contract these setting will have
locally agreed processes in place).

2.2 There is an annual programme of Patient-Led

2.3 Assessments of guidelines
There are clear the Care Environment (PLACE)
to identify roles and visits
2.4 responsibilities for maintaining
There is monitoring a clean
and reporting environment
of water and
ventilation safety, this must include a water and
2.5 There is evidence of a programme of planned
2.6 preventative maintenance
The storage, supply for buildings
and provision and
of linen care
and
2.7 laundry are appropriate
The classification, for thestorage
segregation, level andetctype
of of
healthcare waste is consistent with HTM:07:01
which contains the regulatory waste management
guidance for all health and care settings (NHS and
non-NHS) in England and Wales including waste
classification, segregation, storage, packaging,
transport, treatment, and disposal.

2.8 There is evidence of compliance and monitoring of

2.9 decontamination processes
Food hygiene training for reusablewith the
is commensurate
devices/surgical
duties of staff as instruments
per food as setregulations.
hygiene out in HTM:01-
If service user outcomes and to reduce the risk of adverse eve
3. Ensure appropriate
01, antimicrobial
HTM:01-05, and stewardship
HTM:01-06. to optimise
food is brought into the care setting by a
patient/service user, family/carer or staff this must
Systems and process are in place to ensure that:
3.1 If antimicrobial prescribing is indicated,
3.2 arrangements
The board receives for antimicrobial
a formal report stewardship (AMS)
on antimicrobial
are maintained
stewardship and where
activitieson appropriate
annually which a formal
includes the
3.3 Therefor
lead is AMS
an executive
isprogress
nominated. the board with
organisation’s
responsibility for with
antimicrobial achieving the UK(AMS),
stewardship AMR
3.4 NICE Guideline
National Action NG15
Plan ‘Antimicrobial
goals. Stewardship:
as set outand
systems in the UK AMR
processes forNational
effectiveAction Plan.
antimicrobial
3.5 Contractual reporting requirements are adhered to,
medicine
progress use’ or Treat Antibiotics Responsibly,
3.6 Resourceswith
Guidance, are incentive
Education, toand
in placeTools performance
support
(TARGET) andare
measure
improvement
adherence to schemes
good relating
practice and to AMR are
quality
4. Provide suitable
reported accurate
to the information on infections to patients/service users, visitors/carers and any person concerne
improvement inboard where
AMS. This mustrelevant,
includeand
all boards
care
areas and staff (permanent, flexible, agency, and

Systems and processes are in place to ensure that:

4.1 Information is developed with local service-user
4.2 representative organisations,
Information is appropriate which
to the should
target audience,
recognise and reflect local population
remains accurate and up to date, is provided in a
demographics, diversity,
timely manner and inclusion,
is easily andinhealth
accessible and
a range of
formats (eg digital and paper) and platforms, taking
account of the communication needs of the
patient/service user/care giver/visitor/advocate.

4.3 The provision of information includes and supports

general principles on the prevention and control of
infection and antimicrobial resistance, setting out
expectations and key aspects of the registered
4.4 Roles and responsibilities of specific individuals,
carers, visitors, and advocates when attending with
or visiting patients/service users in care settings,
are clearly outlined to support good standards of
IPC and AMR and include:
• hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene, PPE (mask
use if applicable)
• Supporting patients/service users’ awareness
and involvement in the safe provision of care in
relation to IPC (eg cleanliness)
• Explanations of infections such as
incident/outbreak management and action taken to
prevent recurrence.
• Provide published materials from
national/local public health campaigns (eg AMR
awareness/vaccination programmes/seasonal and
respiratory infections) should be utilised to inform
and improve the knowledge of patients/service
users, care givers, visitors and advocates to
minimise the risk of transmission of infections.

4.5 Relevant information, including infectious status,

invasive
5.Ensure early device passports/care
identification of individualsplans, is provided
who have or are at risk of developing an infection so that they receive timely
across organisation boundaries to support safe and
appropriate management of patients/service users.

Systems and processes are in place to ensure that patient placement decisions are in line with the NIPCM:
5.1 All patients/individuals are promptly assessed for
5.2 infection and/or colonisation
Patients’ infectious status shouldrisk be
on continuously
arrival/transfer
at the carethroughout
reviewed area. Thosetheirwhostay/period
have, or areofatcare.risk of
This
5.3 The infectionanstatus
developing, of the
infection patient
receive is communicated
timely and
assessment
prior should
to transfer influence
to the receivingplacement decisions
organisation, in
5.4 Signage
accordanceis displayed
with prior to and
clinical/care on entry
need(s). If to all
required,
department,
health or transferring servicespatients
ensuring
5.5 Two orand
correct more care settingscases
infection
management/placement.
instructing
(or a single casewith of
respiratory
serious symptoms
infection) linkedtobyinform
time, receiving
place, andreception
person
6.Systems are in immediately
staff, place to ensure that all
on their care workers (including contractors and volunteers) are aware of and discharge
arrival.
triggers an incident/outbreak investigation and this
must be reported via governance reporting

Systems and processes are in place to ensure:

6.1 Induction and mandatory training on IPC includes
the key criteria (SICPs/TBPs) for preventing and
controlling infection within the context of the care
setting.

6.2 The workforce is competent in IPC commensurate

with roles and responsibilities.

6.3 Monitoring compliance and update IPC training

6.4 programs as required.
All identified staff are trained in the selection and
6.5 use of personal
That all identifiedprotective
staff are equipment
fit-tested as/ per
respiratory
Health
protective
and Safety equipment
Executive (PPE/RPE)
requirements appropriate
and that afor
6.6 If clinical
their placestaff undertake
of work procedures
including that require
how to safely put on
record is kept.
additional clinical skills, for example, medical device
insertion, there is evidence staff are trained to an
agreed standard and the staff member has
7. Provide or secure adequate isolation precautions and facilities

Systems and processes are in place in line with the NIPCM to ensure that:
7.1 Patients that are known or suspected to be
7.2 infectious as per criterion
Isolation facilities 5 are individually
are prioritised, depending on the
clinically
known or suspected infectious agentstatus
risk assessed for infectious and allwhen
entering a care facility. The result of individual
decisions made are clearly documented in the
patient’s notes. Patients can be cohorted together
if:
• single rooms are in short supply and if there
are two or more patients with the same confirmed
infection.
• there are situations of service pressure, for
example, winter, and patients may have different or
multiple infections. In these situations, a
preparedness plan must be in place ensuring that
organisation/board level assurance on IPC systems
and processes are in place to mitigate risk.

7.3 Transmission based precautions (TBPs) in

7.4 conjunction with SICPs
Infectious patients areonly
should applied and monitored
be transferred if
and there
clinically is clear
necessary.signage
The where
receivingisolation
area is in
(ward,
8. Provideprogress,
secure and adequate
outlining access to laboratory/diagnostic support as appropriate
hospital, care homethe precautions
etc.) required.
must be made aware of
the required precautions.
Systems and processes to ensure that pathogen-specific guidance and testing in line with UKHSA are in place:
8.1 Patient/service user testing for infectious agents is
8.2 undertaken by competent
Early identification and trained
and reporting of theindividuals
infectious
and
agentmeet
usingthe standards
the relevant required
test is within awith
required nationally
8.3 Protocols/service
recognised contracts
accreditation for testing and
system.
reporting
reporting structures in place to escalate
laboratory/pathology the result if
results, including
8.4 Patient/service
necessary. user testing on admission, transfer,
turnaround
and dischargetimes, should
should be inbe in with
line place.national
These should
8.5 Patients/service
be agreed local users whowith
and monitored develops
relevantsymptom
service of
guidance,
infection are protocols
tested / and results
retested at the should
point be
8.6 There should betoprotocols
communicated agreed
theinrelevant between
organisation.
symptoms
laboratory arise and
services and line
the with
servicenational
user guidance
8.7 There
and should
local be protocols agreed between
protocols.
organisations for laboratory support during
9. Have andlaboratory
adhere to
outbreak
services
policies and
investigation
service
designed
and foruser
theorganisations
management individual’s
of known/care and provider organisations that will help to prevent and
for the transportation of specimens including
routine/ novel/ emerging/high risk pathogens. This
9.1 Systems and processes are in place to ensure that
guidance for the management of specific infectious
agents is followed (as per UKHSA and the NIPCM)
(UKHSA and NHSE A to Z pathogens list to be added
once published).
Policies and procedures are in place for the
identification of and management of
outbreaks/incidence of infection. This includes
monitoring, recording, escalation and reporting of
an outbreak/incident by the registered provider.

10. Have a system in place to manage the occupational health needs and obligations of staff in relation to infection

Systems and processes are in place to ensure that any workplace risk(s) are mitigated maximally for everyone. This inclu
10.1 Staff who may be at high risk of complications from
infection (including pregnancy) have an individual
risk assessment.

10.2 Staff who have had an occupational exposure are

10.3 referred
Staff havepromptly
had the to the relevant
required healthagency,
checks,for
example, GP, occupational health, or
immunisations and clearance undertaken accident
by a and
emergency, and understand
competent advisor (includingimmediate actions, for
those undertaking
exposure prone procedures (EPPs).
 Infection Prevention and Control board assuran
Evidence Gaps in Assurance

and control of infection. These systems use risk assessments and consider the susceptibility of service users and any risks their envir

d be in place to ensure that:

vironment in managed premises that facilitates the prevention and control of infections
optimise service user outcomes and to reduce the risk of adverse events and antimicrobial resistance

ns to patients/service users, visitors/carers and any person concerned with providing further support, care or treatment nursing/m
e or are at risk of developing an infection so that they receive timely and appropriate treatment to reduce the risk of transmitting in

atient placement decisions are in line with the NIPCM:

rs (including contractors and volunteers) are aware of and discharge their responsibilities in the process of preventing and controllin
 and facilities

NIPCM to ensure that:

ory/diagnostic support as appropriate

ecific guidance and testing in line with UKHSA are in place:

vidual’s care and provider organisations that will help to prevent and control infections
onal health needs and obligations of staff in relation to infection

ny workplace risk(s) are mitigated maximally for everyone. This includes access to an occupational health or an equivalent service to
trol board assurance framework v0.1
Mitigating Actions Comments

users and any risks their environment and other users may pose to them
t, care or treatment nursing/medical in a timely fashion
duce the risk of transmitting infection to others.

ss of preventing and controlling infection

alth or an equivalent service to ensure:
 Compliance rating

1. Non-compliant

1. Non-compliant

1. Non-compliant
3. Compliant
2. Partially compliant
2. Partially compliant
1. Non-compliant
3. Compliant

1. Non-compliant

0. Not applicable
2. Partially compliant
2. Partially compliant
2. Partially compliant
3. Compliant
2. Partially compliant

1. Non-compliant
2. Partially compliant

2. Partially compliant
1. Non-compliant
1. Non-compliant
3. Compliant
1. Non-compliant
1. Non-compliant

1. Non-compliant
1. Non-compliant

1. Non-compliant
3. Compliant

2. Partially compliant

3. Compliant
1. Non-compliant
1. Non-compliant
1. Non-compliant
2. Partially compliant

2. Partially compliant

3. Compliant

2. Partially compliant
1. Non-compliant
1. Non-compliant
2. Partially compliant
2. Partially compliant
3. Compliant

1. Non-compliant
1. Non-compliant

1. Non-compliant
3. Compliant
2. Partially compliant
3. Compliant
1. Non-compliant
1. Non-compliant
2. Partially compliant
2. Partially compliant

1. Non-compliant

1. Non-compliant
3. Compliant
1. Systems are in place to manage and monitor the prevention and contro
risk assessments and consider the susceptibility of service users and any r
and other service users

1. Non-compliant 2. Partially compliant 3. Compliant

2. Provide and maintain a clean and appropriate environment in managed premises that facilitates
 1. Non-compliant 2. Partially compliant 3. Compliant

3. Ensure appropriate antimicrobial use to optimise patient outcomes and to reduce the risk of adve

1. Non-compliant 2. Partially compliant 3. Compliant

4. Provide suitable accurate information on infections to patients/service users, visitors/carers and any pe
care or treatment in a timely fashion.

1. Non-compliant 2. Partially compliant 3. Compliant

 1. Non-compliant 2. Partially compliant 3. Compliant

5. Ensure early identification of individuals who have or are at risk of developing an infection so that the
reduce the risk of transmitting infection to others.

1. Non-compliant 2. Partially compliant 3. Compliant

6. Systems are in place to ensure that all care workers (including contractors and volunteers) are aware of a
of preventing and controlling infection
 7. Provide or secure adequate
1. Non-compliant isolation
2. Partially precautions
compliant and facili
3. Compliant

1. Non-compliant 2. Partially compliant 3. Compliant

8. Provide secure and adequate access to laboratory/diagnostic support

1. Non-compliant 2. Partially compliant 3. Complian

9. Have and adhere to policies designed for the individual’s care and provider organisations that w

1. Non-compliant 2. Partially compliant 3. Complian

10. Have a system in place to manage the occupational health needs and obligations of

1. Non-compliant 2. Partially compliant 3. Compliant

r the prevention and control of infection. These systems use
y of service users and any risks posed by their environment
other service users

2. Partially compliant 3. Compliant

ent in managed premises that facilitates the prevention and control of infections
 2. Partially compliant 3. Compliant

outcomes and to reduce the risk of adverse events and antimicrobial resistance

2. Partially compliant 3. Compliant

service users, visitors/carers and any person concerned with providing further support,
reatment in a timely fashion.

2. Partially compliant 3. Compliant

 2. Partially compliant 3. Compliant

sk of developing an infection so that they receive timely and appropriate treatment to

of transmitting infection to others.

2. Partially compliant 3. Compliant

ntractors and volunteers) are aware of and discharge their responsibilities in the process
nting and controlling infection
dequate isolation
2. Partially precautions
compliant and facilities
3. Compliant

t 2. Partially compliant 3. Compliant

access to laboratory/diagnostic support as appropriate

t 2. Partially compliant 3. Compliant

s care and provider organisations that will help to prevent and control infections

t 2. Partially compliant 3. Compliant

ational health needs and obligations of staff in relation to infection

2. Partially compliant 3. Compliant

 1. Systems are in place to manage and monitor the 2. Provide and maintain a clean and ap
premises that facilitates the preven
prevention and control of infection. These systems use
risk assessments and consider the susceptibility of ser-
vice users and any risks posed by their environment
and other service users

1. Non-compliant 2. Partially compliant 3. Compliant 1. Non-compliant 2. Parti

4. Provide suitable accurate information on infections to patients/service users, 5. Ensure early identification of individua
visitors/carers and any person concerned with providing further support, care ing an infection so that they receive timely
or treatment in a timely fashion. the risk of transmitting i
 1. Non-compliant 2. Partially compliant 3. Compliant 1. Non-compliant 2. Parti

7. Provide or secure adequate isolation precautions and facilities 8. Provide secure and adequate access t
appropr

1. Non-compliant 2. Partially compliant 3. Compliant 1. Non-compliant 2. Parti

10. Have a system in place to manage the occupational health needs and obliga-
tions of staff in relation to infection

1. Non-compliant 2. Partially compliant 3. Compliant

nd maintain a clean and appropriate environment in managed 3. Ensure appropriate antimicrobial use to optimise patient outcomes and to
es that facilitates the prevention and control of infections reduce the risk of adverse events and antimicrobial resistance

1. Non-compliant 2. Partially compliant 3. Compliant 1. Non-compliant 2. Partially compliant 3. Compliant

identification of individuals who have or are at risk of develop- 6. Systems are in place to ensure that all care workers (including contractors
so that they receive timely and appropriate treatment to reduce and volunteers) are aware of and discharge their responsibilities in the process
the risk of transmitting infection to others. of preventing and controlling infection
1. Non-compliant 2. Partially compliant 3. Compliant 1. Non-compliant 2. Partially compliant 3. Compliant

cure and adequate access to laboratory/diagnostic support as 9. Have and adhere to policies designed for the individual’s care and provider
appropriate organisations that will help to prevent and control infections

1. Non-compliant 2. Partially compliant 3. Compliant 1. Non-compliant 2. Partially compliant 3. Compliant

outcomes and to
esistance

Compliant

ding contractors
ties in the process
Compliant

care and provider

nfections

ompliant
 Overall Complia
1

0.9

0.8

0.7

0.6

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

0 0 0 0 0
1 2 3 4

0. Not applicable 1. Non-compliant 2. Partially compliant 3. Compliant 0. Not applicable 1. Non

 Compliance rating by Sections

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

0. Not applicable 1. Non-compliant 2. Partially compliant 3. Compliant