Infection prevention and Control RPE Fit tester and Audit assistant

Infection prevention and Control RPE Fit tester and Audit assistant

The Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) RPE Fit Tester and Audit Assistant (Band
4) plays a key operational role within the IPC team, supporting workforce safety and patient care. The post holder is responsible for delivering respiratory protective equipment (RPE) fit testing in line with national guidance and Trust policies, ensuring staff are safely and compliantly deployed in clinical areas.

In addition, the role supports IPC audit, surveillance, and assurance activities, including data collection, reporting, and escalation of risks or non-compliance. The post holder works autonomously within established protocols, contributes to outbreak and incident response, and provides education and advice to staff across the organisation. The role is central to maintaining IPC standards, regulatory compliance, and supporting safe, effective clinical activity.

• Deliver qualitative and/or quantitative RPE (e.g. FFP3) fit testing in line with HSE guidance, national standards, and Trust policies.
• Maintain competency, certification, and equipment required for fit testing, including accurate recording and issuing of documentation.
• Provide education and practical advice to staff on correct use of RPE, including donning and doffing.
• Support IPC audit and surveillance activity, including data collection, validation, reporting, and escalation of non-compliance.
• Contribute to outbreak and incident response by prioritising and delivering fit testing and IPC support as required.
• Maintain accurate IPC databases and records in line with information governance requirements.
• Support IPC assurance, inspections, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Work autonomously within agreed protocols, escalating risks or concerns to senior IPC staff as appropriate.

Based in the North East of England we provide a range of hospital and community health services from our leading facilities, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blaydon urgent care centre and Bensham Hospital, all within Gateshead.

Established in 2005, we were one of the first foundation trusts in the country and since then have consistently achieved the highest levels of care for patients.

We now employ around 4,800 staff and currently provide 444 hospital beds across the Gateshead region.

Our values should be the 'golden thread' which runs through everything we do - they are the core of who we are. Our five values can easily be remembered by the simple acronym ICORE;
Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect, Engagement.

We have a number of staff networks including the Global Ethnic Majority (GEM) network, D-Ability network, LGBTQ+ Network and the Women's Network, to challenge us and help us to constantly improve. Our Armed Forces network is one of our emerging networks.

The health and wellbeing of our staff is one of our highest priorities, and we offer a range of support and initiatives as part of our 'Balance' programme  to cater for our diverse workforce, so that your individual needs can be supported, allowing you a happy and healthy working experience with us.

The Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) RPE Fit Tester and Audit Assistant (Band
4) plays a key operational role within the IPC team, supporting the Trusts infection prevention, workforce safety, and assurance agenda. The post holder works with a high degree of autonomy within established policies, procedures, and national guidance.

Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) Fit Testing

• Undertake qualitative and/or quantitative fit testing of tight-fitting respiratory protective equipment (e.g. FFP3 masks) in accordance with HSE guidance, national standards, and Trust policy.
• Maintain personal competency and certification in fit testing, attending required training and updates.
• Provide clear instruction and education to staff on correct donning, doffing, and safe use of RPE.
• Accurately record fit test outcomes, maintain databases, and issue fit test certification/documentation.
• Identify and escalate failed fit tests, equipment issues, or staff unable to achieve an adequate fit.
• Support outbreak, incident, and…