Nicola Isles – Election Statement

I had built a strong career in leadership across varied nursing professional roles, including critical care and research in public and private sectors, before finding my passion in infection prevention and control (IPC) for more than 20 years. I have further undertaken national leadership roles in both IPC and clinical risk and governance. 

During my last 4 years as a Board Director, I have made significant and positive contributions to the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC); including co-chairing the Advancing IPC Practice and Standards Committee which provides members with reputable evidence-based resources that promote best practice across our diverse membership, member of the Research, Grants and Seeds Committee and currently chairing the Credentialing and Fellowship Panel, which provides members with a well- defined framework for our profession through established credentialing pathways. I currently represent ACIPC on Standards Australia and the Australian Council of Healthcare Standards (ACHS). 

I have further completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Foundations of Directorship course, ensuring I meet the responsibilities as a director with the required knowledge of regulatory authorities, including the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). This has strengthened my knowledge to provide ACIPC with a strong governance framework that aligns with our current strategic plan and direction. 

My current positions as a National Manager for Infection Prevention and Control across 37 acute, mental health, rehabilitation and home based care hospitals across all states and territories within the Clinical Governance and Risk Corporate Team, and as an accredited assessor to the National Safety Quality Health Service Standards (NSQHS) National Standards; ensures that I have a strong comprehensive understanding of policy development, governance, risk management principles, finances, critical thinking, regulatory frameworks, patient safety and strategic planning at a national level. The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) Leadership Courses have assisted in further developing strong leadership