Group B Strep Support

Who we are

We're changing the future for babies and families

Group B Strep Support (GBSS) is the UK's charity dedicated to stopping group B Strep infection in babies.

Every day, families across the UK are affected by something that many people have never heard of. Yet most group B Strep infections in babies are preventable.

That's why we exist.

For nearly 30 years, we have worked to improve awareness, information, policy, research and care. We've helped put group B Strep on the national agenda, influenced clinical guidance, supported thousands of families and contributed to meaningful change across maternity and newborn care.

Today we're recognised as a trusted voice by parents, healthcare professionals, researchers, policy makers and parliamentarians alike.

Why this matters

Group B Streptococcus (group B Strep or GBS) is the leading cause of severe infection in newborn babies, causing sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis. Every year, babies become seriously ill, some die and others are left with life-changing disabilities

We believe this can and must change.

Our vision is simple: a future where far fewer babies develop group B Strep infection and far fewer families experience the heartbreak that these infections can cause.

How we make change happen

We work across five key areas:

- Supporting families affected by group B Strep infection.

- Providing trusted information to parents and expectant parents.

- Educating healthcare professionals.

- Influencing policy and campaigning for change.

- Supporting research and helping ensure the voices of pregnant women and people, families and their babies shape future developments.

Our work reaches parents, clinicians, researchers, NHS organisations, Government bodies and professional organisations across the UK.

Our culture and values

Why join GBSS?

We're a small charity with a big reach.

Our team may be small (there are currently 6 of us, not all full time), but our impact is significant. We regularly contribute to national discussions about maternity safety, infection prevention and newborn health. We work alongside leading clinicians, researchers, policy makers and partner organisations to improve outcomes for babies and families.

Because we're a small organisation, everyone has the opportunity to make a real contribution. Your ideas will be heard.

Your work will be visible. You'll be trusted to take ownership and make things happen.

This is not a place where you become a small cog in a large machine.

What it's like to work here

We're a friendly, ambitious team that’s passionate about making a difference for babies and families.

Some of us have personal connections to the cause. Others joined because they wanted to use their skills to make a meaningful difference. What unites us is a shared determination to improve outcomes for babies and families and prevent avoidable harm.

As a small organisation, everyone has the opportunity to contribute ideas, take ownership and see the impact of their work. We value kindness, collaboration and supporting one another to do our best work.

Why now?

This is a particularly exciting time to join us.

Awareness of group B Strep has never been higher. Research is advancing rapidly. Policy discussions are gaining momentum. Developments in testing, prevention and vaccine research have the potential to transform outcomes over the coming years.

We have ambitious plans for the future and are looking for talented people who want to help shape what comes next.

Our story

GBSS was founded in 1996 by Jane and Robert Plumb following the death of their son Theo from group B Strep infection at just 17 hours old. Unable to find the information and support they needed, and shocked by the lack of awareness about a largely preventable condition, they established the charity to help prevent other families experiencing the same loss.

Nearly three decades later, that determination still drives everything we do.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

We want our team to reflect the communities we serve and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect and has the opportunity to thrive.