223202 (MG) Specialist Pharmacist, Quality Risk and Governance Services

NHS Lothian; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in Edinburgh seeks a Specialist Pharmacist to advance in Quality Risk and Governance Services. This role involves maintaining quality systems, training staff, and collaborating on procurement. Ideal candidates will have a Master of Pharmacy degree, be GPhC registered, and possess strong commitment to service improvement. This is a 12-month fixed-term contract with competitive salary from £50,861 to £59,159.

Qualifications

• A commitment to service improvement through audit.
• Experience in communicating across service areas.
• Experience in audit/quality management systems is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the accredited Quality Management System.
• Provide education and training to pharmacy staff.
• Collaborate on medicines procurement and safety assessment.
• Develop expertise in service delivery.
• Continue to develop clinical skills.

Skills

Quality Assurance

Communication

Audit

Education

Master of Pharmacy Degree (or equivalent)

Job description

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

Specialist Pharmacist, Quality Risk and Governance Services

NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service

Western General Hospital

£50,861 - £59,159

12 Month Fixed Term Contract (Opportunity for secondment)

Are you a pharmacist ready to take the next step in your career by working with Quality Risk & Governance Services and making a real difference in pharmaceutical services throughout NHS Lothian? Are you searching for a role that will challenge, inspire, and reward you every day?

This position offers the chance to develop skills in Quality Assurance activities provided by the Quality Risk and Governance Service (QRGS) to NHS Lothian Pharmacy services and beyond. As a Specialist Pharmacist, you will play a pivotal role in maintaining the BS EN ISO 9001 accredited Quality Management System operated throughout the pharmacy service and in educating and training rotational staff in QRGS.

About The Role

This post is an excellent development opportunity for a highly motivated and enthusiastic pharmacist looking to specialise or advance in Quality Risk & Governance Services. Your responsibilities will include:

• Maintaining and developing the accredited Quality Management System across NHS Lothian Pharmacy services.
• Providing education and training to rotational pharmacy staff in QRGS.
• Collaborating with procurement and Quality Assurance colleagues on medicines procurement and safety assessment used across Scotland.
• Developing expertise in areas underpinning pharmacy service delivery.
• Continuing to develop clinical skills through a sessional clinical pharmacy service at the base hospital.

Why Join Us?

QRGS is a dynamic environment prioritising teamwork and supporting pharmacy services to meet regulatory and statutory requirements. You will work on:

• Introduction of new unlicensed medicines.
• Service development projects such as ATMP to improve patient care and modernise services.
• A diverse range of roles across multiple sites requiring expert knowledge.

This role is ideal for a rotational or a specialist pharmacist seeking to broaden skills and gain experience in broader pharmacy service delivery.

About You

We are looking for someone with:

• A Master of Pharmacy Degree (or equivalent) and GPhC registration.
• Completion of or equivalent competence in relevant areas.
• A commitment to service improvement through audit.
• Experience in communicating across service areas to diverse staff groups.
• Experience in audit/quality management systems is desirable but not essential; training and support will be provided.

About NHS Lothian

At NHS Lothian, we foster equality, diversity, and inclusion. Serving 900,000 people, we are Scotland’s second-largest health system and home to one of its four teaching boards. Join us to innovate, research, and deliver excellent healthcare.

This is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to advance your career, develop transferable skills, and make a difference in patients’ lives in Lothian.

Next Steps

For more details about the role and requirements, see the attached job description and person specification. If you want to learn more or have an informal discussion, contact the hiring manager:

• James McDade, Head of QRGS
• Email: [e-mail]
• Tel: [phone]

Note: You must have the legal right to work in the UK. This position requires PVG Scheme membership/record. Due to legislative changes, this role may require a different level of criminal record check from 1 April 2025. We support candidates with disabilities or long-term conditions through reasonable adjustments.

Please apply early, as we anticipate high interest and may close the vacancy early.