227156 (MG) Inspection Officer for Controlled Drugs

NHS National Services Scotland; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Edinburgh seeks an Inspection Officer in the Controlled Drugs Governance Team for 9-month maternity cover. This role involves leading inspections, ensuring compliance with legislation, and providing training to healthcare professionals. Candidates should have a relevant degree and experience in regulations. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential.

Benefits

Contribute to healthcare safety

Professional training opportunities

Collaborative team environment

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Controlled Drug legislation (e.g. Misuse of Drugs Act 1971).
• Experience in inspection, audit, or regulatory compliance.
• Full clean driving licence and willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support formal inspections across NHS Lothian and contracted sites.
• Act as an Authorised Witness for the safe destruction of Controlled Drugs.
• Provide expert advice and training to healthcare professionals.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

IT skills

Ability to work independently

Education

Degree or equivalent experience in medicines governance

Job description

Overview

Inspection Officer – Controlled Drugs Governance Team
NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service - West Port
(including travel across NHS Lothian sites and occasional out-of-hours commitment)

Are you an organised, motivated professional with a passion for medicines governance and patient safety? Are you looking for a unique opportunity to contribute to the safe and effective use of Controlled Drugs across NHS Lothian?

We’re seeking a dynamic individual to join our Controlled Drug Governance Team as an Inspection Officer for a 9-month maternity cover. This is a rare opportunity to work at the heart of medicines legislation and governance, supporting the Controlled Drug Accountable Officer (CDAO) in ensuring compliance, safety, and continuous improvement across a wide range of healthcare settings.

About the Role

As an Inspection Officer, you’ll:

• Lead and support formal inspections across NHS Lothian and contracted sites (hospitals, pharmacies, prisons, substance misuse clinics).
• Act as an Authorised Witness for the safe destruction of Controlled Drugs.
• Provide expert advice and training to healthcare professionals on CD legislation, storage, record keeping, and safety.
• Maintain and analyse inspection data, contribute to audit and reporting, and support investigations into CD-related incidents.
• Work autonomously within a defined geographical area, collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders.

Why Join Us?

The Controlled Drug Governance Team plays a vital role in ensuring legal compliance and patient safety across NHS Lothian. You’ll be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team that values professionalism, integrity, and continuous learning. In this role, you’ll benefit from:

• A varied and impactful workload across diverse clinical environments.
• Opportunities to develop expertise in medicines legislation and governance.
• A chance to contribute to national networks and influence best practice.
• A collaborative team culture with strong leadership and mentorship.

About you

We’re looking for someone with:

• A degree or equivalent experience relevant to medicines governance.
• Knowledge of Controlled Drug legislation (e.g. Misuse of Drugs Act 1971).
• Experience in inspection, audit, or regulatory compliance.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and IT skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage a varied workload.
• A full clean driving licence and willingness to travel extensively across NHS Lothian.

About NHS Lothian

At NHS Lothian, we are committed to fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion in our workforce. Serving a population of 900,000, we are the second-largest health system in Scotland and home to one of its four teaching boards. Join a dynamic organisation that values innovation, research, and excellence in healthcare delivery.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

For further information on what is included in the role and the skills/experience we’re looking for, please refer to the job description and person specification linked below. If you’d like to learn more about this role, the team, or the opportunities available, we encourage you to get in touch with the hiring manager for an informal discussion.

Reach out to

Debbie Alexander, Lead Pharmacist – Controlled Drug Governance Team
[e-mail]
07771 390 024

We’d love to hear from you!

We will fully support disabled candidates, and candidates with long-term conditions or who are neurodivergent by making reasonable adjustments to our recruitment policy and practices.

To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is granted by the UK Visas and Immigration Service. Further information can be found in the vacancy materials.

This post requires PVG Scheme membership/record. If not currently a PVG member for the required regulatory group, an application will need to be made to Disclosure Scotland and deemed satisfactory before starting. From 1 April 2025, criminal records check requirements may change for regulated roles, and you may be required to join the PVG Scheme. Details on changes can be found in Disclosure Scotland changes.

NHS Scotland is committed to equality, diversity, and eliminating discrimination. We welcome applications from all sections of society to ensure our workforce is representative and respectful.

Please note: we anticipate a high level of interest and may close the vacancy early once sufficient applications are received. Please submit your application early.