Band 8c Deputy Chief Pharmacist (Clinical Services)-Bristol

NHS; Bristol; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mental health trust in Bristol is seeking a Band 8c Deputy Chief Pharmacist to lead medicines optimisation. This role requires strong leadership and collaboration skills, overseeing clinical pharmacy services and ensuring high-quality patient care. Ideal for those looking to enhance their management and clinical expertise within a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in hospital pharmacy with strong clinical and governance skills.
• Experience delivering and developing postgraduate teaching and training.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop specialist clinical pharmacy services throughout the Trust.
• Provide professional leadership and deputize for the Chief Pharmacist.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical or Psychiatric Pharmacy

Management or Leadership Qualification

Full Membership of the College of Mental Health Pharmacists

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Band 8c Deputy Chief Pharmacist (Clinical Services) - Bristol

Avon and Wiltshire Partnership (AWP) Pharmacy Service seeks an exceptional, highly motivated pharmacist to lead medicines optimisation across the Trust. Our vision is to deliver outstanding clinical care to all service users across inpatient and community settings, including mental health, substance misuse, learning disabilities, and autism.

The Trust operates mainly across two systems: BaNES, Swindon, and Wiltshire, and Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire. The role requires strong collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to promote patient-centered care and safety.

The post-holder will be a key member of the senior pharmacy team, supporting the Chief Pharmacist in setting strategic directions for medicines optimisation and clinical pharmacy services. The role also leads on pharmacist non-medical prescribing, supports the Trust's prescribing lead, and oversees pharmacy workforce, education, and development. It works closely with the Deputy Chief Pharmacist for Operations and Governance.

If you're seeking a new challenge to develop your leadership, management, and clinical skills within a visionary service, this opportunity is ideal!

Main duties of the job

1. Manage, coordinate, and develop specialist clinical pharmacy services throughout the Trust, including those under service level agreements.
2. Provide professional leadership and deputize for the Chief Pharmacist to deliver a safe, responsive, high-quality, and legal pharmacy service aligned with the service's vision and priorities.
3. Lead and develop clinical pharmacy services to meet the Trust Medicines Optimisation Strategy and standards set by relevant professional and regulatory bodies.
4. Manage lead pharmacists for Physical Health and Workforce, Education, and Development, ensuring services meet stakeholder and organizational objectives.
5. Represent the Chief Pharmacist/Trust on delegated projects internally and externally.
6. Collaborate with the Chief Pharmacist and Senior Pharmacy Team to utilize resources safely and efficiently, aiming to improve patient experience and outcomes with patient-centered care.

About us

We are AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust): a diverse organization with over 5,000 staff providing inpatient and community mental health care.

We serve approximately 1.8 million people across Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, Wiltshire, and parts of Dorset.

Our dedicated staff promote mental health and wellbeing, emphasizing a person-centered approach. We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ applicants.

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the full job description and person specification for detailed information, aligned with AWP Trust values.

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

• Registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical or Psychiatric Pharmacy or equivalent
• Management or leadership qualification (e.g., Diploma in Management, MBA, NHS or CPPE Leadership Academy)
• Full (Credentialed) Membership of the College of Mental Health Pharmacists (CMHP) or willingness to attain within the first year
• Registered Independent Non-medical Prescriber
• Additional postgraduate qualifications relevant to pharmacy practice, such as education and training

Experience and Knowledge

• Extensive experience in hospital pharmacy post-qualification, with strong clinical and governance skills
• Experience in delivering and developing postgraduate teaching, training, and education
• Proven experience in leading clinical audits and strategic planning for pharmacy services
• Experience collaborating with senior healthcare professionals and external organizations to achieve medicines optimisation
• Change management and project management experience
• Leadership and mentoring experience with staff and teams
• Financial management experience, including budgeting and policy development
• Experience working in mental health inpatient and community settings, including providing medicines information and understanding relevant legislation (Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act)
• Experience as a Medication Safety Officer or similar role

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and reporting skills (tact, empathy, negotiation, diplomacy)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and IT skills
• Ability to analyze complex clinical and business information
• Capability to work under pressure, prioritize, and meet deadlines
• Self-motivated and self-directed with a flexible attitude toward service development

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This role is subject to a DBS check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Chief Pharmacist & AD of Medicines Optimisation