Foundation to Advance Clinical Pharmacist Programme

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust; Brighton, Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospitals Sussex is inviting applications for its Foundation to Advance Clinical Pharmacist Programme. This 18-month role supports the transition to advanced practice in the NHS, focusing on clinical competencies alongside postgraduate education. Ideal for trainee or experienced pharmacists seeking growth in a supportive, diverse environment.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Comprehensive Wellbeing Programme

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• Trainee or experienced pharmacists welcome.
• Post-registration foundation pharmacist experience preferred.
• Hospital pharmacy experience in the UK is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert patient care and support lead pharmacists.
• Contribute to clinical governance and pharmacy services.
• Supervise and educate undergraduates and junior pharmacists.

Skills

Understanding of progression programme

Willingness for continual professional development

Education

Master of Pharmacy degree

Registered member of the General Pharmaceutical Council

Job description

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Foundation to Advance Clinical Pharmacist Programme

Band 6

Main area Pharmacy Grade Band 6 Contract Permanent Hours

• Full time
• Part time

37.5 hours per week (Part time hours considered) Job ref 279-6806216-JUN25

Employer 279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Worthing Town Worthing Salary £37,338 - £44,962 Per annum pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 30/06/2025 23:59

About our Trust

At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts , we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to always put our Patient First . In fact our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job overview

The Pharmacy department is rapidly expanding and we are proud and delighted to invite applications to our FOUNDATION toADVANCE Clinical Pharmacist Programme. This is an 18 month competency-based progression programme with incremental enhancement at 12 and 18 months. Pharmacists in the programme will work towards key objectives to transition from a post-registration foundation pharmacist (band 6) into an advance clinical pharmacist (band 7).

We welcome applications from trainee pharmacists or other sector pharmacists who wish to develop their career in hospital. We also welcome applications from experienced band 6 or 7 pharmacists; they will be aligned to the appropriate stage of the programme depending on experience. This unique programme has been designed to enhance your skills and experience across our diverse range of clinical specialities and you will be supported to complete a postgraduate diploma at University College London alongside other set objectives. To aid progression towards more senior specialised posts, attainment of a clinically enhanced pharmacist independent prescribing qualification is encouraged as an extension of the programme.

We are looking to appoint talented pharmacists who are self-directed, productive team-players and who are able to manage the busy responsibilities of this key NHS role.

Main duties of the job

University Hospitals Sussex has recently merged two legacy Trusts consisting of the Royal Sussex County Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital in the East and Worthing, St Richards and Southlands in the West.

We invite you to specify your preferred site within the application form when writing your personal statement.

RSCH- Brighton & PRH- Haywards Heath:

Abdominal Medicine & Surgery, Acute Medicine, Acute Frailty, Aseptics, Cardiology, Cardiothoracics, Critical Care, Education Development, Endocrine, HIV, Infectious Diseases / Antimicrobial Stewardship, Intermediate Care / Rehabilitation, Mental Health, Neurology & Neuro Rehabilitation, Neurosurgery, Renal, Respiratory, Adult & Paediatric Cancer Services, Stroke, Urology and Vascular Surgery.

This is one of multiple adverts for the same job, please be advised that you only need to apply to one of these and within your application specify which site you'd like to apply for.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• You will be responsible for the delivery of expert patient care providing support to the lead pharmacists. This includes development, evaluation and co-ordination of clinical pharmacy services in line with the objectives of the division and the UHSx Pharmacy strategy.
• You will contribute to all aspects of clinical governance, including clinical risk and audit.
• As a teaching hospital, education and training is an integral component of all roles encompassing practice supervision of undergraduates, pre-registration pharmacists and the line management and educational supervision of band 6 pharmacists as appropriate.
• We encourage inter-professional learning and have been recognised for educational initiatives such as joint teaching activities with Foundation Doctors.

Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details.

Person specification

Qualifications

• Master of Pharmacy degree at a British School of Pharmacy or recognised equivalent
• Registered member of the General Pharmaceutical Council or working towards registration

Knowledge and Experience

• Previous pharmacy experience in the UK as a qualified or trainee pharmacist
• Previous hospital pharmacy experience in the UK

Skills

• Supporting information must demonstrate an understanding of the progression programme with examples of core skills required in a foundation secondary care role. Applicants must show a willingness for continual professional development

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

Important information for applicants:

A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.

Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.

Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications

Further Information

For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Name Jenny Mccluskey Job title Lead Pharmacist- Division of Surgery (East) Email address [e-mail] Telephone number 01273696955 Additional information Royal Sussex County Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital (East): Jenny Mccluskey-01273 696955 ext 64183 [e-mail] Worthing, St Richards and Southlands (West): Elena (Ellie) Burton - 01903 205111 Ext. 86342, [e-mail] Lewis Thompson -01243 788122 Ext. 35117,[e-mail]