Lead Pharmacist, Education & Training

NHS; Bedford; On-site; GBP 53,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust seeks a Lead Pharmacist for Education & Training to develop and implement pharmacy education strategies. This position includes leading training programs, mentoring staff, and ensuring compliance with training standards. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on mentorship, contributing to the ongoing development of pharmacy services.

Benefits

Career Development Opportunities

Access to Educational Resources

Supportive Team Environment

Qualifications

• Registered GPhC Pharmacist with expertise in education.
• Experienced clinical pharmacist at band 7 or above.
• Strong training implementation experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate structured training programmes.
• Provide mentorship and supervision for pharmacy staff.
• Support CPD initiatives and compliance with GPhC standards.

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Collaboration

Education

Post graduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy

Clinical Diploma tutor/Educational Supervisor

Independent prescriber

Job description

Job summary

Support the Delivery of a High-Quality Pharmacy Education & Training Strategy

Are you an experienced and motivated pharmacist with a passion for education and workforce development? We are looking for a Lead Pharmacist - Education & Training to play a crucial role in developing and implementing the pharmacy education and training strategy at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Working closely with the Principal Pharmacist, Education & Training, you will contribute to shaping the strategic training agenda while leading the practical delivery of high-quality education and development initiatives for our pharmacy workforce. This is a fantastic opportunity to mentor, support, and guide pharmacists and pharmacy staff while ensuring training meets the evolving needs of the NHS.

Why Join Us?

Implementation-Focused Leadership Role - Play a key role in executing the Trust's pharmacy education and training strategy.

Networking - Work across Bedford Hospital and associated Trust sites, engaging with regional and national training networks.

Career Development - Support pharmacists through Foundation Level training, postgraduate qualifications, and CPD opportunities, whilst the Trust supports your development.

Collaborative Team Culture - Work alongside a highly skilled Pharmacy Senior Leadership Team and Trust-wide education leads.

Main duties of the job

Main Duties:

• Training Implementation - Lead and coordinate structured training programmes for Foundation Level and postgraduate pharmacists.
• Workforce Development - Provide mentorship, supervision, and competency support for pharmacy staff.
• Trainee Pharmacist Support - Ensure compliance with GPhC training standards through structured learning.
• CPD & Education Strategy - Support CPD initiatives and workforce training aligned with national standards.
• Collaboration & Engagement - Work with HEE, universities, and clinical supervisors to enhance education.
• Clinical & Governance Contribution - Participate in prescribing training, audit, and workforce planning.
• Strategic Workforce Input - Assist in shaping long-term pharmacy workforce development strategies.

Candidate Requirements:

• Registered GPhC Pharmacist with expertise in education and workforce development.
• Strong leadership, mentorship, and training implementation experience.
• Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on training delivery.
• Excellent organisational and collaborative skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• Passionate about advancing pharmacy education and improving service delivery.

About us

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.

We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.

Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job.

Details Date posted

03 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£53,755 to £60,504 a year PA

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

418-AHP2443-MR

Job locations

Bedford Hospital

Kempston Road

Bedford

MK42 9DJ

Job description Job responsibilities

The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this job, please review for the full details and responsibilities.

Job description Job responsibilities

The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this job, please review for the full details and responsibilities.

Person Specification Qualifications Essential

• Post graduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy or equivalent
• Clinical Diploma tutor/Educational Supervisor
• Independent prescriber

Desirable

• QI Training
• Stage 1 Faculty Member (MIFRPS)
• Train the trainer qualification

Experience Essential

• oExperienced clinical pharmacist across a range of clinical specialities at band 7 or above
• Staff line management experience
• Experience in supervising and training staff
• Experience in delivering E&T to various health care professionals

Desirable

• Recent practical experience of independent prescribing for a designated group of patients
• Service development

Skills Essential

• Knowledge of Health Education England (HEE) work-plans
• oIn-depth knowledge of the Foundation and General Level Framework for Pharmacists (and equivalent for Pharmacy Technicians)
• Ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines

Desirable

• oKnowledge of developments in NHS strategy particularly in Pharmacy E&T and systems to implement into NHS services
• Enthusiastic about development of pharmacy services
• Team player

Person Specification Qualifications Essential

• Post graduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy or equivalent
• Clinical Diploma tutor/Educational Supervisor
• Independent prescriber

Desirable

• QI Training
• Stage 1 Faculty Member (MIFRPS)
• Train the trainer qualification

Experience Essential

• oExperienced clinical pharmacist across a range of clinical specialities at band 7 or above
• Staff line management experience
• Experience in supervising and training staff
• Experience in delivering E&T to various health care professionals

Desirable

• Recent practical experience of independent prescribing for a designated group of patients
• Service development

Skills Essential

• Knowledge of Health Education England (HEE) work-plans
• oIn-depth knowledge of the Foundation and General Level Framework for Pharmacists (and equivalent for Pharmacy Technicians)
• Ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines

Desirable

• oKnowledge of developments in NHS strategy particularly in Pharmacy E&T and systems to implement into NHS services
• Enthusiastic about development of pharmacy services
• Team player

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details Employer name

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Bedford Hospital

Kempston Road

Bedford

MK42 9DJ

Employer's website

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details Employer name

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Bedford Hospital

Kempston Road

Bedford

MK42 9DJ

Employer's website

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)