Lead Pharmacist, Education & Training

NHS; Bedford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Bedford is seeking a Lead Pharmacist for Education & Training. The role involves implementing the pharmacy education strategy, mentoring pharmacy staff, and ensuring compliance with training standards. Ideal candidates are registered GPhC Pharmacists with strong leadership and educational expertise. This position offers opportunities for professional growth and impact within the NHS.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Collaborative team culture

Networking across healthcare providers

Qualifications

• Registered GPhC Pharmacist with expertise in education.
• Strong experience in training implementation.
• Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate training programmes for pharmacists.
• Provide mentorship and competency support for pharmacy staff.
• Ensure compliance with GPhC training standards through structured learning.

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Organizational skills

Collaborative skills

Education

Post graduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy

Clinical Diploma tutor/Educational Supervisor

Independent prescriber

Job description

Overview

Lead Pharmacist, Education & Training – Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Closing date: 01 October 2025

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 across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas, across two hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. The Trust is committed to staff wellbeing and to delivering high-quality training and development to help you grow your career.

We have state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to delivering the best patient care using the latest clinical knowledge and technology.

Job details

Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you are familiar with all requirements of the job. Vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when a sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

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

• QI Training
• Stage 1 Faculty Member (MIFRPS)
• Train the trainer qualification
• Recent practical experience of independent prescribing for a designated group of patients
• Service development

Skills

Essential

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

Desirable

• Knowledge 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

Compliance

Disclosure and Barring Service Check – This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a Disclosure to check for any previous convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship – Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered alongside other applications. For details see the UK Visas and Immigration website. UK-specific guidance on overseas criminal record checks applies.

UK Registration – Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer details

Employer: Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address: Bedford Hospital, Kempston Road, Bedford, MK42 9DJ

Website: bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/