Principal Pharmacist - Formulary & Clinical Effectiveness

King's College Hospital; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare institution in the UK is seeking an experienced Principal Pharmacist for Formulary & Clinical Effectiveness. This senior leadership role includes developing and improving the Trust's formulary functions, ensuring effective use of medicines, and leading essential initiatives. The ideal candidate should have strong leadership and critical appraisal skills, along with advanced knowledge of formulary processes. Join a dynamic team committed to enhancing patient care through evidence-based practices.

Qualifications

• Experienced clinical pharmacist with strong leadership skills.
• Advanced knowledge of formulary and medicines governance processes.
• Excellent critical appraisal skills.

Responsibilities

• Act as a specialist role model in Formulary and Clinical Effectiveness.
• Ensure effective use of medicines across the Trust.
• Lead, update and maintain all Trust Formulary processes.

Skills

Leadership skills

Critical appraisal skills

Knowledge of formulary processes

Collaborative working

Education

Clinical Pharmacy qualification

Job description

We are seeking an experienced, motivated, and forward‑thinking Principal Pharmacist for Formulary & Clinical Effectiveness. This senior leadership role is responsible for the development, delivery and continuous improvement of the Trust's Formulary and Clinical Effectiveness functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a specialist role model and expert in Formulary and Clinical Effectiveness, demonstrating an advanced level of knowledge in the field
• Ensure safe, effective and cost‑efficient use of medicines across the Trust
• Lead, update and maintain all Trust Formulary processes
• Represent the Trust at system‑wide groups, including the Integrated Medicines Optimisation Committee and Joint Formulary Committee
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior medical, nursing and pharmacy colleagues regarding the introduction and evaluation of medicines across the local health economy
• Develop and implement guidelines and policies for the use of medicines
• Promote effective prescribing aligned with the Trust Formulary and NICE guidance
• Work with colleagues internal and external to the Trust on development and maintenance of prescribing pathways
• Collaborate with internal and external partners on regional and national medicines optimisation workplans (e.g. Pan‑London programmes)
• Provide teaching, training and expert advice within the Trust and externally
• Initiate and coordinate research, audit and quality improvement activity in the specialist area
• Lead the clinical effectiveness and formulary agenda within Pharmacy in accordance with the priorities set by the post holder, Deputy Chief Pharmacist, General Manager(s) and Clinical Director(s)
• Develop, maintain and update Formulary processes within the Trust
• Work with senior leaders within the Trust to develop and uphold best practice in use and introduction of medicines
• Identify a vision for Formulary and Clinical Effectiveness within the Trust
• Respond to queries from within and external to the Trust relating to medicine supply and formulary issues
• Be a member of and actively participate in Trust and system‑wide committees relevant to the role
• Sit on ICB Medicines Management Committees/Implementation Groups
• Work with colleagues across the Integrated Care System, including pharmaceutical advisors and GPs to promote best care for patients
• Motivate and inspire others (both within pharmacy and the Trust)
• Ensure that issues relating to pharmaceutical care are appropriately represented within Trust and Regional Committee Structures
• Utilise critical appraisal skills to provide evidence reviews for new medicines requested for formulary inclusion
• Govern policy and procedures that govern the introduction of new medicines procured into the Trust and their risk assessment, including running of the New Drug Panel
• Develop, implement and monitor policies, guidelines, protocols and procedures at Trust and regional level, as required
• Propose and comment on policy and service changes and plans within the clinical pharmacy service
• Review and monitor use of unlicensed medicines within the Trust
• Ensure services provided are in line with national agendas, policies, guidelines and frameworks
• Actively participate in and contribute to the development, promotion and local implementation of local and regional prescribing and clinical services guidance
• Strategically develop pharmacy services across the Trust in partnership with the Associate Chief Pharmacist, Formulary & Governance
• Lead on specific projects or initiatives across all of the Pharmacy Service
• Work with clinicians, nurses and other Trust staff to develop Trust‑wide policies

Qualifications & Experience

• Experienced clinical pharmacist with strong leadership skills
• Advanced knowledge of formulary and medicines governance processes
• Excellent critical appraisal skills and commitment to evidence‑based practice
• Ability to drive high‑quality, safe and cost‑effective prescribing across the organisation
• Proactive, collaborative and capable of working effectively across organisational boundaries