Senior Dispensary Pharmacy Technician

NHS; Bristol; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Bristol seeks a Dispensary Pharmacy Technician to manage pharmacy operations within a prison setting. The ideal candidate will have NVQ level 3 in Pharmacy Services and experience in a pharmacy environment, enhancing patient care through effective management and dispensing practices. This full-time role offers a salary of £31,049 to £37,796 annually along with opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Experience of working in a pharmacy post qualification.
• Prison or hospital pharmacy experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Organise and manage the day-to-day running of the pharmacy dispensary.
• Supervise, mentor and train pharmacy technicians and assistants.
• Dispense prescriptions and stock items in the dispensary.

Skills

Good knowledge of writing and working within a set of SOPs

Understanding of mental illness and substance misuse and their treatment

Knowledge and experience of checking dispensed prescriptions

Education

NVQ level 3 Pharmacy Services or equivalent

Registration with GPhC as a pharmacy technician

Current UK professional registration

Accredited Checking Technician Certificate

ACT Facilitator

Job description

Job Summary

Are you ready to unlock your potential within a challenging, creative and fast paced work environment? Do you want to work with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past?

This is an excellent opportunity for a Dispensary Pharmacy Technician to join our team of diverse, talented healthcare professionals to deliver care that is not only efficient but deeply centred on the patient.

This position isn't just a job; it's a chance to blend your clinical knowledge, personal skills and a commitment to delivering the highest standards of care in an environment that is as rewarding as it is challenging. The pharmacy department has a long history of innovation, with established policies and procedures in line with National Guidelines governing patient care within a prison setting.

Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust is a mental health and community trust that provides a wide and growing range of services across the boroughs of Bexley, Greenwich, Bromley, Kent and the South West of England. Oxleas Prison Services Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust and provides the pharmacy services to the prison pharmacy contracts.

Important Sponsorship Information for this post: We are currently unable to offer a certificate of sponsorship for this post.

Job Details

Date posted: 05 November 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 5

Salary: £31,049 to £37,796 a year pa inc

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 277-7569843-BRIS

Job location: HMP Bristol Pharmacy, 19 Cambridge Road, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 8PS

Responsibilities

• Organise and manage the day-to‑day running of the pharmacy dispensary and procurement operation at HMP Bristol, reporting any immediate issues to the responsible pharmacist and the Lead Pharmacy Technician.
• Supervise, mentor and train pharmacy technicians and assistants using specialist knowledge and experience.
• Dispense prescriptions and stock items in the dispensary.
• Serve as an accredited checking technician (ACT) providing final accuracy checks or work toward accreditation.
• Promote and ensure high standards of work for all staff in the dispensary, ensuring all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are read and adhered to.
• Assist the Lead Pharmacy Technician with writing, updating and monitoring the use of SOPs for dispensary procedures.
• Ensure, on a daily basis, that all pharmacy operations are within the requirements of the Wholesale Dealers License.
• Ensure systems support ordering and supply of repeat prescriptions.
• Manage pharmacy technicians and assistants working within the dispensary.
• Manage and coordinate leave requests from members of the pharmacy dispensary using internal SOPs and Healthroster.
• Deputise for the Lead Pharmacy Technician.
• Undertake routine supervisions and assist in annual appraisals of dispensary-based pharmacy technicians and assistants.
• Mentor and train dispensary pharmacy staff with specialist knowledge to ensure all staff meet high standards.
• Train as an accredited checking facilitator (if not already achieved) and ensure all pharmacy technicians achieve accreditation timely.
• Train as an NVQ assessor (if not already achieved) and support all dispensary-based technical staff through their NVQ qualifications.
• Ensure robust stock management and control in line with GPhC, Home Office and MHRA.
• Promote healthy lifestyles for offenders in line with local and national guidelines.
• Demonstrate ongoing CPD and be responsible for self-development and learning.
• Participate in clinical audits and departmental audits.
• Submit to an advanced DBS check, a prison security check (Level 2) before employment.
• Appreciate the secure environment and adhere to all prison procedures.
• Undertake other tasks at the request of the Lead Prison Services Pharmacist.

Person Specification

Education & Qualifications

• Essential: NVQ level 3 Pharmacy Services or equivalent; Registration with GPhC as a pharmacy technician; current UK professional registration.
• Desirable: Accredited Checking Technician Certificate; ACT Facilitator.

Skills & Abilities

• Essential: Good knowledge of writing and working within a set of SOPs.
• Desirable: Understanding of mental illness and substance misuse and their treatment; Knowledge and experience of checking dispensed prescriptions.

Experience

• Essential: Experience of working in a pharmacy post qualification.
• Desirable: Prison or hospital pharmacy experience.

Additional Requirements

Applicants must be willing to undertake National Security Vetting to work in a Prison Setting.

Required documentation: Proof of right to work; Proof of ID (including 1 photographic ID); Proof of address; If non-UK passport holders: correct right to work documentation and Home Office Share code. Five‑year address history required; if lacking, a Police Certificate in English from previous country of residence. If UK passport holders with more than six months abroad in last three years: certificate of good conduct or overseas police check in English.

Applicants not meeting these requirements may be ineligible for consideration.

Employer Details

Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust

HMP Bristol Pharmacy

19 Cambridge Road

Bishopston, Bristol

BS7 8PS