East Midlands (England)
Job Summary
Make a difference
Every role at CQC contributes to our mission. If you're looking for a new role in National Operations – Medicines Optimisation that gives a true sense of meaning and purpose, then you've found it As a Pharmacist Specialist, you'll use your pharmaceutical expertise to help ensure medicines are used safely and effectively across health and social care services.
Picture this
You'll work with inspection teams and external partners to improve how medicines are managed in health and social care settings. Your advice and leadership will help protect people and promote better outcomes.
In the last year as a
Pharmacist Specialist
in
National Operations – Medicines Optimisation
, you might have supported inspectors during a complex investigation, providing expert advice that shaped regulatory decisio
Job Description
The role
You'll be key in helping us deliver our work. In this role, you'll:
* Advise inspection teams: Provide expert support on medicines optimisation to help teams make sound, evidence-based decisions.
* Lead on medicines risk: Identify and assess risks related to medicines use across regulated services, helping CQC take action where needed.
* Support learning and improvement: Deliver training and guidance to colleagues and stakeholders to build understanding and improve practice.
The role
You'll be key in helping us deliver our work. In this role, you'll:
* Advise inspection teams: Provide expert support on medicines optimisation to help teams make sound, evidence-based decisions.
* Lead on medicines risk: Identify and assess risks related to medicines use across regulated services, helping CQC take action where needed.
* Support learning and improvement: Deliver training and guidance to colleagues and stakeholders to build understanding and improve practice.
Person specification
Show Us
We will be looking for specific skills, knowledge and experience in your application form:
* Pharmacy registration and experience: You're a registered pharmacist with at least 5 years' experience in clinical care across health or social care settings.
* Expertise in medicines optimisation: You've led work to improve how medicines are managed and can apply your knowledge to different care environments.
* Clear communication of complex issues: You've translated technical information into clear advice for a range of audiences, including regulators and care providers.
The Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including:
* Annual leave starting at 27 days per year, rising to 32.5 days with service, plus bank holidays (usually 8 days per year).
* Training and development opportunities.
* Wellbeing initiatives, such as gym discounts and meditation.
* NHS pension scheme, with around 14% employer contribution.
* Discount schemes (including eligibility for a Blue Light card, at a cost of £4.99 and valid for 2 years), reward vouchers, car leasing and more
Please see our benefits page for the f
Selection process details
Assessment Date:
Tuesday 23 September 2025*
* The assessment centre will be in Nottingham
What To Expect At Assessment
Your assessment will be face-to-face and includes:
* A short written exercise
* A brief presentation (prepared in advance - we'll send you the details)
* A relaxed interview
We aim to keep things welcoming and supportive. If you need any adjustments, just let us know
If you're curious about the role or just want to find out a bit more before applying, we'd love to have an informal conversation. No pressure, no commitment—just a chance to ask questions, get a feel for the team, and see if it's the right fit for you. Please contact
Geraldine Yates, Regional Medicines Manager
at
To apply, please click the 'Apply at advertiser's site' button located at the bottom of this page.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups
* UK nationals
* nationals of the Republic of Ireland
* nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
* nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
* nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
* individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
* Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)
Working for the Civil Service
Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission.
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission.
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact
* Name : Geraldine Yates,
* Email :
Recruitment team
* Email :
Further information