Introduction
NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.
Pre‑Application Notice
We anticipate a high level of interest in this position and may close the vacancy early once a sufficient amount of applications have been received. Please complete and submit your application as early as possible.
Equality and Support
We will fully support disabled candidates, and candidates with long‑term conditions or who are neurodivergent by making reasonable adjustments to our recruitment policy and practices.
Legal Working Status
To work in the United Kingdom an individual must demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country, granted by the UK Visas and Immigration Service. Further information on what NHS Scotland Boards are required to check can be found in the further information for this vacancy.
Security Check
The post requires the holder to have a PVG Scheme membership/record. If the holder is not a current PVG member for the required regulatory group (child and/or adult) an application must be made to Disclosure Scotland and deemed satisfactory before appointment.
Due to legislative changes from 1 April 2025 a different level of criminal records check may be required. If the post is assessed as a “regulated role”, appointment will be subject to joining the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. If there is any change to what is currently required this will be confirmed by the Hiring Manager or the Recruitment Team. For more details on these changes please visit Disclosure Scotland Changes.
Employment Terms
The post is part‑time, first open as fixed‑term for 10 months, at 0.4 WTE (14.8 hours per week). The salary will be pro‑rata, ranging from £33,247 to £41,424 per year. The role includes weekend working and public holiday commitment and is a secondment.
Post Title
Pharmacy Technician, Higher Level – Pharmacy Services, Western General Hospital – Education Research & Development, NHS Lothian University Hospitals Division.
About The Role
This post contributes nationally, regionally and locally to priority areas in pharmacy education, through liaison with other education and training stakeholders such as NHS Education for Scotland (NES), Further and Higher Education providers as well as other Education and Training Pharmacy Technician networks across Scotland and the wider UK.
The post holder will be based at the Western General Hospital, Pharmacy ERD and will work across NHS Lothian sites with an expectation to travel outside the board area.
This role is integral to fulfilling SLAs with further education providers including delivering SQA approved education and competency frameworks. The successful candidate will contribute to the scoping of current and future service needs in line with GPhC IET standards for pre‑registration education pathways, and develop education pathways that reflect the transforming roles career frameworks to meet the needs of pharmacy support worker and pharmacy technician role development across NHS Lothian.
Key Responsibilities
* Work collaboratively with the current post holder, the wider pharmacy team, NHS Lothian Workforce Development Team and our educational partners (Edinburgh College, Fife College, West College Scotland, NES).
* Contribute to fast‑paced educational reforms across the whole pharmacy workforce, driven by the introduction of the GPhC IET standards and national and local workforce development initiatives aligned with national service transformation priorities.
* Work with wider education and development teams’ networks to review the content and delivery of education, training and assessment across a range of academic courses and competency frameworks for pharmacy support workers and pharmacy technicians.
* Opportunity to work collaboratively with further education providers delivering taught elements of the pharmacy curriculum.
Why Join Us?
We are committed to fostering an environment where our pharmacy team members can flourish, develop, and make the best use of their skills. With new treatments on the horizon, including clinical trials, this is an exciting time to join our team. We provide extensive training opportunities and career progression pathways including HN Unit procedures for aseptic checking technicians, PDA in assessment and supply of individual patient’s medicines, PDA in workplace assessment using direct methods.
About You
The successful candidate will need:
* Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
* National Certificate in Pharmacy Services and Scottish Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Pharmacy Services or equivalent.
* HN unit: Procedures for Pharmacy Dispensary Checking Technicians or Accuracy Checking Pharmacy Technician Award (provided by Buttercups or NPA, 2019 or before).
* HNC in Pharmacy Services Development and Management or be able to demonstrate equivalent competence.
* Work‑based Assessor Qualification or willingness to undertake development.
* Interest in undertaking a teaching qualification if not already held.
* Interest in gaining skills to become an Internal Verifier if not already held.
* A strong alignment with NHS Lothian’s values and willingness to contribute to our dynamic team.
About NHS Lothian
At NHS Lothian we are committed to fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion in our workforce. Serving a population of 900,000, we are the second‑largest health system in Scotland and home to one of its four teaching boards. Join a dynamic organisation that values innovation, research, and excellence in healthcare delivery.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
For further information on what is included in the role and the skills or experience we’re looking for, please refer to the job description and person specification. If you would like to learn more about this exciting role, the team you’ll be joining, or the opportunities available, we warmly encourage you to get in touch with the hiring manager.
Contact
Susan Menzies, Lead Pharmacy Technician, Education, Research and Development, NHS Lothian
Telephone: 0131 537 1229
Email: susan.menzies2@nhs.scot
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