Job Summary
This is a training post, to learn the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to become a Registered Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). The successful candidate will be enrolled onto a GPhC approved Pharmacy Technician apprenticeship course and will work as part of the HMP Woodhill Pharmacy team, completing assignments and exams set by the training provider.
Main Duties
* To complete all tasks in accordance with the relevant legislation, local standard operating procedures, and local Medicines Policy.
* To accurately dispense and issue prescriptions under the supervision of a pharmacist or pharmacy technician.
* To receive prescriptions and orders from other healthcare and medical staff in accordance with dispensary procedures.
* To participate in the operation of efficient stock control and management systems for the various areas within the pharmacy and the prison wings.
* To accurately document all relevant information pertaining to patient care using the electronic patient notes and prescribing systems.
* To maintain all necessary records, including the use of computer equipment and other appropriate documents.
* To contribute to the smooth running of the dispensary, including covering for other staff where necessary.
* To provide medical wings and units with medicines optimisation services, under the supervision of a pharmacy technician or pharmacist.
About Us
We’re passionate about delivering first‑class patient‑centred, safe and effective care, whether it is in a hospital setting, a community clinic or the patient’s own home. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. We’re always looking to recruit outstanding people who will go the extra mile to support our patients, colleagues and teams. With a diverse culture and a range of opportunities across mental health, community services, addictions, eating disorders, learning disabilities and more, whatever stage of your career you’re at, there’s always a place for you at CNWL.
Details
* Date posted: 20 November 2025
* Pay scheme: Agenda for change
* Band: Band 4
* Salary: £27,485 to £30,162 a year incl HCAS (pro rata if part time)
* Contract: Fixed term
* Duration: 2 years
* Working pattern: Full‑time
* Reference number: 333-D-HJ-1929
* Job location: HMP Woodhill, MILTON KEYNES, MK4 4DA
Job Responsibilities
* To instruct clinical staff in the correct procedures for record keeping, security and storage of controlled drugs.
* To maintain a safe system of work at all times, including knowledge of and adherence to fire precautions, departmental and trust safety policies and standard operating procedures.
* To promote the professional image of pharmacy within the Trust by ensuring the standard of dress and behaviour reflect the professional service offered by the pharmacy department.
* To work at other HMP pharmacy sites when necessary.
* To maintain high levels of personal safety and security, be constantly vigilant and adhere to security protocols at all times.
* To ensure that pharmaceuticals are transported within the prison in a manner that maintains the integrity and security of the medicines while adhering to necessary safety precautions.
* To adhere to GPhC standards for pharmacy professionals at all times.
* To successfully complete the requirements of the pharmacy technician course/qualification within the deadline set, meeting the GPhC standards for the initial education and training of pharmacy technicians.
* To meet the various requirements of the apprenticeship scheme, including off‑the‑job training and completion of 12‑week reviews.
* To undertake medicine optimisation competency, inclusive of medicine reconciliation and patient counselling, under the supervision of a pharmacist or pharmacy technician.
* To provide patients and service users with advice and guidance on how to take their medicines effectively.
* To undertake the final accuracy‑checking competency (as per course requirements) under the supervision of a pharmacist or qualified pharmacy technician.
* To have compassion and understanding for all service users and staff, demonstrating role‑model behaviour at all times.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
* Good level of basic education to meet the training provider enrolment requirements: Maths, English GCSE grade A*‑C (4‑9) or equivalent Maths, English and Science GCSE grade A*‑C (4‑9) or equivalent.
* Willingness to undertake Functional Skills qualifications for English and/or Maths if necessary.
* Ability to meet the apprenticeship standard.
Desirable Qualifications
* Completion of a GPhC recognised Pharmacy Support Staff qualification (e.g., Pharmacy Assistant, Pharmacy Counter Assistant or Pharmacy Dispenser qualification(s) - or Level 2 apprenticeship course in Pharmacy Services).
* Completion of medicine optimisation training (POD assessment and transcribing for supply).
Essential Experience
* Experience of working in a team.
* Experience of Health and Safety practices.
* Experience of working to deadlines.
* Previous experience of working in a pharmacy setting.
Desirable Experience
* Previous experience of working in secondary care pharmacy setting.
* Previous experience of working in a secure environment (Prison, YOI, etc.).
Essential Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
* Computer literate (practical experience of using Microsoft Word and Excel).
* Fluent written/spoken English.
* Good communication skills (written and oral).
* Good organisation and prioritisation skills.
Desirable Skills
* Dispensing skills.
* Confident use of electronic prescribing and ordering systems.
Essential Other‑Apprenticeship Scheme Eligibility
* Right to work in the UK and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for a minimum of 3 years on the first day of the apprenticeship.
* Your right to work in the UK must extend beyond the course duration.
* Must be able to work >30 hrs per week.
* Meets education and qualification requirements to enrol.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
Employer details
* Employer name: Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
* Address: HMP Woodhill, MILTON KEYNES, MK4 4DA
* Website: https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/work
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