Overview
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join the Pharmacy team at the Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust as Associate Chief Pharmacist - Clinical Services. This is a key post for the strategic integration of Pharmacy services into our Trust Clinical Strategy.
You will be a key member of the Pharmacy Leadership Team, providing input into the strategic direction of Pharmacy, with transformational leadership in medicines optimisation for the department, Trust, our Acute Provider Collaborative and the BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) Integrated Care System. You will play a key role in service innovation to bring care and access to innovative medicines closer to home.
Our workforce and a culture of inclusivity are key to delivery of our ambitions, therefore evidence of compassionate leadership, experience in service redesign and reflection on practice are essential to this role. We welcome applications from individuals with excellent communication skills, a patient-centred attitude, and who will encourage a culture of inclusivity and innovation.
A relocation support allowance is also available subject to circumstances. This post is also available as a 8b-8c development opportunity for the right candidate. We strongly encourage applications from colleagues from protected and minority backgrounds and are happy to consider applications for part time or flexible working.
Main duties of the job
The primary roles and responsibilities of the Associate Chief Pharmacist - Clinical Services are to:
* Be a member of the Pharmacy Leadership Team supporting the Pharmacy Director in establishing strategy and policy for pharmacy and medicines optimisation throughout the Trust and ICS.
* Promote and instil a culture and measurable improvements for research and quality improvement in clinical services
* Provide professional leadership and management of Pharmacy clinical services both across inpatient specialties and in partership with providers across the ICS
* Deputise for the Director of Pharmacy (Chief Pharmacist) in the oversight and assurance for medicines
* Deputise for the Chief Pharmacist as Accountable Officer for Controlled Drugs (CDAO)
* Provide leadership and management of Pharmacy Clinical Services across the organisation
* Ensure alignment of the projects with departmental, trust and national strategy
For more information on the duties of this role, please see the job description or contact the Director of Pharmacy for further information.
About us
At the RUH we're proud to put people at the heart of what we do, and the Pharmacy Department is no exception. You will be at the forefront of the medicines transformation to improve experience across the organisation, for patients and our community.
We are committed to creating a compassionate and inclusive environment - celebrating successes and creating opportunities to listen and learn. We value our differences, champion kindness and civility, and truly believe that diversity makes us stronger.
In Pharmacy we are especially proud of our 2022 Staff Survey response rate of 80% which showed just how engaged our team is in improving the patient and staff experience. Everyone's ideas are listened to and discussed through our regular huddle boards.
The RUH values staff wellbeing, with a well-established programme of support. We believe in a holistic approach spanning all aspects of living a healthy life. We even have a pool! In the Pharmacy department, you can be sure that your voice is heard and we have lots of staff socials to help you connect with your colleagues around you.
We are committed to supporting you and hope you want to join our team. In the meantime, find out more about living and working in the beautiful historic city of Bath, learn about our extensive package of staff benefits, and read about how we're providing healthcare fit for the future with the Dyson Cancer Centre and our passion for research.
Details
Date posted: 16 September 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 8c
Salary: £76,965 to £88,682 a year per annum, pro rata. Relocation support allowance available
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working
Reference number: 427-7426697
Job location: Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Combe Park, Bath, BA1 3NG
Job description
Please find attached to the vacancy a detailed person specification and job description for further information about this role.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Pharmacist with General Pharmaceutical Council (UK) registration
* Demonstrable evidence of reflection on practice and Continuing Professional Development
* Management Qualification or additional specialist management knowledge acquired through training and experience to Masters level or equivalent
* Senior Leadership accreditation (NHS Leadership Academy or equivalent)
Knowledge and experience
* Pharmacy leadership experience at 8b grade level or above (or equivalent) in a provider setting
* Extensive operational and staff management plus senior/middle management training
* Experience of service redesign and use of tools and techniques for assessing the impact of change
* Knowledge of operational and legal requirements or standards for Pharmacy and the Trust, and key drivers for modernisation agenda
* Demonstrable track record of action to improve or promote equality, diversity and inclusion and cultural competency in healthcare
* Demonstrable track record of translating research evidence into clinical practice
Desirable
* Formal management Training
* Member of the APTUK, RPS, UKCPA or other expert body
* Experience of involving patients and/or customer in service developments
Leadership
* Experience of managing and actively participating in programmes of continuous improvement and change management in complex environments
* Experience of compiling or supporting annual Service Delivery Plans, to include capacity planning and Business Case development
* Ability to influence others, motivate staff and manage change
* Desirable: Ability to initiate and direct research
Compliance
Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a submission for Disclosure to the DBS is required 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. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants must present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see the NHS Careers website.
Employer details
Employer name: Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Combe Park, Bath, BA1 3NG
Employer's website: ruh.nhs.uk
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