Westport 102, Edinburgh
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. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.
Controlled Drugs Governance Team
Band 8A | 1.0 WTE | 37 Hours | Permanent
£62,681 £67,665
(includes public holiday commitment)
Are you a pharmacist with a passion for improving medication safety and driving quality across healthcare systems? Are you ready to lead innovative change and make a real impact on patient outcomes across NHS Lothian?
This is a unique opportunity to join NHS Lothians Pharmacy & Medicines Service in a pivotal role focused on medicine safety. As an Advanced Pharmacist, youll lead the development and delivery of our Medicines Safety Programme, working collaboratively with the Quality Directorate and clinical teams to embed best practice and drive continuous improvement.
About the Role
This post is ideal for a highly motivated pharmacist with a strong clinical background and a keen interest in governance, safety, and service development. You will:
1. Lead the design, implementation and evaluation of the NHS Lothian Medicine Safety Programme using quality improvement methodologies.
2. Provide expert advice on drug-related clinical governance and risk management issues.
3. Support the Medicines Safety and Risk Group in implementing Drug Safety Updates and National Patient Safety Alerts.
4. Collaborate with the Yellow Card Centre Scotland to enhance incident reporting and pharmacovigilance.
5. Deliver education and training on medicines safety across the organisation.
6. Contribute to clinical practice (0.2 WTE), maintaining hands-on experience and patient-facing care.
Why Join Us?
Our Pharmacy & Medicines Service is dynamic, forward-thinking, and committed to excellence. In this role, youll benefit from:
7. Opportunities to shape policy and practice at a strategic level.
8. A supportive team environment with a strong focus on collaboration and innovation.
9. Access to professional development including independent prescribing and leadership training.
10. The chance to work across diverse clinical settings and influence system-wide change.
About you
Essential Qualifications and Competencies
11. A Master of Pharmacy Degree (or equivalent).
12. Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
13. An Independent Prescribing Qualification.
14. Candidates who have not completed a Postgraduate Clinical Pharmacy Diploma or MSc in Clinical Pharmacy must demonstrate substantial progress across the four pillars of the RPS Core Advanced Pharmacist Curriculum through:Engagement with the RPS Core Advanced CurriculumActive participation in a community of practice/peer networkSubmit a screenshot of portfolio (programme of learning page)Complete the to assess progress with the Core Advanced Curriculum and any gaps that will need addressed as part of PDP plans
15. Candidates who have completed a Postgraduate Clinical Pharmacy Diploma or MSc in Clinical Pharmacy should complete the learning needs analysis (LNA) using the LNA tool in the RPS e-portfolio, identifying any gaps that will need addressed as part of PDP plans.
Experience and Knowledge
16. Proven expertise in service development, including the design and implementation of healthcare initiatives.
17. A strong background in training and education, with experience delivering impactful sessions for healthcare professionals.
18. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, enabling effective decision-making.
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.
This is more than a job, its a chance to lead meaningful change and improve the safety and quality of medicines use across NHS Lothian.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
For further information on what is included in the role and the skills/experience were looking for, please refer to the job description and person specification linked below. However, we understand that there's only so much a job pack can convey. If youd like to learn more about this exciting role, the team youll be joining or the opportunities available, we warmly encourage you to get in touch with the hiring manager. This is a great chance to have an informal discussion, ask questions and explore how this role aligns with your career goals. This service will also consider flexible working where it can be accommodated.
Reach out to Debbie Alexander, Lead Pharmacist CD Governance and Medicine Safety
07771 390 024
Wed love to hear from you!
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As from 1st April 2026, the Agenda for Change full-time working week will be reducing from 37 to 36 hours per week. Part time hours will be reduced pro-rata. However, there will be a corresponding increase in the hourly rate so that pay will not be affected.
Please note: we anticipate a high level of interest in this position and may close the vacancy early once a sufficient amount of applications are received. Therefore, please make sure you complete and submit your application at an early stage.
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