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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.
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.
This post requires the post holder to have a PVG Scheme membership/ record. If the post holder is not a current PVG member for the required regulatory group (i.e. child and/or adult) then an application will need to be made to Disclosure Scotland and deemed satisfactory before they can begin in post.
Lead Pharmacist – Community Pharmacy Development
NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service
Royal Edinburgh Hospital
Band 8A | 1.0 WTE | 37 Hours |Permanent
£60,126 - £64,906
(flexible working arrangements considered)
Are you ready to drive innovation and shape community pharmacy services across NHS Lothian?
Do you want to make a meaningful impact by reducing health inequalities and advancing pharmaceutical care? If you are an experienced pharmacist with a passion for service development and a track record of delivering results, this role offers an exciting opportunity to lead transformative change across community pharmacy services in Lothian.
About the Role
As Lead Pharmacist – Community Pharmacy Development, you will take a leadership role in developing and delivering key initiatives within the community pharmacy network. Working collaboratively with a peer post-holder and other stakeholders, you’ll:
- Lead public health initiatives such as Pharmacy First, Pharmacy First Plus, and Patient Group Directions (PGDs) to improve access to care.
- Use data-driven insights to inform decision-making, ensuring the effective delivery of pharmaceutical services at Board and HSCP levels.
- Develop and support the implementation of the community pharmacy contract to optimize its benefits across NHS Lothian.
- Provide education, training, and mentorship to community pharmacy teams to enhance their ability to deliver high-quality care.
- Work closely with Health and Social Care Partnerships (HSCPs) to ensure pharmacy services are integrated into local healthcare strategies.
This is a highly collaborative role, working with multidisciplinary teams to align services with local and national healthcare priorities and address the needs of patients across the region.
Why Join Us?
At NHS Lothian, we value innovation, teamwork, and professional growth. As part of our pharmacy leadership team, you’ll benefit from:
- The opportunity to lead impactful projects that directly improve patient outcomes and reduce health inequalities.
- A collaborative and supportive environment, where your ideas and contributions are valued.
- Flexible working arrangements, including part-time options, to support work-life balance.
- A chance to be part of one of Scotland’s largest and most innovative health systems, serving over 900,000 people.
- Ongoing support for professional development, including advanced clinical learning and leadership opportunities.
About you
To excel in this role, you will need:
Essential Qualifications and Competencies
- A Master of Pharmacy Degree (or equivalent).
- Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
- An Independent Prescribing Qualification.
- Candidates must have a Master of Pharmacy Degree or equivalent, be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), and should have completed Postgraduate Clinical Pharmacy Diploma or Masters of Science (MSc) in Clinical Pharmacy or be able to demonstrate competence to the level of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Core Advanced Curriculum.
- 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 Curriculum
- Active participation in a community of practice/peer network
- Submit a screenshot of portfolio (programme of learning page)
- Complete the RPS learning needs analysis tool to assess progress with the Core Advanced Curriculum and any gaps that will need addressed as part of PDP plans
- 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
- Proven expertise in service development, including the design and implementation of healthcare initiatives.
- A strong background in training and education, with experience delivering impactful sessions for healthcare professionals.
- Knowledge and application of the community pharmacy contract.
- Proficiency in data analysis and the ability to use insights to inform strategic decisions.
About NHS Lothian
NHS Lothian is the second-largest health system in Scotland, covering Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, and West Lothian. Our Pharmacy & Medicines Service is driven by a commitment to clinically led, person-centred care, ensuring every patient benefits from safe, effective, and efficient pharmaceutical services.
We foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional development, making NHS Lothian an exciting place to work and grow your career.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
For further information on what is included in the role and the skills/experience we’re 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. That’s why we encourage you to reach out for an informal conversation to learn more about this exciting opportunity. Contact:
Wendy Carswell, Primary Care & Community Pharmacy Coordinator
📞 0131 537 6223
📧 Email: wendy.carswell@nhs.scot
Make your mark on the future of community pharmacy—apply today!