Job Advert
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.
As from 1/4/26, 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.
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.
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.
To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service. Further information on what NHS Scotland Boards are required to do to check this as well as what your responsibilities include can be found in the further information for this vacancy.
AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can be great for planning and preparing your application—but your answers must be your own.
- Show us the real you: Your application should reflect your skills, experience, and motivations authentically.
- Use AI wisely: It’s fine to use AI for ideas or to check spelling and grammar, but don’t let it write your answers.
- Why this matters: Applications that rely on AI-generated content may be withdrawn. By applying, you confirm your responses are based on your own knowledge and achievements.
Tip: Think of AI as a helper, not a substitute. We want to understand you—not an AI tool.
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.
Due to legislative changes from 1 April 2025, this post may require a different level of criminal records check done than is currently the case. If the post is assessed as a "regulated role", your 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 either the Hiring Manager or the Recruitment Team. For more details on these changes please visit: Disclosure Scotland Changes.
Business Support Assistant
Pharmacy Business Function
NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service
Royal Edinburgh Hospital
Band 3 | 1.0 WTE | 36 Hours | Permanent
Pay Scale £29,103 - £31,409
This is an exciting opportunity for experienced and forward-thinking administrator to join our Pharmacy Business Function in providing administrative support to the Pharmacy & Medicine Service working within the People Team. This role is an in person role based at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital
About the Role
- Provide administrative support to the Business Function and REH Pharmacy Department. This role is integral to the development, implementation, and maintenance of administration systems to ensure the smooth day to day running of the pharmacy services.
- Post holder will liaise with Pharmacy colleagues, staff and leadership of all levels throughout the department providing guidance and support in alignment with NHSL policies and procedures.
- Accurate workforce data input, validation, and monitoring, recognising the critical role this plays in ensuring staff are paid correctly and on time, and that information is accurate, complete, and compliant with NHS Lothian requirements.
- Engage with and provide support for improvement activities within the Business Function.
- Development, implementation, and maintenance of personnel, project and administration records for the Business Function and Pharmacy departments within the directorate.
- Responsible for providing administrative and clerical duties to support the Pharmacy Directorate as required, including minute taking.
- Take on additional responsibilities and ad-hoc assignments as requested, ensuring the smooth functioning of the Business Function and wider Pharmacy department.
- Ensure all confidential information is handled with the highest level of discretion.
Why Join Us?
At NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service, we are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to develop, grow, and make the most of their skills. You’ll be joining a collaborative and welcoming team that values professionalism, continuous improvement, and mutual support.
This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience within a dynamic service, where your contribution will make a real difference to how services are delivered and supported.
About you
You will be an enthusiastic and capable administrator with experience in a business or administrative support role. You’ll bring strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to managing your workload and have:
- Intermediate/advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office packages, data input and minute taking.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Educated to SCQF level 7, (SVQ3 or HNC) in a business administration/other relevant subject or have equivalent level of experience in a similar administrative role.
- You must show initiative and prioritise work, manage your own workload and maintain high standards with excellent attention to detail.
- A proactive, highly organised and capable manner of managing multiple tasks and priorities.
- Knowledge and experience of the NHS would be advantageous.
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/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. If you’d 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.
This is a great chance to have an informal discussion, ask questions, and explore how this role aligns with your career goals. Please contact:
Jose Hortelano, Business Support Manager, Pharmacy Business Function, People Team
Take the first step toward a rewarding career in pharmacy - apply now!