Job Description

Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust provides child and adult mental health services, learning disability, wellbeing, older people's and eating disorder services across Norfolk and Suffolk.



We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and want to reflect the diversity of our local communities within our teams. We welcome applications from all talented individuals with the relevant qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience

Job overview

Are you a visionary pharmacy leader passionate about improving mental health services through medicines optimisation? Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) is seeking a dynamic and experienced

Chief Pharmacist and Clinical Director for Medicines Optimisation

to lead our pharmacy services and drive strategic improvements in medicines management across the Trust.



This is a pivotal role offering the opportunity to shape the future of pharmaceutical care in mental health, working closely with executive leadership, clinical teams, and external partners.

Main duties of the job

About You

You will be a registered pharmacist with:


A Master's degree in Pharmacy. Membership of the General Pharmaceutical Council and Royal Pharmaceutical Society. A postgraduate clinical qualification and formal leadership/management training. Extensive experience in NHS pharmacy leadership, ideally within mental health. Strong analytical, communication, and strategic planning skills. A commitment to NSFT's values: Team, Accountable, Learn and Improve, Kind.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic leadership of pharmacy services and medicines optimisation across NSFT. Professional lead for medicines governance, safety, and compliance. Accountable Officer for Controlled Drugs. Oversight of the Trust's formulary, prescribing policies, and medicines optimisation group. Lead on pharmacy input into the Trust's Efficiency, Value and Improvement (EVI) programme. Management of pharmacy budgets and workforce planning. Championing quality improvement, clinical governance, and patient safety initiatives.

Working for our organisation

Here at NSFT we pride ourselves on being a welcoming, talented, friendly and supportive team who like nothing better than sharing experiences and learning from each other. In addition to ongoing training and development opportunities, we are committed to providing an environment in which you can thrive.

Why work for us?

We have challenges as a Trust, but we have ambitious aspirations, are pushing ahead with exciting transformation work and we need dedicated individuals to support us on our journey. We have strong, established professional networks coupled with an exceptional leadership team who will ensure you are truly cared for and cared about.

Why Norfolk and Suffolk?

The people here are warm and welcoming, you'll never be far from the beautiful coastline or Broads National Park. We're an hour and a half away from London and have an international airport in Norwich too. Our villages, towns and cities are packed full of history, independent cafes, shops and theatres. We have excellent shopping, eating out, top ranking schooling and affordable house prices too.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

This role involves regular travel across Trust sites and participation in strategic meetings. You will be expected to lead service development, respond to complex clinical and governance issues, and represent the Trust at regional and national forums.

Apply Now

If you're ready to make a lasting impact on mental health services and lead a high-performing pharmacy team, we'd love to hear from you.

Person specification

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Qualifications

Essential criteria

Master's degree in pharmacy Formal management or leadership qualification Demonstrates continual professional development

Desirable criteria

MBA or MSc relevant to management Non-medical prescribing qualification #

Expereince

Essential criteria

Extensive pharmacy and NHS management experience

Desirable criteria

Previous experience as a Chief Pharmacist #

Knowledge

Essential criteria

Knowledge of medicines legislation

YOUR APPLICATION



We can provide all our job application materials in alternative formats so that these are accessible to everyone. Should you require any documents within this job pack in an alternative format, please do not hesitate to contact us at recruitment@nsft.nhs.uk.



PLEASE NOTE: If you use a hotmail, msn or yahoo e-mail account, you will need to check your "junk" mail regularly as these email providers will divert any communication from this Trust/NHS JOBS straight into your " junk" inbox.


EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES Apart from its legal duties in relation to equality and diversity, the Trust recognises and actively promotes the benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief.


As a part of the Disability Confident Employer Guaranteed Interview Scheme we interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job vacancy (outlined in the Person Specification).. We encourage you to indicate your eligibility through TRAC jobs when applying.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post may be 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 (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.


This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.