Job Description

This is a training post, to learn the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to become a Registered Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
The successful candidate will be enrolled onto a GPhC approved Pharmacy Technicianapprenticeship course.
This will involve working as part of the HMP Woodhill Pharmacy team and completingassignments/exams as set by the training provider.
The pre-registration pharmacy technician will work under the supervision of a pharmacist orpharmacy technician carrying out all the required duties of a registered pharmacy technician.This will include working in the HMP Woodhill Pharmacy Dispensary & completing clinical tasks,taking into consideration the high level of security which must be maintained at all times.
This is an apprenticeship post and will include working remotely 1 day per week to attend a virtualclassroom and/or undertake study as per training provider and the apprenticeship requirements.
The training course duration is 2 years. Success is determined by completing setassignments/assessments, attending '12-week reviews' and meeting the 'end-pointassessment' criteria.
Main duties of the job

• To complete all tasks in accordance with the relevant legislation, local standardoperating procedures, and local Medicines Policy
• To accurately dispense, and issue prescriptions under the supervision of apharmacist or pharmacy technician.
• To receive prescriptions and orders from other healthcare and medical staff, inaccordance with dispensary procedures.
• To participate in the operation of efficient stock control and management systems forthe various areas within the pharmacy and the prison wings
• To accurately document all relevant information pertaining to patient care using theelectronic patient notes and prescribing systems
• To maintain all necessary records including the use of computer equipment andother appropriate documents.
• To contribute to the smooth running of the dispensary, including where necessarycover for other staff.
• To provide medical wings and units with medicines optimisation services, under thesupervision of a pharmacy technician or pharmacist.

About us
We're passionate about delivering first-class patient-centred, safe and effective care, whether it is in a hospital setting, in a community clinic or in the patient's own home. Patients are at the heart of everything we do.
Providing top quality care depends on our ability to employ the best people.We're always looking torecruit outstanding peoplewho will go the extra mile to support our patients, colleagues, teams and the Trust. With every new employee we're hoping to find our future leaders and we'll support our staff by providing opportunities to develop your career.With adiverse culture and equally diverse range of opportunities across mental health, community services, addictions, eating disorders, learning disabilities and more - whatever stage of your career you're at, there's always a place for you at CNWL.
Details
Date posted
20 November 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 4
Salary
27,485 to 30,162 a year per annum incl HCAS (pro rata if part time)
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
2 years
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
333-D-HJ-1929
Job locations
HMP Woodhill
MILTON KEYNES
MK4 4DA
Job description
Job responsibilities

• To instruct clinical staff in the correct procedures for record keeping, security and storage of controlled drugs
• To maintain a safe system of work at all times, including the knowledge of andabiding by the fire precautions, departmental and trust safety policies and standardoperating procedures.
• To promote the professional image of pharmacy within the Trust by ensuring thestandard of dress and behaviour reflect the professional service offered by thepharmacy department.
• To work at other HMP pharmacy sites when necessary
• To maintain high levels of personal safety and security, be constantly vigilant and adhere to security protocols at all times.
• To ensure that pharmaceuticals are transported within the prison in a manner which maintains the integrity and security of the medicines; whilst adhering to necessary safety precautions.
• To adhere to GPhC standards for pharmacy professionals at all times
• To successfully complete the requirements of the pharmacy technician course/ qualification within the deadline set, meeting the GPhC standards for the initial education and training of pharmacy technicians
• To meet the various requirements of the apprenticeship scheme, including off the job training and completion of 12-week reviews
• To undertake medicine optimisation competency, inclusive of medicine reconciliation and patient counselling, under the supervision of a pharmacist or pharmacy technician
• To provide patients and service users with advice and guidance on how to take their medicines effectively
• To undertake the final accuracy checking competency (as per course requirements) under the supervision of a pharmacist or qualified pharmacy technician
• To have compassion and understanding for all service users and staff, demonstrating role-model behaviour at all times

Job description
Job responsibilities

• To instruct clinical staff in the correct procedures for record keeping, security and storage of controlled drugs
• To maintain a safe system of work at all times, including the knowledge of andabiding by the fire precautions, departmental and trust safety policies and standardoperating procedures.
• To promote the professional image of pharmacy within the Trust by ensuring thestandard of dress and behaviour reflect the professional service offered by thepharmacy department.
• To work at other HMP pharmacy sites when necessary
• To maintain high levels of personal safety and security, be constantly vigilant and adhere to security protocols at all times.
• To ensure that pharmaceuticals are transported within the prison in a manner which maintains the integrity and security of the medicines; whilst adhering to necessary safety precautions.
• To adhere to GPhC standards for pharmacy professionals at all times
• To successfully complete the requirements of the pharmacy technician course/ qualification within the deadline set, meeting the GPhC standards for the initial education and training of pharmacy technicians
• To meet the various requirements of the apprenticeship scheme, including off the job training and completion of 12-week reviews
• To undertake medicine optimisation competency, inclusive of medicine reconciliation and patient counselling, under the supervision of a pharmacist or pharmacy technician
• To provide patients and service users with advice and guidance on how to take their medicines effectively
• To undertake the final accuracy checking competency (as per course requirements) under the supervision of a pharmacist or qualified pharmacy technician
• To have compassion and understanding for all service users and staff, demonstrating role-model behaviour at all times

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Good level of basic education to meet the training provider enrolment requirements: Maths, English GCSE grade A*-C (4-9) or equivalent Maths, English and Science GCSE grade A*-C (4-9) or equivalent
• Willingness to undertake Functional skills qualifications for English and/or Maths if necessary
• Ability to meet the apprenticeship standard

Desirable

• Completion of a GPhC recognised Pharmacy Support Staff qualification This can include: Pharmacy Assistant, Pharmacy Counter Assistant or Pharmacy Dispenser qualification(s) - Or Level 2 apprenticeship course in Pharmacy Services
• Completion of medicine optimisation training (POD assessment and transcribing for supply)
• Pharmacy Assistant, Pharmacy Counter Assistant or Pharmacy Dispenser qualification(s) - Or Level 2 apprenticeship course in Pharmacy Services

Experience
Essential

• Experience of working in a team
• Experience of Health and Safety practices
• Experience of working to deadlines
• Previous experience of working in a pharmacy setting

Desirable

• Previous experience of working in secondary care pharmacy setting
• Previous experience of working in a secure environment (Prison, YOI etc.)

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
Essential

• Computer literate (practical experience of using Microsoft Word and Excel)
• Fluent written/spoken English
• Good communication skills (written and oral)
• Good organisation and prioritisation skills

Desirable

• Dispensing skills
• Confident use of electronic prescribing, and ordering systems

Other- Apprenticeship scheme eligibility
Essential

• Right to work in the UK and you have been ordinarily resident in the UK for a minimum of 3 years on the first day of the Apprenticeship
• Your right to work in the UK must exceed beyond the course duration
• Must be able to work

30hrs per week * Meets education and qualification requirements to enrol
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Good level of basic education to meet the training provider enrolment requirements: Maths, English GCSE grade A*-C (4-9) or equivalent Maths, English and Science GCSE grade A*-C (4-9) or equivalent
• Willingness to undertake Functional skills qualifications for English and/or Maths if necessary
• Ability to meet the apprenticeship standard

Desirable

• Completion of a GPhC recognised Pharmacy Support Staff qualification This can include: Pharmacy Assistant, Pharmacy Counter Assistant or Pharmacy Dispenser qualification(s) - Or Level 2 apprenticeship course in Pharmacy Services
• Completion of medicine optimisation training (POD assessment and transcribing for supply)
• Pharmacy Assistant, Pharmacy Counter Assistant or Pharmacy Dispenser qualification(s) - Or Level 2 apprenticeship course in Pharmacy Services

Experience
Essential

• Experience of working in a team
• Experience of Health and Safety practices
• Experience of working to deadlines
• Previous experience of working in a pharmacy setting

Desirable

• Previous experience of working in secondary care pharmacy setting
• Previous experience of working in a secure environment (Prison, YOI etc.)

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
Essential

• Computer literate (practical experience of using Microsoft Word and Excel)
• Fluent written/spoken English
• Good communication skills (written and oral)
• Good organisation and prioritisation skills

Desirable

• Dispensing skills
• Confident use of electronic prescribing, and ordering systems

Other- Apprenticeship scheme eligibility
Essential

• Right to work in the UK and you have been ordinarily resident in the UK for a minimum of 3 years on the first day of the Apprenticeship
• Your right to work in the UK must exceed beyond the course duration
• Must be able to work

30hrs per week * Meets education and qualification requirements to enrol

Skills Required