Job Description

- Lead in the line management of Pre-registration trainee pharmacy technicians and act as their Educational Supervisor
- To lead on the training and development of pharmacy assistants (ATOs), this will include the BTEC Level 2 Principles and Practices for Pharmacy Support Staff (or equivalent) and the Medicines Optimisation Foundation Level.
-Assist in facilitating and delivering the training and development of various members of pharmacy staff, including but not limited to Pharmacy Technicians, Pre-registration trainee pharmacy Technicians, Pharmacy Assistants, Pre-registration Pharmacists, Pharmacy undergraduates, work experience students, receptionists and others.
-Work within patient services undertaking medicines optimisation/discharge duties on the wards; improving the quality of care to patients in a clinical area by means of an efficient medicines optimisation system. This will include undertaking medicines reconciliation, assessing patients own medicines ensuring they are suitable for use in hospital, one-stop dispensing to wards in preparation for patients discharge, maintaining and ordering non-stock medicines for patients and counselling patients on use of their medicines and provide information where required
- Work in the dispensary, final accuracy checking prescriptions and provide support to the dispensary leads and lead technician in the co-ordination of the day to day running of the dispensary
Main duties of the job
Education & Training
- Lead and supervise Pre-registration Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacy Assistants
- Deliver accredited training programmes and support staff development
- Coordinate induction, appraisals, and performance management
- Promote CPD and maintain training matrices
- Support accreditations, develop policies, and conduct training audits
- Represent the department at education meetings and support future initiatives
Medicines Optimisation
- Provide ward-based medicines optimisation: reconciliation, counselling, and discharge planning
- Liaise with healthcare professionals to ensure safe, effective medication use
- Manage ward stock, conduct CD checks, and support audits and improvements
- Mentor students and junior staff in clinical roles
Dispensary
- Perform final accuracy checks and dispense controlled drugs in the dispensary
-Manage workflow, mentor staff, and provide operational cover as needed
General
- Handle public prescriptions and track orders
- Follow SOPs and health & safety protocols
- Build and maintain strong relationships within a multi disciplinary team
- Contribute to departmental policies and risk assessments
- Adapt duties to meet service needs and support medicines management training
About us
We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities, but also support one another.
With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and rank among the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West region. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one or both of our innovative hospitals.
As well as generous annual leave allowance, you will have access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on-site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you
Details
Date posted
20 October 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 6
Salary
38,682 to 46,580 a year (pro rata if part time)
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
318-25-T0670
Job locations
Cheltenham General Hospital
Sandford Road
Cheltenham
GL53 7AN
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached including person specification for full details.
This role is will be based at The Cheltenham General Hospital, however; there may be a requirement to work at The Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
09:00-17:30 Monday - Friday including Weekend Working, Late Shifts and Bank Holidays Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached including person specification for full details.
This role is will be based at The Cheltenham General Hospital, however; there may be a requirement to work at The Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
09:00-17:30 Monday - Friday including Weekend Working, Late Shifts and Bank Holidays
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Professional Registration as a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (Registration Number Required)
• Accredited Checking Technician qualification
• Accredited medicines optimisation qualification

Desirable

• TAQA Assessor award (or equivalent)

Knowledge and Skills
Essential

• Good IT skills including Microsoft applications
• Good literacy & numeracy skills required
• Good clinical knowledge
• Well-developed physical accuracy and dexterity
• Able to concentrate for prolonged periods when subject to changing working patterns
• Be able to provide and receive information where there may be barriers to understanding
• Be able to communicate information to patients/carers regarding prescribed medication
• Demonstrates good interpersonal skills with the ability to listen and undertake instruction
• Demonstrates sensitivity in dealing with patients and staff
• Be able to communicate effectively in written and verbal formats with clinical teams
• Able to make sound judgments where there are a range of options

Desirable

• Knowledge and clear understanding of Good Distribution Practice, and other relevant regulations, guidance and quality standards

Experience
Essential

• Working within a team
• Managing own workload to meet the needs of a service
• Knowledge of dispensary procedures acquired through training & experience
• Working with Pharmacy computer systems

Desirable

• Working in a busy Dispensary
• Leading interviews and recruitment
• In-depth post qualification experience in a hospital pharmacy

Personal Attributes
Essential

• Ability to maintain a professional image and follow the General Pharmaceutical Council professional guidelines
• Self-motivated
• Good time management
• Committed to continuing professional development (CPD)
• Willing to work in other areas of the Trust or Trust-wide as and when required to do so

Desirable

• Able to undertake heavy lifting and pushing/pulling on a daily basis

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Professional Registration as a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (Registration Number Required)
• Accredited Checking Technician qualification
• Accredited medicines optimisation qualification

Desirable

• TAQA Assessor award (or equivalent)

Knowledge and Skills
Essential

• Good IT skills including Microsoft applications
• Good literacy & numeracy skills required
• Good clinical knowledge
• Well-developed physical accuracy and dexterity
• Able to concentrate for prolonged periods when subject to changing working patterns
• Be able to provide and receive information where there may be barriers to understanding
• Be able to communicate information to patients/carers regarding prescribed medication
• Demonstrates good interpersonal skills with the ability to listen and undertake instruction
• Demonstrates sensitivity in dealing with patients and staff
• Be able to communicate effectively in written and verbal formats with clinical teams
• Able to make sound judgments where there are a range of options

Desirable

• Knowledge and clear understanding of Good Distribution Practice, and other relevant regulations, guidance and quality standards

Experience
Essential

• Working within a team
• Managing own workload to meet the needs of a service
• Knowledge of dispensary procedures acquired through training & experience
• Working with Pharmacy computer systems

Desirable

• Working in a busy Dispensary
• Leading interviews and recruitment
• In-depth post qualification experience in a hospital pharmacy

Personal Attributes
Essential

• Ability to maintain a professional image and follow the General Pharmaceutical Council professional guidelines
• Self-motivated
• Good time management
• Committed to continuing professional development (CPD)
• Willing to work in other areas of the Trust or Trust-wide as and when required to do so

Desirable

• Able to undertake heavy lifting and pushing/pulling on a daily basis

Skills Required