Programme Officer Vocational Training Foundation Programme (Pharmacy Technicians)

Flexible Location : Based throughout Scotland, NES is a remote friendly employer supporting office and hybrid working. Occasional presence at our offices is a requirement for this role., The Pharmacy team within NES is responsible through the Executive Medical Director to the NES Board and through the Board to Scottish Government for the commissioning and delivery of postgraduate pharmacy education in Scotland.

This role sits within the Pharmacy team and specifically within the small, friendly and highly motivated pharmacy technician team.

This team is focussed on the rapidly evolving education, training and development of pharmacy technicians.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Programme Officer / s to join our highly talented and growing team to work with other Programme Officers, supporting trainees and tutors from all pharmacy sectors, to ensure quality standardised programmes.

This post is available on a full time or part time basis and will support the development and delivery of the Vocational Training Foundation Programme for Pharmacy Technicians.

The role will also support the development and delivery of other pharmacy technician initiatives, as well as providing an excellent opportunity to gain experience in an education and training environment.

In this exciting and varied role, you will collaborate across multiple workstreams and organisations, having a direct impact on the career development of pharmacy technicians.

As a Programme Officer within the Pharmacy team, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills within education and training.

Your work will directly influence the professional development of the pharmacy technician workforce impacting on healthcare provision to the public.

Qualified Pharmacy Technician (registered with GPhC) with extensive experience in a relevant Pharmacy sector

Highly experienced with the ability to lead in the delivery of education and training

Proven experience of mentoring, coaching, supporting and supervising learners

Highly effective communicator knowing how to make complex information and language simple for diverse internal and external stakeholders at all levels (both verbally and in writing)

Ability to collaborate effectively and build networks and communities of practice

A clear understanding of external drivers and relevant NHS policies and priorities

Ability to work on own initiative, to organise and prioritise own workloads and that of others, and to meet strict deadlines

NHS Education for Scotland (NES) is the national health board with statutory responsibilities to effect sustainable change through workforce development, education and training across the health and social care system in Scotland, while working at UK level with partner organisations.

Work Pattern : Fixed term, Full Time, 37hours per week. Part-time hours also available (see below Next Steps).

Fixed term or Secondment until 31st March 2025

For NHS applicants, an NHS secondment will be offered in the first instance. For non-NHS applicants, a fixed-term or secondment would be considered.

You must have eligibility and entitlement to work in the UK which is required to be maintained throughout your period of employment.

There might be a possibility for this position to extend beyond the advertised contract end date (subject to funding extension)., As a valued employee of NHS Scotland, you can enjoy an extensive range of benefits including :

Life-work balance - with opportunities for flexible working and remote working

Generous NHS pension scheme

Annual incremental salary progression (up to the maximum of the salary band) plus annual NHS salary scale review

Annual Leave - 27 Days increasing in line with service plus 8 days public holiday

NHS discounts and more

Diversity and Inclusion

Developing a successful national service for Scotland is impossible without ensuring we consider the diverse needs, perspectives, and backgrounds of everyone in Scotland in our work.

We are focused on hiring the very best talent available for NES, and actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and aim to ensure everyone is treated fairly, with respect and has a positive recruitment experience regardless of the outcome.

Its not essential to be in a Programme Officer role right now. You may be returning from a career break (e.g. maternity, paternity, caring for others) or returning after working in another field.

Your experiences elsewhere can bring a fresh perspective to our work.

If you are considering applying and feel it would be helpful to discuss this initially, please contact Monica Hunter, Senior Educator,

Next Steps

NHS candidates will be considered firstly on a secondment basis, and so are strongly encouraged to discuss this with their current NHS employer at the earliest opportunity, ideally prior to application.

Our recruitment process is currently 100% remote, and if successful you would initially work remotely or from one of our NES offices (thereafter working in a hybrid capacity).