Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Pre- Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician_HMP Bedford

The closing date is 10 December 2025

Job summary

This is a training post, to learn the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to become aregistered 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 + 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 a pharmacist 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.Providingtop quality care depends on our ability to employ the best people.

We're always looking to recruit 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

25 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£27,485 to £30,162 a year Per annum

Contract

Training

Duration

2 years

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

333-D-HJ-1931

Job locations

HMP Bedford

Bedford

MK40 1HG


Job description

Job responsibilities

To instruct clinical staff in the correct procedures for record keeping, security andstorage 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 andstorage 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 OR 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)

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)
  • Good time management skills, able to work to deadlines
  • Good organisation and prioritisation skills
  • Fluent written/spoken English

Desirable

  • Dispensing skills (primary or secondary care)
  • Confident use of electronic prescribing, and ordering systems

Attitues, Aptitudes

Essential

  • Ability to motivate self and others
  • Ability to travel to other CNWL sites within London as part of the rotation
  • Able to work under pressure
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 OR 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)

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)
  • Good time management skills, able to work to deadlines
  • Good organisation and prioritisation skills
  • Fluent written/spoken English

Desirable

  • Dispensing skills (primary or secondary care)
  • Confident use of electronic prescribing, and ordering systems

Attitues, Aptitudes

Essential

  • Ability to motivate self and others
  • Ability to travel to other CNWL sites within London as part of the rotation
  • Able to work under pressure

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is 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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is 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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Address

HMP Bedford

Bedford

MK40 1HG


Employer's website

https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/work (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Address

HMP Bedford

Bedford

MK40 1HG


Employer's website

https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/work (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Advanced Specialist Pharmacist

Takudzwa Shumba

takudzwa.shumba1@nhs.net

Details

Date posted

25 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£27,485 to £30,162 a year Per annum

Contract

Training

Duration

2 years

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

333-D-HJ-1931

Job locations

HMP Bedford

Bedford

MK40 1HG


Supporting documents

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