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Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
About
Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) is one of the largest trusts in the UK, caring for people with a wide range of physical and mental health needs. We have approximately 7,000 staff who provide healthcare to a third of London's population and across wider geographical areas, including Milton Keynes, Kent, Surrey and Hampshire.
As a Foundation Trust we involve service users, carers, the public, staff and partner organisations in the way that we are run and our future development. If you are interested in becoming a member of our Foundation Trust please visit: www.cnwl.nhs.uk
(source: Central and North West London NHS Foundation NHS Trust website)
Contact
- Address
- 350 Euston Road
- Regent's Place
- London
- London
- NW1 3AX
- Contact Number
- 02032145700
Pre- Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician HMP Woodhill
Closed for applications on: 5-Dec-2025 00:00
Vacancy status: Closed
Closed for applications on: 5-Dec-2025 00:00
Key details
Location
- Site
- HMP Woodhill
- Town
- MILTON KEYNES
- Postcode
- MK4 4DA
- Major / Minor Region
- London
Contract type & working pattern
- Contract
- Fixed term: 2 years (Training post)
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Salary
- Salary
- £27,485 - £30,162 per annum incl HCAS (pro rata if part time)
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Grade
- (NHS AfC: Band 4)
Specialty
- Main area
- Pre- Registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician
- Interview date
- 18/12/2025
CNWL (Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust) has almost 8,000 staff providing integrated healthcare to a third of London's population, Milton Keynes and areas beyond. We involve service users, carers, the public, staff and partner organisations in the way that we are run.
Our catchment area spans diverse communities, with over 100 first languages spoken. It contains areas of great affluence as well as areas of much deprivation. We are committed to providing services that meet the needs of the people who use them, and we actively encourage involvement from local people who can help make a difference. We’re proud of our diversity and we continue to undertake new initiatives to advance equality for LGBT+, BME and people with disabilities to promote good relations and understanding between our staff.
We are recognised locally, nationally and internationally for providing high quality, innovative healthcare. We aim to employ only the best people, and our experts are frequently called upon to contribute to national health strategy and policy, and many models of our care have been adapted for use in other countries.
We offer a generous relocation package (subject to eligibility assessment) and flexible working options, including bank assignments for most roles. For more information on these and other benefits of working for us, see our Benefits, Reward and Wellbeing page
Become part of our team. We care for you as much as you care for others.
CNWL NHS Foundation Trust are committed to safeguarding all children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We follow safe recruitment practices to protect children and vulnerable adults.
Job overview
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 Technician apprenticeship course.
This will involve working as part of the HMP Woodhill Pharmacy team and completing assignments/exams as set by the training provider.
The pre-registration pharmacy technician will work under the supervision of a pharmacist or pharmacy 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 virtual classroom and/or undertake study as per training provider and the apprenticeship requirements.
The training course duration is 2 years. Success is determined by completing set assignments/assessments, attending ‘12-week reviews’ and meeting the ‘end-point assessment’ criteria.
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- To complete all tasks in accordance with the relevant legislation, local standard operating 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, in accordance with dispensary procedures.
- To participate in the operation of efficient stock control and management systems for the various areas within the pharmacy and the prison wings
- To accurately document all relevant information pertaining to patient care using the electronic patient notes and prescribing systems
- To maintain all necessary records including the use of computer equipment and other appropriate documents.
- To contribute to the smooth running of the dispensary, including where necessary cover for other staff.
- To provide medical wings and units with medicines optimisation services, under the supervision of a pharmacy technician or pharmacist.
Working for our organisation
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 to recruit outstanding people who 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 a diverse 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.
Detailed job description and main 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 and abiding by the fire precautions, departmental and trust safety policies and standard operating procedures.
- To promote the professional image of pharmacy within the Trust by ensuring the standard of dress and behaviour reflect the professional service offered by the pharmacy 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
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI can be used as a support tool, not a replacement for the applicant’s own work. Applications must remain personal, accurate, and reflective of the candidate’s real experience. AI-generated content must not misrepresent skills, qualifications, or experience. Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success.
We monitor applications for any behaviour that could create an unfair advantage, and we check all references carefully. You are likely to be tested on your experience at interview, so be honest and make sure all the information in your application is correct. Please note that the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is prohibited during the interview process.
Vaccination
The successful applicant may have contact with patients or service users. As an NHS Trust we strongly encourage and support vaccination as this remains the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and of course patients and service users when working on our healthcare settings.
- Due to the high response levels we receive for some vacancies, we may expire any of them prior to the advertised closing date and advise you to submit your application as soon as possible.
- Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. Before submitting your application and to avoid disappointment please check that you are eligible under the UKVI points based system
- Our Agenda for Change employment contracts are subject to a contractual 13 week probationary period.
- If you are offered a job, information will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system.
Applicant requirements
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- 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 criteria
- 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 criteria
- 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 criteria
- Previous experience of working in secondary care pharmacy setting
- Previous experience of working in a secure environment (Prison, YOI etc.)
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
Essential criteria
- 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 criteria
- Dispensing skills
- Confident use of electronic prescribing, and ordering systems
Other- Apprenticeship scheme eligibility
Essential criteria
- 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
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Venkata Dirisala
- Job title
- Lead / Advanced Specialist Pharmacist
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01908 722114
No longer accepting applications
Sorry, this vacancy is no longer accepting applications.
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