Strategy:
Pharmacy staff training and development in Grampian is overseen by the Education and Training (E+T) steering group. Representation on this group comes from all sectors including community pharmacy development team, HSCP leads, local training providers and corporate level.
Remit of the group:
- To provide strategic direction for learning and development to NHS Grampian pharmacy services.
- To provide a forum for strategic communication between NHS Grampian and its education providers and sectors / organizations that pharmacy services provide education for
- To meet on a bi monthly basis
Strategic Remit:
- Develop and maintain a strategy for learning and development in pharmacy services across Grampian
- Lead the assessment of education and training needs across the pharmacy service
- Encourage development and maintenance of a culture of learning within pharmacy services across all staff
- Scrutinize sector and service plans for education and training in response to service need
- Horizon scan for future needs and workforce planning
- Over see annual budget
- Act as a forum for liaison with key internal and external stakeholders relating to pharmacy education
- Reports to Director of Pharmacy
FAQ’s – Education and Training / Independent Prescribing:
- Who should I contact for information on training? gram.pharmacyeducationgroup@nhs.scot
- How do I become an Independent prescriber? Qualified for more than 2 years? Find out more at Prescribing and clinical skills | NHS Education for Scotland or newly qualified? Post-registration foundation curriculum | RPS (rpharms.com). In order to qualify as an independent prescriber, you must complete a GPhC accredited programme. On successful completion, you will receive a practice certificate in independent prescribing, making you eligible to apply for annotation on the register.
- Independent prescribing entry requirements – Details of the pre-requisites for entering a pharmacist independent prescribing programme
- How can I access funding for IP courses? NES funding for 2024 courses is closed. If you wish to be added to NHS Grampian’s 2025 waiting list for NES funding, please email: gram.pharmaceuticalcareservices@nhs.scot. Alternatively, please contact universities for information on self or employer funded places.
- When / where are IP courses held? Both Schools of Pharmacy in Scotland organise and run Independent Prescriber courses each year.
- Can I access funding to attend events? Pharmacy staff from all sectors can access limited NHSG funds ring fenced for education and staff development. These funds are reserved for skills that develop current practice in line with policies/strategy rather than training to deliver contractual or paid services. Requests are considered on an individual basis by the Pharmacy Education and Training group and full or part funding may be allocated. For more information or to submit a request email gram.pharmacyeducationgroup@nhs.scot. Examples of events that may be funded are business administration skills, leadership and support to attend conferences or specialist training days.
- Peer support: Where can I access peer support? Pharmacists: Royal Pharmaceutical Society Scotland have an active branch within Grampian. Contact via social media or email scotinfo@RPharms.com. Pharmacy technicians: Please see the Pharmacy Technician section listed below – APTUK can be contacted via social media or by emailing scotlandbranch@aptuk.org. Practice Based small group learning (PBSGL) is a forum to meet with other professionals and discuss practice. Information on how to find and join a local group click here or via webpage www.cpdconnect.nhs.scot/pbsgl.
- Revalidation: How do I revalidate? Pharmacy professionals have to revalidate annually, information for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can be found on the GPhC webpage or by emailing gram.pharmacyeducationgroup@nhs.scot. Professional bodies offer recording platforms and support before submission, contact details in Peer Support section.
Pharmacy Technicians
The Joint APTUK/NPTGS National Branch of Scotland is a joint endeavor between APTUK and the National Pharmacy Technician Group Scotland (NPTGS). Pharmacy technicians are welcomed from all sectors to join meetings and events for opportunities to meet other APTUK members working in a variety of settings, to build professional relationships and enhance professional development together.
Please sign up to the Scotland & NPTGS Branches email distribution list by contacting scotlandbranch@aptuk.org. You will then receive email correspondence on upcoming events being held regionally and nationally for this Branch. You can also follow the branch on social media via the APTUK account on:
If you would like further information, or would like to get involved with the North West Branch committee, or if you would like to suggest an education topic that would be useful for your role please email us at scotlandbranch@aptuk.org. Scotland Branch (aptuk.org)