Job Summary
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.
Main duties of the job
- 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.
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 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)
- Pharmacy Assistant, Pharmacy Counter Assistant or Pharmacy Dispenser qualification(s) – Or Level 2 apprenticeship course in Pharmacy Services
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)
- Fluent written/spoken English
- Good communication skills (written and oral)
- Good organisation and prioritisation skills
Desirable
- Dispensing skills
- Confident use of electronic prescribing, and ordering systems
Other- Apprenticeship scheme eligibility
Essential
- 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
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.
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).
Closing Date: 04 December 2025
