Job summary NHS Sussex ICB ambition is to create an inclusive working environment which reflects our commitment to celebrate and promote diversity for all groups. We are particularly under-represented in staff from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) and disabled communities and actively encourage and welcome applications from these communities. Furthermore, we welcome applications from reservists and ex-armed forces as we recognise the benefits of the values, skills, training and experience that they bring to their work with us. We encourage all applicants to share their equality information with us confidentially during the application process so that we can statistically monitor how fair and equitable our recruitment process is and how well we are reaching applicants from diverse communities and identify where we need to improve. This information is removed before shortlisting. Are you an ambitious pharmacist looking to develop your career? We are seeking an experienced and highly driven pharmacist to join our friendly and innovative team in an exciting role to deliver the Primary Care elements of the Integrated Care System (ICS) Medicines Optimisation Strategy which sets out our ambition to: Improve population health and outcomes from medicines Ensure we get the best value from medicines use Ensure safer use of medicines Help people to live healthier lives Support our pharmacy and medicines workforce to do the best job they can Main duties of the job We are ambitious, forward thinking and strive to ensure that the patient is always at the heart of everything we do. We adopt a flexible approach to working patterns, offering a mix of practice-based, remote and office working to empower team members to optimise their performance and deliver. The post holder will be able to work agilely as part of the organisations Smarter Working programme. This may include, but is not limited to, home and NHS Sussex offices around the county, though the post holder will be expected to travel within Sussex and neighbouring areas as required. To apply for this position, you will need to be a registered Pharmacist and on the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) register. Evidence of qualifications are required to be shown as part of the recruitment process. To be considered for interview candidates must state how they meet the personal specification in their application. Interviews are scheduled for Tuesday 8th April face to face in Lewes, East Sussex. For an informal chat please contact Karuna Askoolum (k.askoolumnhs.net), Lead Primary Care Medicines Optimisation Pharmacist or Jade Baker (jade.baker7nhs.net), Lead Strategic Pharmacist. About us NHS Sussex ICB are committed to enabling team members to work in an agile and flexible way. We adopt a flexible first approach to working patterns. We empower our people to work where, when, and how they choose with minimum constraints to support their wellbeing to sustain good work life balance and to optimise performance and delivery. We celebrate diversity and promote equal opportunities; we are committed to challenging and eliminating racism and other forms of discrimination and advancing and promoting equality of opportunity in the provision of services and creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We believe that everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Flexible working requests will be considered for all roles. Agile working is not just related to working from different locations or at different times. It is about effectively utilising technology to improve work practices and to work differently to increase our overall effectiveness to improve health outcomes for our population. Should you require a reasonable adjustment to our recruitment process please contact the Recruitment Team at scw.peopleresourcenhs.net to ensure that measures can be put in place to support you. NHS Sussex has committed to achieving Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2045. As a member of staff you will be encouraged and supported to implement new ways of working that will help us achieve that goal. Working for us - Sussex Health and Care (ics.nhs.uk Date posted 07 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8a Salary £53,755 to £60,504 a year Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number D9146-ICB-6587KB Job locations Sackville House Brooks Close Lewes East Sussex BN72FZ Job description Job responsibilities The Postholder will be expected to, work Strategic and Delivery Lead Pharmacists in the Primary Care Medicines Optimisation team to deliver and improve population health management in Primary Care in Sussex. Key focus of the role will be: Provide pharmaceutical expertise and business intelligence to primary care colleagues and other stakeholders across Sussex. Contribute to the delivery of medicines optimisation in primary care to improve patient outcomes through the effective and safe use of medicines. Work collaboratively with the Lead Pharmacists in both the Strategy and Integration (SCI) and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) directorate, to lead on key patient safety initiatives. Build and maintain appropriate networks and working relationships across the ICS with a particular focus on practices, PCNs, ICB and Community Provider Collaboratives. Provide medicines optimisation support to primary care prescribers in a number of clinical areas. We need an individual who is confident in their knowledge and skills and who can provide constructive challenge in formal meetings. The post holder must be able to make recommendations and facilitate sustained changes in prescribing practice to ensure the effective use of medicines. There is a need for self-motivation and initiative to deliver the high standard required. The post holder must possess excellent clinical skills, be a team player and strategic thinker. We are committed to providing a supportive work environment where employees are able to work to the best their abilities. We value professional development and care about the health and wellbeing of our staff with many initiatives in place to make us an employer of choice and an organisation that employees are proud to be part of Job description Job responsibilities The Postholder will be expected to, work Strategic and Delivery Lead Pharmacists in the Primary Care Medicines Optimisation team to deliver and improve population health management in Primary Care in Sussex. Key focus of the role will be: Provide pharmaceutical expertise and business intelligence to primary care colleagues and other stakeholders across Sussex. Contribute to the delivery of medicines optimisation in primary care to improve patient outcomes through the effective and safe use of medicines. Work collaboratively with the Lead Pharmacists in both the Strategy and Integration (SCI) and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) directorate, to lead on key patient safety initiatives. Build and maintain appropriate networks and working relationships across the ICS with a particular focus on practices, PCNs, ICB and Community Provider Collaboratives. Provide medicines optimisation support to primary care prescribers in a number of clinical areas. We need an individual who is confident in their knowledge and skills and who can provide constructive challenge in formal meetings. The post holder must be able to make recommendations and facilitate sustained changes in prescribing practice to ensure the effective use of medicines. There is a need for self-motivation and initiative to deliver the high standard required. The post holder must possess excellent clinical skills, be a team player and strategic thinker. We are committed to providing a supportive work environment where employees are able to work to the best their abilities. We value professional development and care about the health and wellbeing of our staff with many initiatives in place to make us an employer of choice and an organisation that employees are proud to be part of Person Specification Other Essential Must be able to use initiative to decide relevant actions and make recommendations to Sponsor/ Manager, with the aim of improving deliverables and compliance to policies. Ability to make decisions autonomously, when required, on difficult issues, working to tight and often changing timescales. Adaptability, flexibility, and ability to cope with uncertainty and change. Willing to engage with and learn from peers, other professionals, and colleagues in the desire to provide or support the most appropriate interventions. Professional calm and efficient manner Effective organiser, influencer, and networker Demonstrates a strong desire to improve performance and make a difference by focusing on goals. Must be able to travel within Sussex, and neighbouring areas if required Skills and Capabilities Essential Must be able to provide and receive highly complex, sensitive, or contentious information, negotiate with senior stakeholders on difficult and controversial issues, and present complex and sensitive information to large and influential groups. Clinically accountable for clinical service delivery Liaises with other agencies as appropriate Negotiate on difficult and controversial issues including performance and change. Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands. Ability to analyse complex facts and situations and develop a range of options. Takes decisions on difficult and contentious issues where there may be several courses of action. Strategic thinking ability to anticipate and resolve problems before they arise. Qualifications Essential Masters Degree in Pharmacy or equivalent pre year 2000 One year post-graduate vocational training pre-registration. Registered pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Professional clinical knowledge acquired through degree supplemented by diploma level specialist training, management qualification or equivalent and Experience. Evidence of post qualifying and continuing professional development Must understand the background to and aims of current healthcare policy and appreciate the implications of this on engagement. Should have an appreciation of the relationship between the NHS England, provider, and commissioning organisations Experience Essential Experience of identifying and interpreting National policy. Experience of researching best practice (globally, private, and public sector), interpreting its relevance and processes/ practices which could be implemented successfully to achieve system reform (advising on policy implementation) Must be able to prioritise own work effectively and be able to direct activities of others. Experience of managing and motivating a team and reviewing performance of the individuals Comprehensive experience of project principles techniques and tools such as Prince 2 and Managing Successful Projects Relevant experience of working as a qualified, practising pharmacist in primary and/or secondary care Relevant leadership and/or clinical post-graduate qualification Person Specification Other Essential Must be able to use initiative to decide relevant actions and make recommendations to Sponsor/ Manager, with the aim of improving deliverables and compliance to policies. Ability to make decisions autonomously, when required, on difficult issues, working to tight and often changing timescales. Adaptability, flexibility, and ability to cope with uncertainty and change. Willing to engage with and learn from peers, other professionals, and colleagues in the desire to provide or support the most appropriate interventions. Professional calm and efficient manner Effective organiser, influencer, and networker Demonstrates a strong desire to improve performance and make a difference by focusing on goals. Must be able to travel within Sussex, and neighbouring areas if required Skills and Capabilities Essential Must be able to provide and receive highly complex, sensitive, or contentious information, negotiate with senior stakeholders on difficult and controversial issues, and present complex and sensitive information to large and influential groups. Clinically accountable for clinical service delivery Liaises with other agencies as appropriate Negotiate on difficult and controversial issues including performance and change. Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands. Ability to analyse complex facts and situations and develop a range of options. Takes decisions on difficult and contentious issues where there may be several courses of action. Strategic thinking ability to anticipate and resolve problems before they arise. Qualifications Essential Masters Degree in Pharmacy or equivalent pre year 2000 One year post-graduate vocational training pre-registration. Registered pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Professional clinical knowledge acquired through degree supplemented by diploma level specialist training, management qualification or equivalent and Experience. Evidence of post qualifying and continuing professional development Must understand the background to and aims of current healthcare policy and appreciate the implications of this on engagement. Should have an appreciation of the relationship between the NHS England, provider, and commissioning organisations Experience Essential Experience of identifying and interpreting National policy. Experience of researching best practice (globally, private, and public sector), interpreting its relevance and processes/ practices which could be implemented successfully to achieve system reform (advising on policy implementation) Must be able to prioritise own work effectively and be able to direct activities of others. Experience of managing and motivating a team and reviewing performance of the individuals Comprehensive experience of project principles techniques and tools such as Prince 2 and Managing Successful Projects Relevant experience of working as a qualified, practising pharmacist in primary and/or secondary care Relevant leadership and/or clinical post-graduate qualification 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. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). 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. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name NHS Sussex ICB Address Sackville House Brooks Close Lewes East Sussex BN72FZ Employer's website https://www.sussex.ics.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)