Job requirements
Requirements from the employer’s person specification. These describe the role, not your personal match.
Essential
14 listedRequirements the employer expects applicants to meet.
- Skills
Clear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences
- Skills
Demonstrates ability to use skills to make decisions in complex situations where there are several factors that require analysis, interpretation and comparison.
- Skills
Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams in parallel and prioritise tasks accordingly.
- Skills
Ability to critically appraise and problem solve whilst maintaining objectivity.
- Experience
Significant experience working in healthcare organisations.
- Experience
Experience of delivering and managing improvement programmes in a primary care or NHS setting
- Experience
Good knowledge of NHS policy relating to prescribing and pharmacy services.
- Experience
Knowledge of and care for the communities within the local system.
- Experience
An understanding of legal, governance and ethical frameworks within which pharmacy and health organisations work.
- Experience
Understanding of delegated-function operating models, including the distinction between ICB-retained statutory/strategic accountabilities and FHFT-hosted operational delivery responsibilities.
- Qualifications
Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council
- Qualifications
Has undertaken line management training or has experience of line management.
- Qualifications
Evidence of continuing professional development.
- Qualifications
Master’s level qualification, healthcare professional registration or equivalent experience working at a senior level.
Desirable
Not listed in the available specification.
Job overview
Join our collaborative Medicines Optimisation function, working across the Thames Valley system to improve outcomes for a population of approximately 2.5 million people.
Medicines Optimisation is a core function of the health and care system and a key lever for improving population health, patient safety, quality and financial sustainability. It supports the safe, effective and equitable use of medicines, delivering maximum value for patients, communities and the NHS.
Within Thames Valley, the FHFT-hosted delegated Medicines Optimisation Function works with the Thames Valley ICB and partners across primary, secondary and tertiary care, community pharmacy, primary care networks and neighbourhoods. Together, we reduce unwarranted variation, promote evidence-based practice and NICE guidance, and support high-quality, integrated care pathways and seamless patient journeys.
Our work supports the ambitions of the NHS 10 Year Health Plan and is underpinned by a strong culture of collaboration, shared purpose and continuous improvement.
Main duties of the job
As a Medicines Optimisation Lead, you will lead defined medicines optimisation workstreams and improvement programmes within the FHFT-hosted delegated Medicines Optimisation Function. Working within the Thames Valley ICB medicines optimisation workplan and approved operational priorities, you will take responsibility for translating evidence, prescribing data and national guidance into practical and sustainable improvements.
You will provide specialist medicines optimisation advice, develop and implement guidance and pathways through appropriate governance routes, and work with clinicians, commissioners, prescribers and wider partners to improve quality, safety and value. You will manage delivery, evaluate impact and support colleagues, including through line management where this forms part of the role. You will deputise for the Medicines Optimisation Senior Leads and Medicines Optimisation Senior Lead Pharmacists as required.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
- Lead defined medicines optimisation projects from planning through to implementation, evaluation and sustained improvement.
- Work with clinicians, commissioners, prescribers, pharmacists and wider partners to identify opportunities and translate evidence, prescribing data and national guidance into practical improvements.
- Provide specialist, evidence-based advice on medicines optimisation, supporting prescribers and system partners to improve quality, safety and value.
- Develop and implement prescribing guidance, pathways, formularies, policies and initiatives through appropriate governance routes.
- Monitor and report delivery, including prescribing variation, medicines safety, quality, financial impact, risks and opportunities.
- Line manage and support colleagues, fostering a culture of collaboration, learning and continuous improvement.
- Contribute to clinical governance, financial sustainability and system-wide medicines optimisation priorities.
Please be advised this vacancy may close early should we receive a high volume of applications
Interviews will take place w/c 28th September 2026
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Medicines Optimisation Lead with Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust in Frimley, England. It is listed as a Band 8 Lead (legacy management group) role. The advertised salary is £57,528 - £64,750 Per Annum. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 14 Sep 2026.
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