Pharmacy Spotlight

From 2026, NHS England will pilot a new education and training pathway for newly qualified Early Career Pharmacist (ECP) prescribers. This initiative aims to tackle longstanding inconsistencies around supervision, funding, and training quality across sectors and regions.

We are inviting employers, supervisors, learners, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and other partners to be part of this exciting journey.

We will be developing the pathway offer to meet the needs of early career pharmacists and employers, enabling the delivery of high-quality care to patients. Participation will help shape an equitable pathway aligned with service priorities. Feedback will contribute to developing a unified training offer that supports prescribing competence in any practice setting.

If you are interested in being involved in the conversation, please complete your form by Friday 8 January 2026.

We are excited to announce the launch of the Early Career Pharmacist (ECP) supervisor resource library, created to support supervisors of newly qualified and early career pharmacists.

This curated collection offers flexible, high-quality resources, including:

· Short courses,

· Training materials,

· Practical tools aligned with current education and training standards.

Please note that this library does not include content related to designated prescribing practitioner (DPP) supervision or clinical supervision assurance.

Explore the library now via our ECP Supervisor Resource Library Futures page and share it with colleagues. You will need to create a free account to access the NHS Futures Platform, but you do not need an NHS email to do this.

The post-registration Accuracy Checking Pharmacy Technician (ACPT) programme is now live and accepting applications.

The funding is available to pharmacy technicians in all sectors, provided they meet the entry criteria and are eligible to apply. This is the final time NHS England will provide funded places on this programme, so don’t miss out!

Unlike previous rounds, there are:

· No sector restrictions – open to pharmacy technicians working in community pharmacy, NHS hospitals or Health and Justice settings,

· Rolling open applications – no restricted windows to apply, making it easier than ever to apply.

Visit CPPE’s website for full details of the programme, entry criteria, and how to apply.

The Pharmacy technician development programme is a new funded course in 2025-26. This flexible programme brings together existing CPPE resources under one umbrella, supported by one-to-one education supervision. Pharmacy technicians from all sectors can join this pathway.

How it works:

·       Start with a Learning Needs Review,

·       Access tailored face-to-face and online workshops based on your needs,

·       Track progress through an online learning record.

Learn more about the programme and how to apply on the CPPE pharmacy technician development programme webpages.

If you are a Foundation Trainee Pharmacist who began in the 2025 Summer start window, you will be part way through your training programme now and, hopefully, you have a good understanding of what you need to do including how the NHS England Assessment Strategy and e-portfolio work.

If you began in the 2025 Autumn start window, you will just be starting to get to grips with these. Make sure you have a look at the resources on our website, and on the NHS England Foundation Trainee Pharmacist Programme Learning Hub Catalogue. You will need to create a free account to access the Learning Hub, but you do not need an NHS email to do this.

All Foundation Trainee Pharmacists must use the Foundation Trainee Pharmacist Programme e-portfolio. If you need help you can join our drop-in support sessions or access step-by-step guides. Details are available on the Learning Hub.

If you need support during training, the trainee support guide on our website explains available support and NHS England’s role in providing it.

Lancashire and South Cumbria (LSC) ICB are working in collaboration with LSC Primary Care Training Hub to provide the 2026 “Teach & Treat” programme.
 
We are inviting Expressions of Interest from Community Pharmacists in LSC who would like to undertake their Independent Prescribing (IP) qualification over the next few months. An opportunity is available to do this with the support of the Teach and Treat programme.
 
The programme involves support with the following:
  • Finding a DPP
  • IP applications
  • Identifying an IP course provider
  • Free access to “Lunch and Learn” training sessions for NMPs and trainees
  • A community of practice
IP course fees continue to be funded by NHSE Workforce, Training and Education.
 
Please complete this form to express your interest in being part of this programme.
 
A new NHS-endorsed, free online directory has been launched to support aspiring non-medical prescribers (NMPs) in finding Designated Prescribing Practitioners (DPPs) across Lancashire and South Cumbria. The DPP Support website DPP Support | NHS-Endorsed Free Directory | Find DPP Supervisors UK provides a simple way to connect learners with experienced supervisors, helping to strengthen prescribing capacity and workforce development.
 
Qualified NMPs are well placed to take on the DPP role and can agree a private payment arrangement with trainees for providing supervision. The current market rate for DPP support is approximately £1,500 per trainee, offering an opportunity to be recognised for the time and expertise involved in supporting future prescribers.
 
Acting as a DPP is also a valuable way to share your experience, clinical skills and knowledge while contributing to the development of the next generation of prescribers. The role aligns closely with the leadership and education pillars of Advanced Practice, making it both professionally rewarding and an excellent way to maintain and develop your own clinical knowledge and supervisory skills.
 
To act as a DPP, practitioners need access to an appropriate clinical environment and the capacity to support a trainee for 90 hours of supervised practice (some of this can be undertaken with other healthcare professionals). An interest in teaching and developing others is essential, and free training is available to support practitioners taking on the role.
 
If you are currently a DPP, or would be interested in becoming one, please consider registering on the DPP Support website to increase your visibility and help match with prospective trainee NMPs.
 
For further information or to discuss becoming a DPP, please contact [email protected].
 
The advice covers key areas including: GPhC guidance for pharmacist prescribers, Scope of prescribing practice, Support and mentorship, Prescribing decisions, Private prescribing, Indemnity, Revalidation and What employers and managers should do to support newly qualified prescribers 

PROGRAMMES

Pharmacy Training

On this page you will find Pharmacy training, webinars, events, updates and links to resources.  

Training for Pharmacy Professionals

CPPE

Visit here to find some of the latest Pharmacist opportunities from the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education.

CPPE are suggesting to learners to utilise the e-learning resources below

Sign up to the CPPE waiting list for booking alerts.

You can find information about it on the CPPE website. Its aim is to help pharmacists prepare an application and prepare for prescribing training by helping them to understand what it means to be a prescriber, considerations when choosing a course, how they can demonstrate relevant knowledge and skills and plan for the study and supervised practice requirements of the course. 

Pharmacy First

Pharmacy First is here – build your pharmacy future with fully funded, flexible training tailored to your skills, experience and individual learning requirements.  Learn new skills, support peer development and expand your clinical knowledge.

Courses include:

  • Advancing your role for Community Pharmacy Technicians 
  • Educational Supervisor Training for Community Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians.

Find out more and apply now 

PHARMACY DEPARTMENT

Meet Our Team

Rizvan Ahmed

Pharmacy Practice Education Facilitator

[email protected]