Visa note
Please note that while this position offers a certificate of sponsorship, all international applicants must verify their eligibility with the employer before applying. Sponsorship is subject to meeting UK immigration requirements, and applicants may need to provide additional documentation such as criminal record certificates from countries where they have resided for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Pharmacy Technician to join our Pharmacy Team at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. We provide high quality support to our patients and are looking for a motivated, flexible and forward-thinking Pharmacy technician. This post offers you the opportunity to progress your career in an innovative and supportive environment.
If you are a newly qualified or qualifying pharmacy technician, we would support a post progressing from a Band 4 to Band 5 on completion of inhouse competence. This career progression pathway demonstrates our commitment to developing pharmacy professionals and supporting your continued growth within the NHS.
We support flexible working and will consider minimum of 22.5hrs per week, making this an ideal opportunity for those seeking work-life balance. This role will include taking part in late nights and weekend rotas, providing comprehensive coverage to our patients.
Main Duties
As a Pharmacy Technician, you’ll join our friendly team of assistants, technicians and pharmacists and work flexibly to deliver a Pharmacy Service rotating between, Dispensary, Aseptic unit and Medicines Optimisation on the wards. This rotational approach provides diverse experience and skill development opportunities.
In Medicines Optimisation, this role will include Medicine reconciliation, assessment of patient’s own drugs, counselling patients about their medicine, discharge facilitation and ward and dispensary-based medication supply. You’ll play a crucial role in ensuring patients receive the right medication at the right time and understand how to use it effectively.
For Aseptic services, you’ll be working in our newly refurbished aseptic suite at the Beacon Production Unit preparing chemotherapy treatments. This is a Pharmacy run production unit with specialist equipment to help prepare individual patient treatments, requiring precision and attention to detail.
In the Dispensary, your responsibilities will include dispensing medication for inpatients and outpatients from the pharmacy robot including controlled drugs. You’ll take part in the final accuracy checking rotation and support the dispensary manager to supervise the dispensary team, ensuring medication safety and efficient service delivery.
About Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we’re committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer flexible working options to help you balance work and life, NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security, generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax, and a strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential.
Additionally, you’ll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work. We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away – and only two hours to London. The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it’s a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all – the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy. Moving to Somerset provides an excellent quality of life while maintaining access to major urban centers and career opportunities.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
To be considered for this position, you must hold NVQ Level in 3 Pharmacy Services or equivalent and BTEC in Pharmaceutical Science or equivalent. Additionally, you must be an Accredited Accuracy Checking Technician and have accreditation as a Medicines Optimisation Technician Managing Patients medicines requirements (PODs & One-stop) PWDS or equivalent and Medicine Reconciliation PWDS or equivalent.
Desirable Qualifications
While not essential, having In-process Pre process (PIPC)checking qualification in Aseptic production and Medicines Optimisation Technician Discharge facilitation PWDS or equivalent would be advantageous in your application.
Essential Experience
You must demonstrate sound knowledge of hospital pharmacy practice and have experience of dispensing medicine for patients and counselling and providing advice for patients/carers. These core competencies are vital for ensuring patient safety and effective medication management.
Desirable Experience
Desirable experience includes understanding of medicine optimisation in mental health environment, working as part of a multi-professional team within a clinical/ward environment, contribution to audit and project work, and demonstrated experience of delivering high quality training to multiple staff groups such as Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacy Assistants.
Benefits of Moving to the UK for This Role
As an international applicant, this position offers several advantages for relocation to the UK. The NHS provides comprehensive training and development opportunities, and our supportive environment ensures you can adapt to UK healthcare practices effectively.
The certificate of sponsorship available for this role simplifies the immigration process, although you’ll still need to meet all visa requirements. The salary range of £31,049 to £37,796 per annum (pro rata) is competitive for this role in the UK healthcare sector and provides financial stability while you establish yourself in the country.
Working within the NHS offers excellent career progression opportunities and a clear pathway for professional development. The rotational nature of this role provides diverse experience that will enhance your skills and make you a more versatile pharmacy technician, both within the UK and internationally.
The location in Somerset offers an excellent quality of life with access to both natural beauty and urban amenities. With affordable housing compared to many parts of the UK, you’ll be able to establish a comfortable lifestyle while building your career in the NHS.
Application Process
To apply for this position, you must submit your application through the NHS Jobs website. The application deadline is 23 November 2025, so please ensure you allow sufficient time to complete your application thoroughly.
Your application should demonstrate how your experience and skills meet the criteria outlined in the person specification. Be sure to highlight any international experience and how it relates to the requirements of this role.
All applications will be considered on merit, and we welcome applications from diverse backgrounds. As an equal opportunities employer, we value the unique perspectives and experiences that international candidates bring to our team.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview, which may be conducted in person or virtually depending on your location. We understand that international applicants may have specific requirements, and we will accommodate these where possible.
How to Apply
Apply via NHS Jobs website. For international applicants specifically:
- Verify your eligibility for UK work visa sponsorship with the employer before applying
- Prepare documentation including proof of qualifications, English language proficiency, and relevant certifications
- Prepare a supporting statement that demonstrates how your experience meets the essential criteria
- Be prepared to provide criminal record certificates from any country where you have resided for 12 months or more in the past 10 years
- Contact the hiring manager directly if you have any questions about the application process or visa requirements
Contact Information
For questions about the job, contact Val Kidner (Hiring Manager) at [email protected] or by phone at 07717483563. We encourage prospective applicants, particularly those from overseas, to reach out with any questions about the role, relocation support, or the application process.
For more information about Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, please visit our website at https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/. Here you can find additional details about our services, facilities, and the support we provide to our employees, including international staff.
Please note that this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, and 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.
Relocation Support
While we cannot provide direct relocation assistance, we are committed to supporting our international staff through the transition process. We can provide information about local housing options, healthcare registration, and other aspects of settling in Somerset and the UK.
The NHS offers a comprehensive support system for international healthcare professionals, including assistance with professional registration and recognition of qualifications. We will provide guidance on the UK registration process required for pharmacy technicians.
Many of our international staff have successfully transitioned to working in the NHS, and we have developed resources to help new arrivals navigate the system. We understand that moving to a new country for work presents challenges, and we are here to help make your transition as smooth as possible.
The opportunity to work within the NHS provides not just a job but a career with purpose. You’ll be joining one of the world’s most respected healthcare systems, with opportunities to make a real difference in patients’ lives while developing professionally in a supportive environment.
Equal Opportunities
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.
We understand that international candidates bring valuable diverse perspectives and experiences that enrich our healthcare services. Our commitment to inclusion ensures that all staff, regardless of background, can thrive and reach their full potential.
We have policies in place to support staff with caring responsibilities, disabilities, and other needs. If you require any adjustments to the application or interview process, please let us know, and we will accommodate these where reasonably possible.
Our diverse workforce reflects the communities we serve, and we believe that fostering an inclusive environment leads to better patient care and outcomes. As an equal opportunities employer, we are proud to offer careers that are open to all qualified individuals.
Join Our Team
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Pharmacy Technician to advance their career while making a meaningful contribution to patient care in the UK. The combination of professional development, competitive compensation, and quality of life in Somerset makes this position particularly attractive for international candidates.
By joining our team, you’ll become part of an organization that values professional excellence, patient-centered care, and continuous improvement. The skills and experience you gain working in the NHS will be recognized internationally and can open doors to further career opportunities both in the UK and globally.
We look forward to receiving your application and potentially welcoming you to our team at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. This could be the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your professional journey, offering both personal fulfillment and career advancement in one of the world’s leading healthcare systems.
