Job summary
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.

About us
Visa Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already hold the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the contract.

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is committed to being an inclusive and disability confident employer and has been awarded the Gold for the Armed Forces Employment Recognition Scheme. We provide first class development opportunities for all staff and have a wide range of professional, management and leadership, and clinical skills training available.

Here at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, we know how important it is to have a healthy work life balance; this benefits not only individuals but the patients we care for too.

We encourage applications from people who wish to work on a flexible basis, recognising that flexibility may mean a range of different working patterns and hours, we do our utmost to work with our staff to meet their needs and the needs of our service and its users.

Job 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

Qualifications
Essential

• Master's level qualification, healthcare professional registration or equivalent experience working at a senior level.
• Has undertaken line management training or has experience of line management.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.

Experience
Essential

• Significant experience working in healthcare organisations.
• Experience of delivering and managing improvement programmes in a primary care or NHS setting
• Good knowledge of NHS policy relating to prescribing and pharmacy services.
• Knowledge of and care for the communities within the local system.
• An understanding of legal, governance and ethical frameworks within which pharmacy and health organisations work.
• Understanding of delegated-function operating models, including the distinction between ICB-retained statutory/strategic accountabilities and FHFT-hosted operational delivery responsibilities.

Skills
Essential

• 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
• Demonstrates ability to use skills to make decisions in complex situations where there are several factors that require analysis, interpretation and comparison.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams in parallel and prioritise tasks accordingly.
• Ability to critically appraise and problem solve whilst maintaining objectivity.

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.
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.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.