Post Reg Foundation Programme
Published: 06/07/21
Information for pharmacists who may wish to join the programme in September 2021.
What is the Post Registration Foundation programme?
The programme builds on the current Pre-registration training year. It is aimed at pharmacists early in their career in patient-focussed roles to encourage them to develop the knowledge, skills abilities, values and behaviours to confidently practice in any sector, at a generalist Post-Registration Foundation Level. The training includes an Independent Prescribing course delivered by one of the universities in Scotland. The NES Pharmacy programme has been designed to be in line with the new UK RPS Post-Registration Foundation curriculum.
Why should I join the programme?
Pharmacy services are developing at a rapid pace to keep up with what the people of Scotland need. This means that the skills and confidence Pharmacists need to practice effectively are also changing. Use of the Independent Prescribing qualification will in time be the norm in the profession, and this programme provides a structured route to gaining this. Critically, it also provides a framework to build confidence and competence in all other aspects of your role beyond what is required for registration as a Pharmacist.
What does the programme involve?
The programme involves learning in the format of experiential learning within the pharmacist’s workplace. Pharmacists will undertake Supervised Learning Events (SLEs) and will have learning needs identified to enable support to be provided as required. The evidence developed from the achievement of learning outcomes in the workplace will form an online portfolio of evidence to demonstrate achievement of the UK curriculum. NES Pharmacy will deliver educational sessions and online resources to support the pharmacists when developing their portfolios. As part of the programme the pharmacist will also be supported by an Educational Supervisor and NES Senior Educator specific to their geographical area.
How do I note my interest and what do I do to prepare to start my training?
If this programme sounds like it is for you, you first need to speak with your employer (or prospective employer from September 2021) to ensure they are able to support you with an Educational Supervisor from their organisation.
Next, you can note your early expression of interest (EOI) for a place on the training programme by completing this form so we have your details to send you updates about the programme which is planned to launch in Autumn 2021.
If you, your employer or Educational Supervisor wish for any further information please email pharmacistftp@nes.scot.nhs.uk and a member of the Post-Registration Foundation programme team will be happy to answer their questions or organise an online meeting to discuss any aspects of the programme.
NHS Inform offers Women’s Health pages with advice and support. Resources for promoting these pages and raising awareness about endometriosis are available from the SG Campaign Resource Centre. Community pharmacies in Scotland provide support for women’s health issues through Pharmacy First.
Your next courier collection is scheduled for Thursday, April 3rd, 2025. We have produced the following guidelines for your prescription bag submissions.
Community pharmacists who completed the CPS/NES Independent Prescribing Training can attend a Teach & Treat (T&T) session after qualifying and completing four Clinical Skills days. These sessions, led by experienced prescribers, offer valuable support. New hubs are now open in Saracen Pharmacy and Garscadden. For details, check your TURAS account.
NHS Education for Scotland (NES) is seeking volunteers to help develop the Pharmacy Foundation Training assessment for 2025. Subject matter experts are needed for 45-minute interviews via phone or Microsoft Teams to create scenarios for Situational Judgement Tests (SJTs). Interested individuals should contact Jo at Work Psychology Group to schedule an interview. No financial compensation is provided.
Our colleagues at NSS have let us know that there is planned downtime of the patient registration service from 6pm on Friday April 4th to 8am on Monday the 7th of April.
FT/ PT Pharmacist role days negotiable for local community Pharmacy in Lochgilphead. Would suit experienced or newly qualified pharmacist looking for a stable work/learning environment. Potential to support Independent Prescribing course should this be desirable. Possible live in accommodation due to location.
This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
As a Senior Dispenser, you will be a key player in the smooth operation of our luxurious, high-end pharmacy, where we pride ourselves on delivering premium service in a spacious and elegant environment.
The Chief Medical Officer along with the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer and the Interim Chief Nursing Officer has writing to provide members with important details regarding the 2025 Spring COVID-19 vaccination programme, which will run from 31st March to 30th June 2025.
The CPS Board is currently discussing and reviewing the following top three items. While these are still "works in progress" and specific details are not yet available, further information will be provided as it becomes available.
We are pleased to confirm that the next Independent Prescribers meeting will take place on Thursday 27th March 2025.
You will have received a form in February, directly from CPS, asking you to send details for your organisation's finance lead and inviting you to join the CPS WhatsApp Groups. If you have not completed and returned the form, you need to do so asap.
As part of the policy team’s involvement on the Digital Prescribing and Dispensing Pathways programme we are looking for your input on some key questions to help inform how the system is built.
The Specialist Pharmacy Services (SPS) website represents a valuable resource to Pharmacy teams and is well worth taking a look at for those not already aware of it.
Recent reports have highlighted an increase in sudden collapse after injecting or smoking heroin. This appears linked to a rapid onset into overdose and multiple repeat doses of naloxone being required to reverse overdose.
Our colleagues at the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) will be hosting a virtual event to engage with pharmacy professionals on the key issues shaping the future of pharmacy.
Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) is delighted to host its 11th Annual Charity Golf Day at the stunning Mar Hall Golf and Spa Resort. To help raise essential funds for this remarkable charity, we have expanded our sponsorship opportunities, allowing more businesses to contribute and gain valuable exposure.
Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) attended the annual Pharmacy in Practice Conference on the 12th March 2025 in Edinburgh. The day consisted of a breadth of panel discussion sessions focusing on innovation in, and the future of pharmacy practice.
Your next courier collection is scheduled for Thursday, March 20th, 2025. We have produced the following guidelines for your prescription bag submissions.
Sheila MacFarlane Pharmacy is an independent, family-run, two-branch pharmacy based in the heart of Broughty Ferry. Customer service is at the heart of everything we do, and we have an experienced team of support staff.
We are seeking an experienced pharmacist looking to take on a management position in our Milton Road pharmacy. The pharmacy is a large business and requires someone who can work at a fast pace and deliver excellent customer service to our patients.
We are seeking a Pharmacist who is looking for a manager position within a mid-sized pharmacy business. This position would suit someone starting out in their management career or someone who is looking to build and grow a service base with independent prescribing clinics.
The Detect Cancer Earlier campaign ‘Be the Early Bird’ is LIVE throughout March 2025 but with a difference! A new Early Bird, ‘Bonnie’, has been introduced to raise awareness of lesser known head and neck cancer symptoms. We are delighted to share NEW campaign material and would welcome your support in helping us spread this important #BeTheEarlyBird message once again.
Endometriosis Awareness Month is taking place throughout March and is dedicated to raising awareness about endometriosis, a chronic and painful condition affecting many women across the UK. This month provides an opportunity to increase public understanding of the condition and encourage those who are suffering to seek medical advice from their GP practice.
From 1st April 2025, it will be a legal requirement for individuals to be a member of the PVG Scheme when carrying out a regulated role with children, protected adults, or both.
There have been some clinical incidents as a result of higher than expected levels of Vit D3 being in the product.
Pharmacies across Scotland have the opportunity to contribute to the development of the future pharmacy workforce by supporting student pharmacist experiential learning (EL) in the 2025-26 academic year.
This Circular advises community pharmacy contractors that the Serious Shortage Protocol for Estradot® (Estradiol) 50 micrograms / 24 hours transdermal patch, a hormone replacement therapy product has been extended.
We are pleased to see that the House of Lords recently held a debate which used community pharmacy as a central talking point, eventually voting overwhelmingly in favour of granting an exemption to this rise in business costs.

Digital Communications Officer
This Circular advises community pharmacy contractors that the Serious Shortage Protocol for Estradot® (Estradiol) 50 micrograms / 24 hours transdermal patch (SSP079), a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) product, due to expire on 21 March 2025 has been extended until Friday 4 April 2025.