At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and deliver impactful policy projects in community pharmacy.
- Company: CPS, the voice of community pharmacy in Scotland.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 28 days leave, and a focus on personal development.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with occasional travel across Scotland.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong writing, critical thinking, and relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 52000 £ per year.
Full time (35 hours per week), hybrid office/home/field. Occasional travel and work outside of office hours required.
Salary: £52,000 per annum
Closing Date: 21/06/26
About the role
Working as part of a strong, well‑established CPS team you will support and deliver on areas of work led by the Policy and Development team. The department develops and implements plans to raise the profile of both the organisation and the community pharmacy network, which will require you to influence a range of different stakeholders. In this role you will work across a broad portfolio of projects such as developing NHS Pharmacy First Scotland, building business cases and support for future NHS community pharmacy services and shaping the rapidly evolving future of pharmacy education and training. You will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills on the job which will set you up to deliver this national role confidently.
About You
To meet the challenges of this role you need excellent interpersonal and relationship‑building skills, a highly developed writing ability and the ability to understand & deliver briefings/presentations on complex policy topics. Critical thinking and problem‑solving skills are key requirements, as is the ability to work to deadlines under pressure whilst maintaining attention to detail.
What we offer you
- Flexibility in ways of working
- 28 days annual leave plus 5 fixed public holidays
- Great focus on personal development
- Supportive and friendly team
Where are we
Our offices are based on Queen Street in Edinburgh’s city centre which has great transport links and plenty of amenities. The office is the substantive place of work, with hybrid working agreements in place. In this role you will be asked to travel across or even beyond Scotland to meet with various stakeholders on occasion.
Who we are
CPS is the organisation which represents community pharmacy owners and their teams throughout Scotland. We act as the single voice of these vital healthcare professionals as they deliver pharmaceutical care services to the people of Scotland on behalf of NHS Scotland. We aim to continually develop and secure a contractual framework for the provision of pharmaceutical services, supported by a sustainable funding model which encourages investment in the network. We do this by negotiating with the Scottish Government on behalf of our members on all terms of service under the NHS.
Policy Officer employer: Community Pharmacy Scotland
As a Policy Officer at CPS, you will join a supportive and friendly team dedicated to enhancing the community pharmacy network in Scotland. With a strong focus on personal development, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to influence key stakeholders, this role offers a meaningful career path in a vibrant Edinburgh location, rich with amenities and excellent transport links.
Contact Details:
Community Pharmacy Scotland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn and ask about their experiences. This can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the organisation and its projects. Show us that you understand the role of a Policy Officer and how you can contribute to the community pharmacy network.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! Since you'll need to deliver briefings on complex topics, being able to communicate clearly and confidently will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Policy Officer. We want to see how you can influence stakeholders and contribute to our projects, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant examples!
Show Off Your Writing Skills:Since this role requires a highly developed writing ability, ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. Use this opportunity to demonstrate your knack for communicating complex policy topics effectively – it’s your chance to shine!
Highlight Your Interpersonal Skills:We’re looking for someone who can build relationships and work collaboratively. In your application, share instances where you’ve successfully engaged with different stakeholders or worked as part of a team. This will show us you’re a great fit for our supportive environment.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at CPS.
How to prepare for a job interview at Community Pharmacy Scotland
✨Know Your Policy Stuff
Make sure you brush up on current policies related to community pharmacy and NHS services. Being able to discuss recent developments or challenges in the sector will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also genuinely engaged with the field.
✨Show Off Your Interpersonal Skills
Since this role involves influencing various stakeholders, practice how you'll demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated complex interactions or built strong partnerships.
✨Prepare for Complex Briefings
Get ready to explain complex policy topics clearly and concisely. You might be asked to present a brief on a specific issue, so practice summarising key points and articulating them in a way that's easy to understand.
✨Think Critically and Solve Problems
Be prepared to showcase your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Consider potential challenges the organisation might face and think through how you would approach these issues. This will demonstrate your proactive mindset and readiness for the role.
