At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead patient safety initiatives and develop professional standards in pharmacy.
- Company: Join the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, a leader in pharmacy advocacy.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model, competitive salary, and commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient safety and pharmacy standards.
- Qualifications: Pharmacy degree, clinical experience, and leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Head of Professional Standards, Guidance and Patient Safety is responsible for ensuring that the RPS can demonstrate a sound understanding and recognition of the importance of patient safety, and the leadership of it, through ensuring both active leadership and engagement with patient safety networks, patient representative organisations, regulators, national and local commissioners of service, the pharmaceutical industry and the supply chain in all pharmacy settings.
Main Accountabilities
- Accountable for the production of high quality content relating to professional standards and guidance as required and identified by the changing pharmacy landscape.
- To ensure the appropriate delivery of all support and guidance content through whatever channels are appropriate to ensure most effective impact with the user audience.
- Provide support for RPS policy development, supporting the Country Directors by working with the three national teams and Boards for England, Scotland and Wales to provide comment and expertise as required for relevant policy and position statements.
- Supporting the coordinated organisation wide process of responding to external consultations relating to professional standards and patient safety matters.
- To manage the team leading the development of standards, guidance, RPS resources and the museum.
Knowledge and Skills required
- Pharmacy degree, with substantial experience in clinical practice.
- RPS member (essential).
- Sound understanding of the core issues regarding patient safety as it pertains to pharmacy, ideally with an additional qualification in patient safety/human factors or willing to study for such a qualification.
- A sound understanding of the core issues encountered in daily pharmacy practice.
- Evidence of having produced high quality written professional resources at a national or regional level.
- Demonstrable experience in leadership, prioritisation, balancing competing demands and delivering in line with objectives and quality standards.
How we are currently working
RPS supports and works in a hybrid way, which means you will be able to work from home, however, there will be an expectation for collaborative face‑to‑face working – on average and typically this may be something between 4-8 working days per month at one of our offices. We have offices in London, Cardiff and Edinburgh and this role could be based at any of these.
Closing date: 11th March 2026
We are passionate about creating a culture of belonging, inclusion, and diversity; these are part of our core values at RPS and we are striving to have an organisation that represents the diversity of the profession. At RPS we do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, age, or disability and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Head of Professional Standards, Guidance and Patient Safety employer: Royal Pharmaceutical Society
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) is an exceptional employer that prioritises patient safety and professional standards within a collaborative and inclusive work environment. With flexible hybrid working arrangements across our offices in London, Cardiff, and Edinburgh, we offer employees the opportunity to engage meaningfully with diverse stakeholders while fostering personal and professional growth through ongoing training and development. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to the evolving landscape of pharmacy practice.
Contact Details:
Royal Pharmaceutical Society Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Professional Standards, Guidance and Patient Safety
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the pharmacy and patient safety sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare to discuss your knowledge of professional standards and patient safety in detail during interviews. Bring examples of your past work and how it’s made an impact. This will demonstrate your value and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your leadership experience and how you’ve tackled challenges in pharmacy practice.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows initiative and gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, you’ll be one step closer to joining a team that values diversity and inclusion!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Professional Standards, Guidance and Patient Safety
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Professional Standards role. Highlight your experience in patient safety and professional standards, and show us how you can contribute to our mission.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:Since high-quality written resources are key for this position, include examples of your previous work. Whether it’s reports, guidance documents, or policy statements, let us see your best writing that demonstrates clarity and professionalism.
Be Authentic:We want to get to know the real you! Share your passion for pharmacy and patient safety in your application. Let us understand your motivations and how they align with our values at RPS.
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’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Pharmaceutical Society
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid grasp of patient safety issues and professional standards in pharmacy. Brush up on recent developments in the field and be ready to discuss how they impact practice. This will show your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing teams or projects related to patient safety. Think about times when you balanced competing demands and delivered quality outcomes, as this is crucial for the Head of Professional Standards role.
✨Engage with the Audience
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to engage with various stakeholders, from patient representatives to regulators. Share experiences where you successfully collaborated with different groups, as this will reflect your capability to lead and influence in a diverse environment.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Prepare by thinking through potential challenges in patient safety and how you would address them, showcasing your analytical thinking and decision-making abilities.
