Return to Practice
Formal Position
At the start of 2010, there are no barriers to rejoining the practicing register from off-register status or non-practising status, provided a pharmacist complies with the Code of Ethics and has met the CPD standards laid down by RPSGB. This could change during 2010, so anyone who is currently not on the practicing register but contemplating a future return is advised to think seriously and take nothing for granted. NAWP is happy to be contacted by anyone, in the first instance.
Note that there is no specific requirement to participate in a ‘return to work’ course (there are none in Wales, and there are none at all for several forms of practice), but -as the Code of Ethics makes clear - pharmacists must ensure they are competent to perform duties they undertake.
Friendly support for returners
NAWP is keen to help pharmacists, both men and women, return to community practice or help pharmacists who wish to move from another area of practice to community. To a limited extent, we are able to offer support and assist with sympathetic work placements, but can also provide support in other ways.
Pharmacists wishing to return to practice or move to community practice can get formal training from their relevant national Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education. (CPPE, WCPPE, NHS Education Scotland [Pharmacy]). To supplement this NAWP is able to offer support by various means. NAWP has a mentoring scheme, which allocates a suitably experienced mentor who can provide a form of 'buddy' support. NAWP can also assist with finding sympathetic employment. Additionally, NAWP collectively can provide friendly collaboration and support and CPD opportunities which can be enjoyed in a stress-free setting.
To use the mentoring scheme, pharmacists are required to join NAWP, but subscription rates (2010) are £30 per annum but less for part-timers. Men and women are welcome to join. To get information, there is no charge, just contact enquiries@nawp.org.uk
Whether you are a male or female pharmacist, NAWP may be able to help you by providing:
- Low-level continuing support
- Introduction to work opportunities with sympathetic employers in the UK
If you have a particular difficulty affecting your return (e.g. current or recent caring duties for a relative; health or disability issues; low income), you might want to contact Pharmacist Support. This is the organization that helps all pharmacists, former pharmacists and their families. They can offer a large range of advice and support, including help finding out how you might be financially affected by returning, if you have been receiving any state financial support. A summary of the services provided can be found on this website.
NAWP has been supporting pharmacists returning or moving to community practice for many years. Over the last few years this has been by:
- providing a supportive network through its membership
- offering a mentoring scheme (‘buddy-support’, rather than the instructive or counseling type)
- Offering some support to find sympathetic employment or work shadowing
- CPD opportunities (including a relaxed annual conference every April)
- the chance to be involved in small novel projects (in some regions)
Work opportunities for those returning to practice
Recently NAWP has been liaising with an alliance of independent multiple pharmacies (ICCA) who own pharmacies across the UK, and with the Day Lewis group of pharmacies, who are willing to offer to suitable candidates:
- flexible and suitable supported work opportunities
- all forms of work including F/T, P/T, temporary, permanent and locum
Obviously, opportunities are subject to availability, so NAWP is always willing to hear from, or about, other employers who are willing to help returners.
If these options are of interest to you, please make contact via enquiries@nawp.org.uk. No cost is involved. Membership of NAWP costs up to £30, depending on work status, and is open to men and women.
