Introduction

In the last decade healthcare and pharmacy services have undergone radical changes and continues to do so. Regardless of where you work or what you specialise in, I am sure many of you have been or are involved in some service redesign or restructuring as a result. Whilst in the midst of these changes, it’s important to seize any opportunities presented to us.
 
Since professional status was introduced in 2011, both pre and post registration pharmacy technician professional development has risen up the agenda .APTUK as the Professional Leadership Body for pharmacy technicians (PLB – another acronym!), are regularly invited to respond to consultations, share expertise on how pharmacy technician roles can improve patient care and advise on education and professional development content.
 
With such diverse sectors of pharmacy practice, APTUK need to ensure that we are able to share expertise and influence in the correct circles. Therefore a group bringing a range of expertise at national strategic level was required. As well as sector expertise, members of the group need to come from a range of practice bases and be in a position to support Pharmacy Technician professional development. Members also have to have strong links with other organisations so the sharing of best practice and joining up the training dots can really start to happen.

Membership of APTUK Advisory Group

APTUK Fellow & Honorary Member
 
Practising Pharmacy Technicians & Operational Leads from all sectors
 
Education leads
 
Senor Pharmacy Manager
 
England, Scotland, Wales and NI representative
 
Academic lead
 
Dispensing Doctor Representative
 
NHS Pharmacy Education Development Committee representative
 
Health & Justice Services
 
MOD
 
Technical Services
 
Royal Pharmaceutical Society representative
 
Lay Member

Aim

The overarching aim of the AG is to work in partnership with a range of stakeholders to inform and influence national strategies and policies to support professional development for Pharmacy Technicians to deliver person centred services.
 
Purpose and Role:

• To provide expertise, information and advice on national pharmacy and/or healthcare policy, legislation and pharmacy practice. 
• To provide expertise, information, and advice on professional development related to Pharmacy Technicians and the pharmacy team.
• To inform APTUK responses to future developments and consultations.
• To undertake tasks and projects to support the education, training and professional development of Pharmacy Technicians (task and finish working groups may be set up).
• To provide information on workforce development and workforce planning.
   

Objectives:

• To inform the professional leadership bodies’ strategic vision and objectives.
• To inform the professional leadership bodies’ response to national strategies and policies for education, training, professional and workforce development of Pharmacy Technicians.