The PDA is pleased to announce that it is seeking a Director of Policy to lead policy function, be one of the main spokespeople, a key member of the senior management team and help influence the future of pharmacy practice across the UK and beyond.

The successful candidate will lead the Policy department in research and policy development, communicating with stakeholders, including those at the highest levels, as well as constantly listening to the frontline experience of the profession the PDA represents.

Location: Flexible. Our offices are in central Birmingham and the policy team is primarily based at our head office location; however, we also support an element of homeworking. The role will also involve national and some international travel.
Salary: £64,000-£72,000 p/a (depending on experience)
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time 37.5 hours per week
Closing Date: 9:00 hours GMT on  Tuesday 28 July 2020

A key strength of the PDA is our expertise in healthcare policy, regulation and practice, and as one of the UK’s 30 largest trade unions we are also concerned with our members’ employment. We want to ensure safe and fulfilling pharmacy practice as a key part of the health system that provides our members with the reward and recognition they deserve.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Director of Policy to join our team on a full time basis. The role holder will be expected to have, or quickly develop, a comprehensive understanding of matters directly relating to pharmacists/ pharmacy practice in each of the 4 UK home nations and ensure we develop appropriate policy positions on current and emerging issues. This will involve leading our policy department in research and policy development, communicating with stakeholders, including those at the highest levels, as well as constantly listening to the frontline experience of the profession we represent.

Other duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Be part of the overall strategic senior management team
• Be one of the principle spokespersons for the PDA, representing the
  organisation at events, in the media and at meetings with other
  stakeholders as appropriate
• Lead and manage the Policy department team, helping them achieve
  or exceed their objectives and grow individually and as a team.
• Work with colleagues from other departments to ensure PDA policy
  reflects the interests of individual pharmacists’ as
  employees/workers.
• Ensure that the PDA is up to date with wider healthcare policy and
  relevant research.
• Lead campaigns to affect change in pharmacy policy, regulation and
  practice
• Build and maintain productive, supportive relationships with peers in
  other pharmacy organisations, trade unions representing other health
  professionals, PDA equivalent associations overseas and others.

Ensure that the Policy team:

• Produces guidance, reports and other written materials, videos,
  podcasts and other resources to assist pharmacists with best
  practice
• Provides interviews and articles to media outlets.
• Monitors & responds to appropriate or relevant consultations from
  government, NHS, regulators and others to influence policy in line
  with PDA position.

To apply for this role, please submit your CV and covering letter to recruitment@the-pda.org prior to the closing date. Informal inquiries about this role can also be emailed to this address.

View the full job description here.