Foundation Trainee Pharmacists 2025/26 - Training Plans and Guidance
From the 2025/26 foundation training year onwards, every training site that has a trainee pharmacist allocated to it must submit a training plan to NHS England, to demonstrate how the training site will align to the training, assessment and supervision requirements of the foundation trainee pharmacist programme. The training plan must be uploaded to the e-portfolio by the lead designated supervisor within 4 weeks of the trainee pharmacist commencing training.
It is the responsibility of the organisation employing the trainee pharmacist to create and submit a training plan, and this must include details of rotations to other sites. It is highly recommended that you liaise with supervisors in other sites to develop the content of the training plan.
Further information and FAQs are available on the NHSE site: Training plans | NHS England | Workforce, training and education. The training plan template and guidance may be accessed by logging onto the Foundation Trainee Pharmacist Programme (FTPP) Hub Training Plan template and guidance.
Trainee Pharmacists 2025/26 - Multi-sector Programme Resources for Training Sites
It is recommended that multi-sector programmes have Rotation Agreements between sites and with the trainee pharmacist respectively. Training site may consider using the Template Agreement for Multi-Sector Rotations available on the FTPP hub or an alternative template.
The Foundation Trainee Pharmacist: Multi-Sector Rotation Guide provides guidance for supervisors across all sectors, trainee pharmacists and other staff. CPPE offer a number of sector-specific resources for trainee pharmacists including:
Funding for Modules in the Master’s in Genomic Medicine
The National Genomics Education Programme (NHS England) have confirmed that funding applications are now open for the 2025/26 financial year for modules within the Master’s in Genomic Medicine framework. Funding is currently available for modules starting before 31 st March 2026.
Applicants can initially receive funding for up to four modules. Upon successful completion, you may apply for further funding – up to a total equivalent of 12 modules – to complete the full Master’s degree.
Full details on eligibility and how to apply can be found on the Genomics Education Programme website, and in the funding rules of each module. Please note that to be eligible, applicants must be working under an NHS contract in England and have the support of their line manager.
If you are aware of any eligible colleagues who may be interested, please encourage them to contact their chosen university as soon as possible so their details can be submitted for NHS England funding.
Further information on Genomics and Pharmacogenomics is found on the training hub pharmacy page: Genomic Medicine and Pharmacogenomics: Surrey Training Hub
NHSE Pharmacy and Genomics-Informed Medicines Optimisation - Webinars
Two webinars on pharmacy and genomics-informed medicines optimisation are being held by the NHSE Pharmacy Workforce Group for Genomics. Presenters will include members of the NHS Genomic Medicine Service and NHSE National Genomics Education programme. These webinars are open to all pharmacy professionals providing NHS services; please register using an NHS email address.
The first webinar was held on Tuesday 9th September, 12:15-13:00 and provided an introductory overview for all pharmacy professionals on the area of genomics-informed medicines optimisation. Speakers covered key areas including:
1. What is genomics?
2. What are the national priorities for genomics-informed medicines optimisation?
3. How does genomics affect medicines? (Pharmacogenomics, precision medicines and antimicrobial resistance)
4. Education opportunities for pharmacy professionals and introduction to the next webinar.
This session was recorded, and it is advised that it is watched as an introduction before the second interactive webinar session in October. Registration link is here: Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams.
The second webinar will be held on Wednesday 15th October, at 18:00-19.30 providing an opportunity to discuss specific cases in breakout rooms. This session will build on the previous webinar and its introduction to areas in genomics-informed medicines optimisation. After a short recap of the previous webinar, participants will have the opportunity to join a breakout room covering a specific topic from one of these areas where they can discuss how genomic testing may influence future practice and consider enablers and barriers to advance their own professional practice and delivery of services to patients. Registration link is here: Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams.
Pharmacy Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS): Opportunities for Pharmacy Workforce Development
In addition to the current named pharmacy roles eligible to access ARRS funding, the following groups of pharmacy staff are also now eligible for access to ARRS funding, through the Direct Patient Care (DPC) category with the support of the local PCN and ICB.
- Pharmacy Technician Apprentices
- Pharmacy Technician Educational Supervisor (ES) Role
- Clinical Pharmacist Designated Supervisor (DS) and Designated Prescribing Practitioner Role (DPP)
These roles will be accessible via the ‘Direct Patient Contact (DPC)’ option. ARRS funding may be used for a DPP (or other supervisor) role, as long as the supervisory role is not already funded through another mechanism. For more information on Pharmacy ARRS Opportunities and FAQs, please see attached documents.
