Workforce and Quality
Education Programme Director Network Events
We organise and facilitate virtual network events, which will be between 2-3 hours duration, for both our Trainee Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technician Education Programme Directors (EPDs) across London. Outlook calendar invitations will be circulated in advance of the event with the agenda information attached. Please feel free to forward the invitation onto other members of the pharmacy team who may be deputising for an EPD.
Educational Infrastructure Change Process
It is important for us to know who the current Educational Leadership team are in your department. Educational Programme Directors (EPDs) are our main link with your trust and whilst we circulate our communications to many staff involved in the education and training of pharmacy staff, we require *one main contact to liaise with, on the return of specific data required for commissioned trainees.
For our commissioned programmes, each year upon the return of the NHS Education Contract Annex: Provision of Training, the Chief Pharmacist and EPD(s) should be named on this agreement. In addition, if there is an E&T Lead or an EPD Support role recognised within the trust, this should be included as well. If there are changes during the year, please inform us by completing the below Educational Infrastructure Change Form. In addition, if additional colleagues are recruited into the education and training team either providing overarching leadership as an Specialist Education and Training Lead or EPD Support which may aid in succession planning, this form should be completed
We have developed an EPD Orientation guide to support EPDs in their role and how we link in with this, please download this guide.
*in some cases where there are multiple sites for large trusts two contacts can be named.
Specialist Education and Training Lead
The Specialist Education and Training Lead may act as the overarching co-ordinator for all Educational programmes (much like a Director of Medical Education ‘DME’ in medicine. whilst the EPD manages the strategy and operational aspects of a specific programme.
Educational Programme Director
An “Educational programme director” in pharmacy (EPD) oversees one or more entire training programmes locally, regionally, or both, developing and implementing programmes together with external bodies and local teams. An individual may be the EPD for more than one programme. The EPD ensures that quality criteria are met, including resource, appropriately trained supervisors, possibly selection of candidates, monitoring of progress and equal opportunities. We recommend that consideration be given to the EPD being a member of the local Senior Pharmacy team where appropriate.
EPD Support
This role supports the EPD and may be used for succession planning. The person filling this role will be supporting the EPD with operational aspects of the programme.
Supervisor Training
Programme Overview
The training programmes are open to all educational and practice supervisors supporting trainees within London, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, South West, Thames Valley and Wessex. The programmes have been mapped against the HEE London and South East Pharmacy Educational and Practice Supervisor Frameworks.
We are delighted to inform you that ProPharmace have been commissioned to deliver the new Educational Supervisor (ES) and Practice Supervisor (PS) training programmes to the region. The training programmes are open to all educational and practice supervisors supporting trainees within London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex South West, Thames Valley and Wessex.
Registration and Enrolment:
The Educational Supervisor Training Programme is open to all pharmacy professionals who tutor trainees in any sector of pharmacy within the region
The Practice Supervisor Training Programme is open to all practice supervisors that conducts and delivers training to trainees within specific rotations and placements. This programme is also open to pharmacy support staff who have completed their Level 2 Apprenticeship for pharmacy support staff or equivalent.
Both training programmes will have rolling registration. We will review this at regular meetings with the provider and will inform stakeholders if this changes.
Educational Supervisor Training
The Educational Supervisor (ES) is responsible for the overall supervision and management of a specified trainee’s educational progress during a period of training placement or a series of placement. The ES is also responsible for the trainee’s educational agreement. This will include formal assessment and sign off.
Modules
Educational Supervision
Educational Theories
Giving Effective Feedback
Assessment and Monitoring
Trainees Requiring Additional Support*
* This is a live session
Practice Supervisor Training
The Practice Supervisor (PS) role is important within the workplace. The PS is responsible for overseeing trainees work and providing developmental feedback during a specified period of training. Their role includes supporting learners to identify opportunities for learning within the workplace and to provide day to day responsibility of supervision of trainees.
Modules
Practice Supervision
Learning and Teaching Style
Giving Effective Feedback
Facilitating Learning
Developing as a Practice Supervisor*
* This is a live session
ProPharmace Terms and Conditions
• You agree to completing the training programme and assessments within the maximum time limit of 6 months*
• You agree to completing the evaluation forms required by HEE and ProPharmace.
• You commit to maintaining professionalism on the peer chat and peer discussion available on the programme.
• You agree to the HEE Privacy notice available at the following link https://www.hee.nhs.uk/about/privacy-notice
• You agree to the ProPharmace Privacy Policy available at the following link https://propharmace.com/privacy-policy/
• You agree for ProPharmace to contact your line manager/EPD if you fail to engage with the programme
• You agree for ProPharmace to contact your line manager/EPD if you fail to pass the programme assessments
* If you have arranged to enrol onto individual modules, you will only be required to complete an end of module assessment and not the final programme assessments.
For any queries related to the Terms & Conditions please email admin@propharmace.com
Further Information
If you require further information please contact Pam Bahia, Educational and Practice Supervisor Training Lead or email admin@propharmace.com
Trainee Support
From time to time, trainees may require extra support. For trainees and employing organisations we have developed a reference guide which outlines the educational support processes in place for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians that are undertaking commissioned training within our region. Please visit our dedicated Trainees Support tab for further information including a link to download the reference guide which should be read prior to submitting the on-line reporting form.
Supervisor Training Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Educational Supervisor?
The Educational Supervisor (ES) is responsible for the overall supervision and management of a specified trainee’s educational progress during a period of training, placement, or a series of placements. The ES is also responsible for the trainee’s educational agreement. This will include formal assessment and sign off.
What is an Practice Supervisor?
The Practice Supervisor (PS) role is important within the workplace. The PS is responsible for overseeing trainees work and providing developmental feedback during a specified period of training. Their role includes supporting learners to identify opportunities for learning within the workplace and provide supervision of trainees on a day-to- day basis.
Who can enrol on to the training programmes?
The training programmes are open to all Educational and Practice Supervisors supporting trainees within London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex, South West, Thames Valley and Wessex.
The Educational Supervisor Training Programme is open to all pharmacy professionals who tutor trainees in any sector of pharmacy within the region
The Practice Supervisor Training Programme is open to all Practice Supervisors that conduct and deliver training to trainees within specific rotations and placements. This programme is also open to pharmacy support staff who have completed their Level 2 Apprenticeship for pharmacy support staff or equivalent
When do the programmes start?
Once you complete the application form you will receive an email with details of your programme start date and follow on instructions for logging onto your ProPharmace Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
What If I am unsure about which programme to enrol onto?
You are advised to discuss the choice of programme with your line manager/Educational Programme Director. If you are still unsure about which is most suitable for your learning requirements, a ProPharmace learning advisor would be happy to assist you.
How do I enrol onto the live session in Module 5?
Once you enrol on to the programme, you can book onto the live sessions by accessing Module 5 in your VLE.
How much time do I have to complete each programme?
The programme has been designed to be flexible allowing you to login to your VLE at a time that is convenient for you.
Educational and Practice Supervisor Training programmes, you can choose to complete the programme in a 3-month or 6-month plan and will be prompted to complete lessons and assessments to ensure you complete the programme on time in order to get certified.
Fast Track programmes, you must complete this within 3 months of starting the programme.
Refresher Training days are scheduled as one day events or 2 evening workshops.
What are the guided learning hours for each programme?
Educational and Practice Supervisor Training Pathways
There are 5 modules in total with 13 mandatory lessons to complete
The on-demand lessons range from 20 – 40 minutes
The live session in Module 5 will be delivered virtually due to current restrictions and will last 5-6 hours (this is subject to change and learners will be informed in advance)
In total, the programmes include 17 hours of guided learning and approximately 15-20 hours of self-directed learning, including peer learning and completion of assessments.
Fast Track Programmes
The programme includes three modules.
Two of the modules are delivered via flexible online learning whilst one of the modules will run as a live event
In total, the programmes include (approximately) 6 hours of guided learning and approximately 6 hours of self-directed, including peer learning and completion of assessments
Refresher Training Days
Attendance at live online training day, this will be delivered virtually and will last 5-6 hours.
What happens if I don’t complete some of the modules?
The requirement for joining the programme is to complete all modules, including the associated assessments and evaluation forms. This is outlined in the programme terms and conditions. If you face any difficulties with completing the programme, ProPharmace do provide learner support. You are advised to inform a ProPharmace learning advisor about your circumstances as soon as possible to discuss what support you may require.
What if I need an extension?
The programme has been developed to ensure flexibility. The 6 month plan provides more than enough time to complete the programme. However, if you experience any difficulties, ProPharmace will offer support to learners and you are advised to notify a ProPharmace Learning Advisor about your circumstances as soon as possible if you feel that you may require an extension. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and may involve a discussion with your line manager/Educational Programme Director.
Can I complete individual modules rather than the whole programme?
Individuals are able to select individual modules depending on learning needs. If your manager/Educational Programme Director has approved this, please email admin@propharmace.com with your request. Please note you will only receive a certificate of completion for the Module you have completed and passed the assessment for.
What do I do if I have technical difficulties?
The ProPharmace VLE includes a 24-hour, 7 days a week IT Support ticketing system. You simply have to submit a ticket and support will be on it’s way!
What is the role of my line manager/Educational Programme Director?
The role of your Line Manager/Educational Programme Director is to provide support for you to complete the programme and apply your learning to practice. It may be useful to share your progress for your registered training program with them. They must be aware that you are undertaking the training programme as it will allow them to allocate trainees to you.
Do I need an Educational Supervisor or Mentor to complete the training programme(s)?
This will not be mandated; however, it is beneficial to the learner to have someone in the workplace who can mentor them in their new roles as a supervisor.
Do I need to complete the Educational Supervisor Programme if I have completed one previously?
If it has been a number of years since you completed any Educational Supervisor Training, and you have not applied it to practice, it is recommended that you have a discussion with your Line Manager/Educational Programme Director and map yourself against the New HEE London Educational Supervisor Framework an identify any gaps in learning. There is an option to complete modules individually depending on your learning. needs.
ProPharmace offers Refresher Training Days for Educational Supervisors.
Do I need to complete the Practice Supervisor Programme if I have completed one previously?
If it has been a number of years since you completed any Practice Supervisor course, it is recommended that you have a discussion with your line manager/Educational Programme Director and map your learning to the HEE LaSE Practice Supervisor Framework and identify any gaps in learning. There is an option to complete modules individually depending on your learning needs.
ProPharmace offers Refresher Training Days for Practice Supervisors.
Educational Frameworks
We have been working with a variety of stakeholders over the past few months to develop curricular and frameworks for both the Educational and Practice Supervisor roles within pharmacy for primary and secondary care staff who manage and deliver training.
The ES and PS frameworks are now published and can be used in two ways:
As a standalone tool for supervisors to identify the competencies relevant to their role(s) and to demonstrate competence against criteria set by mapping their experience to them and identifying learning needs.
Complete the relevant supervisor training course - more information about this will follow.
Professional Development Framework for Educators
The Professional Development Framework for Educators has been developed by the Multiprofessional Faculty Development (London and South East) Team at Health Education England. It has been designed to guide educational practitioners, in healthcare, in their development as educators to support their learners. Each domain, within the framework, has been mapped to healthcare regulatory standards for education and training and to HEE Quality Framework. This framework meets the needs for all EPDs. It is recommended that new EPDs utilise the ES Framework and map themselves against the Professional Development Framework for Educators and identify any learning needs.
Trainee Support
It is recognised over the course of an educational programme, trainees may require additional support to successfully complete their training. To facilitate this, HEE have developed an England-wide Trainee Support Guide for both trainees and employing organisations which outlines the educational support processes in place for commissioned pharmacy trainees (Foundation trainee pharmacists and pre-registration trainee pharmacy technicians) that are undertaking Health Education England commissioned training programmes. This is a core guide and the recommendations made within it apply to all employers, educational programme directors, educational (designated) supervisors and trainees.
This guide has been designed to help organisations assist individuals that require additional support during their training programme. Please refer to the Trainee Support Guide for full details on identification, support and the HEE notification process for any individuals.
Where appropriate contact the HEE London team via the Request for Trainee Support form below. It is imperative trainee consent is obtained prior to any individual details are disclosed to HEE.