Controlled Drug Inspection Support Officer
Controlled Drugs Governance Team (CDGT)
NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service
West Port
(including travel across NHS Lothian sites and occasional out-of-hours commitment)
NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.
As from 1st April 2026, the Agenda for Change full-time working week will be reducing from 37 to 36 hours per week. Part time hours will be reduced pro-rata. However, there will be a corresponding increase in the hourly rate so that pay will not be affected.
We will fully support disabled candidates, and candidates with long-term conditions or who are neurodivergent by making reasonable adjustments to our recruitment policy and practices.
Please note: we anticipate a high level of interest in this position and may close the vacancy early once a sufficient amount of applications are received. Therefore, please make sure you complete and submit your application at an early stage.
To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service. Further information on what NHS Scotland Boards are required to do to check this as well as what your responsibilities include can be found in the further information for this vacancy.
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Please note: As this post is part-time, the salary will be pro-rata.
Are you an organised, motivated professional with an interest in medicines governance and patient safety? NHS Lothian’s Controlled Drug Governance Team are looking for a Controlled Drug Inspection Support Officer to support the safe and effective management of controlled drug across a wide range of healthcare settings.
We’re seeking a dynamic individual to join our Controlled Drug Governance Team as an Inspection Support Officer. This is a rare opportunity to work at the heart of medicines legislation and governance, supporting the Controlled Drug Accountable Officer (CDAO) in ensuring compliance, safety, and continuous improvement across a wide range of healthcare settings. This role provides an opportunity to support the safe management of controlled drugs across a wide range of healthcare settings and to work closely with experienced governance professionals.
About the Role
You will support the delivery of the Controlled Drug Accountable Officer’s responsibilities by assisting with inspection visits, completing audit documentation and acting as an Authorised Witness for the destruction of Controlled Drugs. You will provide advice and guidance in line with legislation, policy and agreed procedures, and will escalate concerns appropriately to senior colleagues.
This is an operational, governance-focused role working alongside Controlled Drug Inspection Officers and the senior colleagues to support compliance with legislation, policy and best practice.
As an Inspection Support Officer, you will
- Support formal controlled drug inspection and support visits across NHS Lothian and contracted sites including hospitals, pharmacies, prisons and substance misuse clinics.
- Act as an Authorised Witness for the safe destruction of controlled drugs in line with legislation and agreed procedures.
- Provide advice and guidance to healthcare staff in line with legislation, policy and procedures.
- Support the Controlled Drug Governance Team in responding to incidents or concerns, escalating issues appropriately when required.
- Contribute to audit documentation, maintain governance records and contribute to reports.
- Work collaboratively with a wide range of healthcare professionals, maintaining professionalism, confidentiality and discretion at all times.
Why Join Us?
You will join a supportive and experienced team with a strong focus on governance, patient safety and professional standards. The role offers a varied workload across different healthcare environments and the opportunity to develop practical experience in medicines legislation and controlled drug governance.
The Controlled Drug Governance Team plays a vital role in ensuring legal compliance and patient safety across NHS Lothian. You’ll be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team that values professionalism, integrity, and continuous learning. In this role, you’ll benefit from:
- A varied and impactful workload across diverse clinical environments.
- Opportunities to develop expertise in medicines legislation and governance.
- A chance to contribute to national networks and influence best practice.
- A collaborative team culture with strong leadership and mentorship.
About you
You will be a methodical and organised individual who is comfortable working within procedures in a governance environment.
We’re looking for someone with:
- A degree or equivalent experience relevant to medicines governance.
- Awareness of controlled drug legislation (e.g. Misuse of Drugs Act 1971) and NHS governance processes.
- Experience in working accurately within policies and procedures
- Strong communication, organisational, and IT skills.
- Ability to travel extensively across NHS Lothian.
- Hold a driving licence.
Experience of audit, inspection support or providing advice or training in a healthcare setting would be beneficial but is not essential.
About NHS Lothian
At NHS Lothian, we are committed to fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion in our workforce. Serving a population of 900,000, we are the second-largest health system in Scotland and home to one of its four teaching boards. Join a dynamic organisation that values innovation, research, and excellence in healthcare delivery.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
For further information on what is included in the role and the skills/experience we’re looking for, please refer to the job description and person specification linked below. However, we understand that there's only so much a job pack can convey.
If you’d like to learn more about this exciting role, the team you’ll be joining, or the opportunities available, we warmly encourage you to get in touch with the hiring manager. This is a great chance to have an informal discussion, ask questions, and explore how this role aligns with your career goals.
For further information on what is included in the role and what skills/experience are being looked for, click on the links at the bottom of the screen to the job description and person specification. If after reading this information you have any questions, please contact Debbie Alexander, Lead Pharmacist – Controlled Drug Governance Team
📧 debbie.alexander4@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
📞07771 390 024
APPLICANTS SHOULD NOTE THAT INTERVIEWS ARE BEING HELD ON FRIDAY 24TH APRIL 2026
