The South Yorkshire ICS Pharmacy Workforce Strategy was published in February 2024, outlining key objectives to strengthen and develop the pharmacy workforce in the region. Following its publication, three working groups were established to develop and deliver these objectives. Listed below are highlights of the outcomes so far.
Springpod
In attempt to raise awareness of and encourage interest in pharmacy careers from an early age, the Springpod platform was launched. Springpod offers virtual work experience in pharmacy, with the aim to inspire secondary school/college students to consider pharmacy as a future profession. Funding has been approved to continue the running of the platform into 2025/26.
MPharm at The University of Sheffield
We have also been working collaboratively with The University of Sheffield who are in the process of developing their new undergraduate Pharmacy master’s programme (MPharm). The first cohort of students are due to commence their studies later this year (October 2025) and will be a very welcomed addition to South Yorkshire, being the first Pharmacy school in the region! We are keen to work with the school to facilitate undergraduate pharmacy placements across the ICS, helping to cultivate and strengthen the local, future workforce of pharmacy.
Operation DPP
As a result of revised standards for the initial education and training of Pharmacists, all pharmacy graduates that enter the 2025/2026 foundation training year must demonstrate competency as an Independent Prescriber at the point of registration - this requires support and supervision from a Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP). A shortage of available DPP supervisors across South Yorkshire was identified and in response, Operation DPP was launched to meet this demand. Currently, 22 DPPs have been recruited via Operation DPP. With ongoing funding, the aim is to increase this number further to ensure sustainability in supporting pharmacy graduates/pharmacists to complete their Independent Prescribing. For further information, please visit: South Yorkshire Operation DPP - Training Hub
Pharmacy Staff Training and Education Opportunities
To support the development of pharmacy employees working across all sectors within South Yorkshire, a bespoke public-facing website has been created. This platform showcases the full range of education and training opportunities available, with the aim of improving recruitment and retention. Link to website for distribution: https://syics.co.uk/transformation/work_programmes/training-opportunities-pharmacy-staff-south-yorkshire
