Health Education & Improvement Wales is looking for community pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to take part in a pilot study exploring three different models of protected development time.

In partnership with the Welsh Government and the Cardiff Unit for Research and Evaluation in Medical and Dental Education, HEIW's 12-month pilot will evaluate how well the different models support pharmacy professionals to acquire additional knowledge and skills for service provision and/or evidence their progression within a recognised framework.

The three models being tested are:

• Protected time only
• Protected time with mentor input
• Protected time for attending training.

Applicants must work a minimum of 375 hours a year to be eligible to take part in the scheme. Part-time applicants will be supported on a pro rata basis. Applications for one of the 30 available places must be made by June 30.

The 2019 pharmacy vision document Pharmacy: Delivering a Healthier Wales highlighted that pharmacy professionals do not routinely have protected learning time. Opportunities to undertake development during a working day varies between sectors of pharmacy, with the least time available in community pharmacy despite professionals here working the longest hours on average.