Bridging the Gap – A Guide for Newly Qualified Pharmacists in Northern Ireland

Pharmacy Forum Northern Ireland is pleased to launch Bridging the Gap – A Guide for Newly Qualified Pharmacists in Northern Ireland, a practical resource designed to support pharmacists as they transition from trainee to registered professional.

Supporting the Transition into Practice

The guide was developed by Pharmacy Forum NI's Early Career Pharmacist Working Group, established in November 2025. The group brings together pharmacists with five years or less post-registration experience, providing a platform to share insights and identify the challenges faced by those at the beginning of their professional careers.

Drawing on members' recent experiences of moving from foundation training into practice, alongside the evolving role of newly qualified pharmacists, the group identified a clear need for a dedicated resource to help bridge this important transition.

What's Included?

Bridging the Gap has been created as a practical, locally relevant guide for pharmacists beginning their careers in Northern Ireland. It includes:

• Practical signposting to key information and services

• Guidance on professional responsibilities and obligations

• Information on relevant competency frameworks

• Resources to support workplace readiness

• Details of support services and professional development opportunities

• Links to useful and accessible resources

  
  

The guide aims to address a recognised gap in support for newly qualified pharmacists during what can be a challenging and formative stage of their careers. To ensure it remains relevant and up to date, the Early Career Pharmacist Working Group intends to review the document annually.

Investing in the Future Pharmacy Workforce

Pharmacy Forum NI is proud to support early career pharmacists through this initiative. While the guide has been developed with newly qualified pharmacists in mind, it is also a valuable resource for the wider pharmacy workforce, helping employers, managers and colleagues create supportive environments for those entering professional practice.

Help Us Spread the Word

We encourage members, employers, educators and pharmacy teams to share Bridging the Gap with their networks so that newly qualified pharmacists across Northern Ireland can benefit from this resource.

Join the Early Career Pharmacist Working Group

Are you an early career pharmacist with five years or less post-registration experience? We'd love to hear from you. If you're interested in joining the Early Career Pharmacist Working Group, please contact pharmacy.forum@psni.org.uk, and a member of the Pharmacy Forum NI team will be in touch.